We received this release from Skenzo.com today.

 

Skenzo Announces Private Equity Investment from Ashmore Group

 

Skenzo, a leading provider of technology, in the traffic monetization business, today announced the completion of a significant minority investment from the Ashmore Group. The Ashmore Group is one of the world’s leading Investment Firms managing funds over US$36.5 billion.

 

By revenue, Skenzo was the #1 fastest growing domain parking company worldwide for 2006 & 2007. By headcount, with over 250 employees, it is currently the #1 largest domain parking company. Skenzo provides its clients with comprehensive access to the best monetization opportunities. Its diverse client base includes some of the worlds most successful and influential domain portfolio holders, domain registrars, and online publishers. This substantial investment highlights Skenzo’s market-leading position and proven ability to consistently deliver superior performance for its customers.

 

“We are very bullish about the Direct Navigation Industry. We plan to deploy sizeable resources for building unparalleled technology products in the direct navigation, online traffic monetization and advertising spaces,” said Divyank Turakhia, Co-founder and CEO of Skenzo. “We already have the largest team of people in the industry. We have very aggressive plans to recruit some of the best talent that exists. Our goal is to continue being the leading technology provider for the industry at large.”

 

John-Michael Lind of Ashmore Group said: “In a short span of time Skenzo has become one of the strongest players in the traffic monetization industry. We believe the Skenzo team has done a terrific job. We are very excited about this investment and are looking forward to working in close partnership with Skenzo to help further accelerate its growth and strengthen its leadership position.”

 

“Skenzo has developed path-breaking technology and pioneered innovative practices in the direct navigation space,” said Bhavin Turakhia, Co-Founder, Skenzo, “Ashmore’s experience, and proven track record makes them a perfect partner for Skenzo’s aggressive growth plans”

 

About Skenzo:

 

Skenzo (www.skenzo.com) is one of the world’s leading companies in the traffic monetization business. By revenue, it was the #1 fastest growing domain parking company worldwide for 2006 & 2007. By headcount, with >250 employees, it is currently the #1 largest domain parking company.

 

Skenzo (as part of the Directi Group) has been featured by Deloitte and Touche amongst the Top 500 fastest growing tech companies in Asia for 2007, and has also featured in the Red Herring Asia List of 2007. Skenzo’s Co-founder and CEO, Divyank Turakhia, has been named by Financial Express as one of the country’s “New Business Leaders” in 2008, by Society Magazine as one of the Country’s Top Young Achievers in 2007, and has also featured in BusinessWeek’s list of Asia’s Top Young Entrepreneurs for 2006.

 

About Ashmore Group:

 

Ashmore is one of the world’s leading investment management firms with a consistent history of outperforming the markets.  Ashmore manages US$36.5 billion (as at 31 December 2007) in pooled funds, segregated accounts and structured products. It focuses on a number of investment themes including equity, corporate high yield, dollar debt, local currency and special situations (incorporating distressed debt and private equity). A testament to Ashmore’s investment philosophy is the numerous awards and top rankings by major rating agencies including Lipper and Standard & Poor’s.