Friendster gets $20 million and Google Exec
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Big day for Friendster! First, the social networking site announced a $20 million funding from new investor IDG Ventures. Then Richard Kimber, former Google regional managing director of South Asia, announced he is joining Friendster as its new CEO and a member of Friendster’s board of directors.
“Friendster is growing at an enormous rate in Asia Pacific and is clearly leading the competition,” said Kimber in a statement. “With more than 75 million users, it is clear that Friendster has already made a dramatic impact. I look forward to growing our business further as we continue our global growth and strong focus on Asia.”
IDG’s funding also led to a new member to the board of directors. As part of the venture capital deal, IDG general partner Butch Reddy will join the board.
“With the addition of Richard, Butch and the new funding, Friendster will continue to expand its worldwide footprint and take advantage of its leadership position in Asia Pacific,” said Russ Siegelman, partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and chairman of the board for Friendster, in a statement.
