Research in Motion Backs BlackBerry Partners Fund II

Research in Motion Ltd. is making a lead investment in BlackBerry Partners Fund II, the company said in a release. The new $150 million fund is expected to launch in June. The first BlackBerry Partners Fund was formed in 2008 with backing from Research In Motion, Thomson Reuters and the Royal Bank of Canada.

PRESS RELEASE
Research in Motion Ltd. is making a lead commitment to BlackBerry Partners Fund II, a new $150-million (U.S.) independent venture capital fund focused exclusively on mobile computing. BlackBerry Partners Fund II is expected to launch in June, 2011, and will have a broader international mandate than the first fund.

“We are very pleased with the positive impact of the first Fund on our mobile ecosystem and we look forward to BlackBerry Partners Fund II bringing additional resources and support to mobile innovators in a broader range of international markets,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

“We are very fortunate to have RIM as an anchor investor and partner in our Fund and greatly anticipate expanding our reach and the geographical scope of Fund II,” said John Albright, Co-Managing Partner of BlackBerry Partners Fund.

The first BlackBerry Partners Fund was established in 2008 in collaboration with Research In Motion, Thomson Reuters, Royal Bank of Canada and a roster of high profile investors. The Fund has made 13 investments to-date in mobile start-ups in Canada, the United States, Israel and Ireland. The Fund brings capital, resources and domain expertise to the partnerships it forms with exceptional entrepreneurs around the world who are shaping the future of the mobile eco-system.

About BlackBerry Partners Fund
BlackBerry Partners Fund is the leading independent venture capital firm focused exclusively on mobile computing. In collaboration with Research In Motion, along with Thomson Reuters and RBC, the global fund brings capital, resources and unparalleled domain expertise to the partnerships it forms with exceptional entrepreneurs around the world who are shaping the future of the mobile eco-system. The Fund has an investment footprint throughout North America, the United Kingdom and Israel. For more information visit www.blackberrypartnersfund.com.