Blyk wins more funds to expand, starting with Netherlands

Startup MVNO Blyk – which supports its free mobile network for 16 to 24 year olds by sending them targeted adverts – has secured undisclosed investment from Goldman Sachs and the Industrial and Financial Investments Company (IFIC), and plans a launch in the Netherlands. It launched first late last year in the UK. Also in the round were Sofinnova Partners and some private investors. Founded by ex-Nokia president Pekka Ala-Pietilä and Antti Ohrling, Blyk will piggyback on Vodafone’s network, and plans other Euorpean launches. Last week they denied slow subscriber rates after a disgruntled Blyk user said they and their friends had turned off the Blyk handset’s messaging capabilities in order to avoid receiving the adverts. Kids huh?