Blyk strikes Dutch Vodafone deal, Goldman Sachs invests
Blyk, the new mobile network for 16-24 year olds funded by advertising, has announced its expansion to the Dutch market. Blyk will use Vodafone Netherlands as its host operator, which means that Blyk members in the Netherlands will be able to use voice, text and data services across the Vodafone network.
Blyk’s CEO and Co-founder, Pekka Ala-Pietilä said, “For advertisers Blyk is a pan-European youth medium and the Netherlands is among the three highest advertising spend per capita in Europe. It is also a key target market for those
brands with international campaigns.”
“From an advertising perspective, the Netherlands is also an incredibly creative and dynamic market. The deal with Vodafone ensures that we can offer the highest quality service in the Netherlands for both our members and our advertisers.”
Anthony Hellegers, Director Strategy, Wholesale, Legal & Regulatory at Vodafone Netherlands said: “Last year we announced that we want to build a sustainable position in the Dutch MVNO market by offering a true partnership model and the best network quality. We are delighted that this has been recognized and that Blyk has chosen Vodafone Netherlands for their expansion into the Netherlands.”
Blyk will launch in the Netherlands in the second half of 2008. Other European markets are under discussions and details will be released later.
In a further statement, Blyk announced new investors Goldman Sachs and Industrial and Financial Investments Company (IFIC), who will join a roster that includes Sofinnova Partners and a number of private investors. On the investment, Ala-Pietilä commented, “We are pleased to have two new and prominent investors. It reflects great confidence in the Blyk model.”
