FRiENDi attracts investors

Dubai-based pan-regional mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) FRiENDi has announced an equity investment by Oman-based Dolphin International and venture capital firm ePlanet Ventures, reports AMEinfo. FRiENDi Mobile launched commercial services in Oman in April 2009, claiming to be the Middle East’s first MVNO. Mikkel Vinter, CEO of FRiENDi, said the company has raised the additional equity to further improve its financial readiness for launching multiple MVNO operations in quick succession across the Middle East, after its successful launch in Oman. He added: ‘We are particularly pleased with both Dolphin International and ePlanet Ventures being existing regional and local investors, so their additional investment that we have announced today is a sign of trust in the company and our business model.’