Active Venture backs Whisbi

The equity investment will underpin plans for the company's expansion, with a particular focus on the Latin-American, UK and German markets, and the building of a local office in the US.

Active Venture  makes investments of €500,000-4m in technology companies with plans for international expansion. The company currently has two investment funds with total commitments of €50m.

Company
Founded in 2009 and based in Madrid and Barcelona, Whisbi aims to optimise online sales. The company's patented technology connects the seller to the customer in real time via an online video conference call with chat facility, allowing the sales representative to talk the customer through the sales options and process. Clients include Spanish mobile phone operator Movistar and Citibank.

In 2011, Whisbi reported a 165% growth in sales. The company currently employs more than 60 people directly as well as 40 indirect employees. Whisbi aims to report a €14m turnover in 2012.

People
Blair MacLaren is managing partner at Active Venture and led the transaction. Alex Bisbe is CEO and co-founder of Whisbi along with chief technology officer Jose Luis Cantero.

Advisers
Equity – PWC Landwell (Legal); ilv silver (Financial due diligence).
Company – Jones Day (Legal).

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• Topics
• Southern Europe
• Technology
• Expansion
• Spain