The purpose of Nokia Growth Partners is to help Nokia capitalize on external innovation from emerging high-growth companies. The investment will further support Bitboys in designing solutions that enable extremely high-quality 3D and vector graphics acceleration in the power and size-restricted environments of mobile devices.
Dedicated 3D or vector graphics processors stand to dramatically improve the graphics capability of mobile devices. Applications include enhanced user interfaces that are easier and more fun to use; next-generation mobile games; maps and navigation; web browsing; and entertaining graphics content that will drive consumer demand for more sophisticated wireless devices.
"Graphics processing is one of the most important growth areas in mobile industry. As the only vendor that provides graphics solutions specifically for volume-market mobile devices, Bitboys has already achieved a strong position in the market. Nokia Growth Partners made this investment to ensure Bitboys has adequate financial and human resources for continued successful growth. As a key strategic graphics partner Bitboys provides Nokia with early access to best-of-breed technology in mobile graphics processing," said Markus Salolainen, General Partner, Nokia Growth Partners.
"We greatly appreciate the trust Nokia Growth Partners has shown towards our product development and our ability to sustain market momentum. Bitboys is expanding its business rapidly, and the cooperation with Nokia Growth Partners supports our growth at a time when it is essential to secure a leading position in the graphics IP provider market," said Mikko Saari, CEO, Bitboys.
Bitboys has been steadily growing and profitable since 2002, when the company shifted its strategy to developing graphics hardware solutions for volume-market mobile devices. With the new investment, NGP acquires a 14% share of Bitboys, but will not have representation on the board of the company.
About Bitboys
Finland-based Bitboys develops and licenses graphics hardware IP solutions for various wireless and embedded devices. Bitboys graphics processors are specifically designed for power and size-restricted environments and are the outcome of 15 years of experience in graphics research and development. The first product line targeted for wireless and embedded devices has been available for licensing since July 2003. Bitboys currently employs over 40 dedicated graphics professionals. For more information about Bitboys, please visit www.bitboys.com.
About Nokia Growth Partners
Nokia Growth Partners is a global mid- to late-stage venture capital fund headquartered in London and Menlo Park, California. Nokia Growth Partners focuses on investments in mobile technology companies from around the world that are already experiencing industry adoption by large companies such as Nokia. For more information about Nokia Growth Partners, please visit http://www.nokiagrowthpartners.com.