Skype announced yesterday it had signed a final agreement with Almaz Capital Partners investment fund to acquire Qik, a mobile video file sharing application. Analysts assess the deal to be worth $150 million, although neither party is commenting. The transaction will be finalized this month.
Qik allows individuals to record video with a variety of camera enabled mobile gadgets and then send the footage to a server for subsequent file sharing with friends. Qik is compatible with over 200 smartphone models, including those with the Android, iOS, Symbian, BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile platforms.
Skype has plans to offer its clients the use of the VoIP technology with recording, storing and video file sharing options as well as access to Qik technology for sending video content over wireless networks.
The Russian based Qik startup was established in 2006 and today employs a staff of 50 in the Moscow suburb of Zelenograd. An additional US office has been opened in Redwood City, California.
