Wichita leaps into search deal

Leap2, a mobile search engine platform provider, has received $1.6m in a venture round led by Dundee Venture Capital and joined in participation by Wichita Technology Corporation, a commercialisation firm partnered with Wichita State University.

Also joining the round were private equity firm OpenAir Equity, Linseed Capital and individual investors.

The Kansas City-based search platform is using the financing to support its rollout of Leap2’s iOS and Android rival to Google, which was launched yesterday. Leap2 said that its new platform will incorporate web content, social conversations, images and local results into its search content to give the platform a unique edge.

Leap2 founder and chief executive Mike Farmer said: “By integrating images and social into search results, users gain perspective on whatever they’re searching for. We’re not in the business of creating sponsored lists. We’re empowering users with the information and perspective they need, while adding an element of serendipity to search that creates ‘a-ha’ moments.”