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OT: More on SKYPE

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https://www.pressreleases.be/script_UK/newsdetail.asp?nDays=w&ID=15946 English Français Nederlands Deutsch Date: March 15,2004 Sender Name: PR Newswire Skype Closes "B" Round Funding from Top Venture Capitalists LUXEMBOURG, March 15 // -- - Skype Transforming Global Telephony Skype Technologies S.A., the Global P2P Telephony Company that offers consumers the ability to make free voice calls using their broadband connections, today announced it has closed its second round of funding. The investment round was led by the venture capital firms, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Index Ventures. Skype will use the US$18.8 million in new funding to expand global operations and enhance its consumer offering. "Skype is amazing. We at Draper Fisher Jurvetson are thrilled to be a part of the revolution in making voice communication easier and cheaper for the world," said Tim Draper, of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. "The Skype team boasts some of the world's great corporate innovators, and is the hottest viral marketing phenomenon since Hotmail" Individuals from more than 165 countries have downloaded Skype's software 8.1 million times since its beta release on 29th August 2003. Skype software features include language preference in 15 languages, conference calling, multiple call hold, the global directory, instant messaging, call history, personal ring tones, call alert options, and free calling to users around the globe with superior voice quality than the traditional circuit switched network. "Skype has captured the attention of millions of discerning consumers who see the promise of using their existing computer resources as a platform for voice and text communication, and in so doing, they are maximizing their investments in technology and broadband," stated Index partner, Danny Rimer. "Skype's vision combined with an explosive base of committed users will revolutionize the telecommunications landscape." "We are delighted to have these leading investors accelerate Skype's growth and innovation," said Skype co-founder and CEO, Niklas Zennstrom. "While Skype will remain committed to a simple to use yet feature rich free offering, we will introduce an array of premium services at our first commercial launch later this year." About Skype Skype, the Global P2P Telephony CompanyTM, allows people everywhere to make free, unlimited, superior quality voice calls via its innovative peer-to-peer software. Skype is available in fifteen languages and is the fastest growing voice communications offering worldwide. Since its launch in August 2003, Skype has been downloaded more than 8.3 million times. Skype Technologies SA is headquartered in Luxembourg and is growing with personnel in Copenhagen, London, Stockholm, and Tallinn. Skype Technologies is privately held and backed by top-tier international venture capital firms, including Bessemer Venture Partners. www.skype.com About Draper Fisher Jurvetson: Draper Fisher Jurvetson is the premier early stage venture capital firm. Founded in 1985, Draper Fisher Jurvetson has created a global network of affiliated venture funds with approximately $3 billion in capital commitments and offices in the major technology centers around the world. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the firm has proven expertise in identifying and helping extraordinary entrepreneurs who want to change the world. About Index Ventures: Index Ventures is a venture capital fund dedicated to helping top entrepreneurial teams build their companies into global leaders. Index proactively seeks out opportunities to invest in companies with products and services that drive the transformation of their industries. Index's company building approach allows each portfolio entrepreneur to leverage the combined experience, networks and resources of the entire partnership. Managing $500 million in capital, the Index team has been active in technology investment since 1992. Investors in Index funds include major European and US institutions as well as Cisco, Oracle, Sun and AOL. The firm has offices in Geneva and London and focuses its activity primarily on Europe and Israel. www.indexventures.com Index Ventures Media Contact: Louise Ballard, Skype user name: louiseballard Tel: [phone] [e-mail] Skype Media Contacts: Kat James, Skype user name: katjames Tel: [phone] [e-mail] Kelly Larabee, Skype user name: kellylarabee, Tel: [phone] [e-mail]