Peacock Equity Makes Voice Chat Investment

NEW YORK: Peacock Capital, the joint investment fund operated by GE Capital’s Media, Communications & Entertainment business and NBC Universal, has invested $2 million in Vivox, a Boston-based provider of voice chat services for social applications including online games and virtual worlds.

With the investment, Peacock Capital joins a pool of investors that include Benchmark Capital, Canaan Partners, GrandBanks Capital and IDG Ventures.Vivox will use the funds to expand into new markets and enhance its portfolio of complementary offerings, which includes presence, text, virtual goods and audio advertising.

“Vivox is on the cutting edge of communications and has already established itself as the preeminent company for engaging audiences through this powerful medium,” said Brian Keil, managing director of Peacock Equity. “With vibrant online communities already in place for much of NBC Universal’s content, we have some compelling opportunities to implement Vivox voice chat services to create a higher level of engagement among fans.”

“Peacock Equity has its finger on the pulse of the interactive media space, and we see its investment in Vivox as a fantastic step for the company,” said Rob Seaver, CEO and founder of Vivox. “This partnership further solidifies our ongoing growth efforts and signals Peacock’s intention to provide the NBC Universal audience with the most engaging online experience possible.”