Evans aided by mystery investor

Internet Ex-Datrontech executive receives #1 million windfall from US source to fund latest internet start-up.

Former Datrontech Group OEM manager George Evans has been given al from US source to fund latest internet start-up. cash boost for his latest venture by an undisclosed US source.

The internet marketing company -Making Markets - set up by Evans and ex-Creative Labs general manager Julia Duthie, will improve its fledgling internet portal 'Send it Now' with the help of a #1 million windfall that will enable the venture to pursue global expansion.

The service, which went online in the UK on 7 September, offers Vars deal and pricing information from vendors and distributors. The data is broadcast straight to desktops using push technology.

Managing director Evans, who sank #250,000 of his own money into the company, said the additional investment would enable the operation to launch globally over the next six months on a franchise basis. Deals for Germany and Austria have been completed and will go live on 2 January 1999. The US franchise is also under offer from the mystery investor.

He added: 'We are aiming for franchises in the Benelux and Nordic areas, then eventually Asia. We are targeting smaller resellers - we started with 300 subscribers, now we have more than 1,100.

Evans said the final subscriber target could be about 14,000.

Nick Gibson, analyst at Durlacher, commented: 'The internet is a growing economy so naturally there will be new ventures. Once trading becomes part of it, then there is significant money to be made. Action Computer Supplies has already claimed it has made #20 million selling over the Web. This cost saving translates to better margins for resellers.'