iTurf Partners With Firetalk to Offer Revolutionary Communications Tools for Teens
Application Integrates Multi-user Voice Conferencing And Group Web Touring
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2000-- iTurf Participates In Equity Round of Funding
iTurf Inc. (Nasdaq: TURF - news), the leading online teen network, announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Firetalk Communications, Inc., a company that offers revolutionary Internet voice communication services. iTurf will use the service to offer unlimited voice conferencing and voice- enabled multi-user web touring across its network of sites. The service is expected to debut with the launch of iTurf.com, the network's flagship site.
Steve Kahn, President and CEO of iTurf, commented, ``Our teen users have told us that communicating with each other is the most important thing that they do on the Internet. This exclusive partnership gives them some of the best communication tools available anywhere, including the ability to speak to each other and conduct conference calls at the touch of a button. And, since we also operate the leading on-line commerce network for teens, we're excited about Firetalk's web touring feature which enables users to surf or shop together on the web.'
Firetalk's revolutionary application is a cornerstone of iTurf's commitment to provide teens with the most advanced communications tools for connecting to each other and their world. iTurf's vision for a complete array of communications applications, the iTurf ``tool belt,' is intended for online teens who want advanced communication options that are easy to use.
``Tech-savvy teenagers are eager to talk on-line,' said Bruno Tapolsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Firetalk Communications. ``Our comprehensive suite of Internet voice services is the perfect choice to provide variety and ease-of-use in one free and simple application.'
In December, iTurf participated in a $35 million round of equity financing for Firetalk that included other prominent Internet firms such as CNET and World Online. Also participating in this most recent round of Firetalk funding were the financial firms Kistler Associates, J&W Seligman, North River Venture Capital, Vantage Point Partners, Amerindo Investment Advisors, S-Squared Technology, Essex Investment Management, European Technology Fund Group, and Raza Venture Fund A.
About iTurf
iTurf Inc. is a leading network provider of online destinations focused on consumers between the ages of 12 and 24. Through its network of web sites, iTurf provides a comprehensive offering of community, content and commerce services, which include: interactive magazines, proprietary content, chat rooms, posting boards, personal homepages, e-mail, and online shopping.
The iTurf Network of web sites includes:
iTurf.com (scheduled for launch in early 2000) OnTap.com, gURL.com, dELiAs.cOm, discountdomain.com, droog.com, tsisoccer.com, contentsonline.com, dotdotdash.com and StorybookHeirlooms.com.
About Firetalk Communications
Firetalk Communications, Inc., headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is leading the evolution of voice communications on the Internet. Firetalk is a powerful voice platform that is transforming the Internet into a next-generation communications system. Although various companies provide one or two Internet voice capabilities, only Firetalk encompasses them all. The company's sweeping vision, combined with its superior technology, has won the endorsement of major investors and partners. More information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.firetalk.com.
With the exception of historical information in this press release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's control, which may cause material differences in actual results, performance or other expectations. These factors are detailed in the Company's most recent registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission |
