Bango
www.bango.comSymbol: BGO.L
Currently trading at: 77.63p UP 1.13
Bango plc has developed and deployed an open, global, infrastructure platform that enables content providers to market, sell and deliver their products and services directly to mobile phone users on all mobile networks using the mobile internet. Accessed as an easy to integrate, self-service “web service”, this “off-portal” approach operates alongside the mobile operator’s (carrier) mobile content portals.
Mobile operators including Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica, Cingular Wireless and O2 have contracted with Bango to integrate with Bango and accelerate the growth of their “off-portal” business. Leading content brands are now adopting the Bango Service and Bango technology to engage with all of their existing and potential mobile customers directly – irrespective of mobile operator.
Thousands of different content offerings including games, pictures, ringtones, music and videos are deployed through the Bango Service to millions of customers in more than 100 countries. Bango customers range from large content providers such as Manchester United Football Club, News Corporation and Sony BMG to hundreds of small “niche” content providers.
Content providers pay Bango a monthly service fee to use the Bango Service to reach and engage with their consumers. Bango also receives a percentage of payments collected using billing providers that are integrated with the Bango Service. Transaction revenues are mostly generated by sales of ringtones, wallpapers, games and video clips.
The Bango Service is successful because it makes the sale of content through the mobile internet simpler, more flexible and more profitable for everyone involved. Leading mobile operators then encourage the promotion and availability of “off-portal” branded content for mobile subscribers. The mobile operator participates in the billing, discovery and connectivity but the marketing and product proposition are driven by third parties.
Founded in 1999, Bango has an experienced management team and employs about 50 people. Around half of these are technical, based in Cambridge. Marketing, finance and management are also located in Cambridge, with Sales, Support and Business Development personnel operating out of Cambridge and regional offices in Dusseldorf (Germany), Madrid (Spain), Redwood City (California) and New York City.
Staff
 Ray Anderson, Chief Executive OfficerRay has twenty-five years' experience in starting, growing and selling businesses. Ray has previously worked for SCO Inc, Acorn Ltd and General Electric Company. Ray co-founded Torch Computers and founded IXI Limited, which established and launched Unix GUI (X.desktop) which became the recognised industry standard within six years. On behalf of IXI , Ray formed a Japanese J.V Company (KK) with Tomen Corp. IXI entered into licensing deals with IBM , Digital Apollo, NEC, Motorola and others. IXI was sold to SCO for £25 million in 1993. Ray remained with SCO in senior roles including SVP Worldwide Marketing; the company has subsequently floated on NASDAQ. Ray holds a First Class Degree in Computer Science from Cambridge University. |  Peter Saxton, Chief Financial OfficerPeter was formerly finance director of PayPoint, a UK utility bill and mobile phone payment company. He joined PayPoint near start–up and saw the company’s revenues grow to over £1 billion. Peter was previously finance director of a leading payment processing company, Sligos Payment Services Ltd (previously named Nexus Payment Systems and Funds Transfer Sharing Ltd). Peter worked as a management consultant for PriceWaterhouse and was financial controller for Sinclair Research Ltd. Peter is an ACA qualified chartered accountant and has a degree in Management Sciences from UMIST |
Contact details
Cambridge
CB4 1YG
Tel: +44 1223 472 777
Fax: +44 1223 472 778
