Many of the companies partnered by 3i place first-class technology systems at the heart of their value creation. Some of the technology-enabled services businesses supported by 3i include:
Demand Media, Inc. – redefining the shape of online communities. Richard Rosenblatt is the entrepreneur who transformed MySpace.com from a little-known website into an internet phenomenon worth $600m. In September 2006, 3i invested in his latest enterprise, Demand Media, Inc. – a company which is determined to change the face of online communities. Through a combination of domain services and niche websites, Demand Media is building a fast-growing online network that holds powerful appeal to users. Its websites blend professional and user-created content in a compelling and constantly-changing mix, creating focused communities that are highly attractive to advertisers.
SeLoger.com – leading the migration of a market from page to screen. Real estate listings are rapidly moving from print publications to the internet. In the mid-1990s, Paris-based SeLoger.com (originally known as Poliris) was one of the first to anticipate this trend and quickly became a leading content publisher of online real estate listings directories. Its early-mover status has made it the market leader in France and the second-largest player in Europe, publishing four websites which receive over 4 million visitors a month and run 470,000 advertisements. From 2005 to 2006, 3i worked with the company as it grew its business, expanded its product offering and prepared for an IPO.
Empruntis.com – using a powerful IT platform to enable consumer product comparisons. Empruntis.com was founded in 2000 and has quickly become France's leading independent online broker of financial products. It generates commission from a website that allows consumers to make real-time comparisons of mortgage, personal loan and insurance products from over 120 partners. The powerful IT platform means that Empruntis can carefully manage the entire value-added chain and rapidly respond to the changing market. Through expertise gained from investment in Interhyp (Germany’s leading online mortgage broker), 3i recognised Empruntis' growth potential and acquired a 40% holding in October 2006 for $43.8m. Empruntis aims to double the brokerage business by 2010 and expand its offering to include loan refinancing and tax-exempt products.
INEUM Consulting – growing the client base of a leading niche consultancy. INEUM Consulting is a leading independent French consultancy, providing advice on strategy, operational performance and project management. It was spun out of Deloitte, the accountancy firm, and has a range of first-class customers, including AXA, SNCF and Peugeot. 3i began working with INEUM Consulting in 2003, helping it to grow its list of public sector and blue-chip corporate clients. In 2006, the company was acquired by Management Consulting Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Zenith Vehicle Contracts – creating value through timely information delivery. Established in 1989, Zenith Vehicle Contracts is one the UK's largest independent vehicle leasing companies, operating under the slogan ‘combining experience and technology to manage your requirements’. Its technological solutions enable clients to obtain real-time data on their fleets and achieve the most effective management of risks, costs and information flows. During 3i’s 2003-2005 partnership with the business, Zenith achieved strong growth and won major new contracts with BUPA and Remploy. The company saw strong positive trends in its financial performance and became one of 3i's key suppliers.
