Addressing platform What3words has closed a $8.5m Series B funding round led by Aramex, a logistics giant.
The round also drew support from existing investors Intel Capital and funds Force Over Mass Capital and Mustard Seed.
Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words, said: “We are on a mission to change the way people communicate location, to make the world a more efficient, less frustrating and a safer place with 3-word addresses.
“Aramex is recognised as one of the most innovative logistics providers in the world, and this partnership will help to propel what3words toward our goal of becoming a global addressing standard,” he added.
What3Words, which raised $3.5m in Series A funding in November 2015, says it will use the money to launch its voice recognition product in the smartphone, wearables, and automotive sectors. It will also develop its 3-word address system in several Asian languages; including Arabic.
“We are pleased to be partnering with what3words. By integrating 3 word addresses into our e-commerce operations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, we are better able to reach more consumers worldwide, even those in difficult to access locations,” said Hussein Hachem, CEO of Aramex.
“The partnership is also perfectly aligned with our commitment to becoming a technology-based enterprise, looking for new and innovative solutions to enhance our operations. We look forward to reaping the rewards and efficiencies the integration with what3words will create for our business,” concluded Hachem.