Investors Drop $11 million on KickApps

With the huge success of MySpace and Facebook, social networking is becoming something that seems almost natural for a web site. But why spend the money to build the technology?

So, that's what KickApps is for. Basically, it's a platform that allows for easy construction of highly polished social networks. What's more, a company can keep its own branding (which is critical).

As a testament to its power, KickApps has snagged big-time customers like Scripps Network Interactive (NYSE: SSP), Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX) HBO, P&G (NYSE: PG) and even the Arena Football League.

What's more, KickApps recently got a venture round of $11 million. The investors include SoftBank Capital, Spark Capital, and Prism VentureWorks.

No doubt, there are other players in the space. But with serious backers, things will be a little easier for KickApps.

Although, I think the company is likely a buyout candidate -- not a prospect for an IPO. And the typical suitors have the resources to pull off a deal, such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO), and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG).

And, if you want to check out more venture capital deals, click here.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.