Serena Williams is the latest celebrity to invest in Mobli Ltd., which has developed a mobile social platform for sharing pictures and video clips, the company announced today. Reigning Wimbledon champion Williams is representing the US in the London 2012 Olympic Games, after already winning two Gold Medals. Mobli did not disclose the amount of her investment, but it is possible to assume that securing the name of one of the world's top athletes is a major achievement in itself.
Williams is not the first athlete to invest in Mobli. Six months ago, US cyclist and six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong invested in the company and was appointed a director. Like Armstrong, Williams will open a special channel in Mobli's mobile app, allowing people to follow special moments during the Olympics, from the opening ceremony, through the competitions, dressing rooms, and other activities planned for the athletes during the games.
Mobli CEO Moshe Hogeg said, "The 2012 Olympics will the first games in which social media and the culture of sharing will have an enhanced presence. Williams' fans from all over the world will now be able to connect to her special channel on Mobli, follow her, encourage her, and see her special perception of the Olympic Games. The joining of a world-class athlete who is a model for inspiration and global symbol like Williams is an important step for us."
Williams said, "Mobli is the perfect platform for me for sharing my experiences, both the great and the not so great, during the Olympic Games. I hope that my fans will connect to the channel, participate and share with me in this unique experience."
Mobli was founded in 2010 by Hogeg, VP product Yossi Shemesh, and CTO Emmanuel Merali.
Before Armstrong, Mobli made headlines when Leonardo DiCaprio invested in the company and became an adviser. He was followed by Toby Maguire.
Mobli has raised $5.6 million to date from DiCaprio, Morrix Holdings, and private investors. The list of celebrities using its app include DiCaprio, Paris Hilton, actor David Arquette, boxer Andre Berto, and basketball player Stephan Curry.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 26, 2012
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