AI 110 $493 million invested in Virtual Worlds so far during 2008

Virtual Worlds Management released a report today tracking the virtual worlds-related investments of Q3 2008. Over $148.5 million was invested in 12 companies, not including the undisclosed cost of one investment. That's down from Q2's $161 million invested across 15 companies and $184 million dollars in 23 virtual worlds-related companies in Q1 2008. This brings the total investment in virtual worlds-related companies so far in 2008 is over $493 million.

"Games and virtual worlds are a hit driven business. As such, you see a barbell approach to investing - lots of small early investments, and a few large investments behind established winners," commented Jeremy Liew, Managing Director at Lightspeed Venture Partners.

The bulk of investments are still being made in early-stage companies, either in stealth mode or developing.

Other venture references are AI 97, 84, 60 and 35.

AI 97: China’s 9You virtual world attracts $100m venture capital

Venture Capital funds are increasingly being made in the virtual world market.

9You has received US$100m led by Temasek Holdings.

The 9You (www.9you.com) service is the first to integrate online game services (MMORPG, massive and medium size casual games, mobile game, etc.), fashionable digital entertainment contents, a variety of chatting and community services equipped with Avatar System, wireless value-added services and other premiere services to the Chinese language internet users all over the world.

With its wide-coverage for all major types of user needs related with digital entertainment service, the 9you.com represents the latest service style and the newest trend for the digital entertainment provider business in China Market.

Other venture capital investors include the Carlyle Group, China Merchant Fortune Ventures, and Dragon Groove Inc.