Network365, the Irish-based mobile-commerce software developer, has raised €15 million (£11.8 million) in a second funding round.

London-based Amadeus Capital Partners is the lead investor in the deal, announced yesterday. Other investors include Trinity Venture Capital.

Mr Richard Anton, director of Amadeus Capital Partners, and Mr Karl Schutte, director of Trinity Venture Capital, will join the board of Network365. The funding will be used for research and development and to expand the company's sales, marketing and technical support operations into Europe, Asia and the US, Network365 said.

The company has also used about 17 per cent of the company's equity to create an employee share option scheme, according to chief executive Mr Raomal Perera. The company employs 35 people at its headquarters in Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow. It plans to increase staff numbers to 100 by the middle of next year.

Founded last year, Network365 has developed what it claims is the world's first mobile-commerce server, which will enable companies to sell goods and services across a variety of mobile Internet devices.

Called mZone, the new technology is being evaluated by operators in several countries in Europe and Asia, the company said.

Esat Digifone is the only mobile phone company operating the technology. However, Mr Perera said a further four deals had been signed with operators in Europe and Asia.

Mr Patrick O'Callaghan, vice-president of sales and marketing at Network365, said: "It depends on the value but we'll need over 12 deals next year to deliver our business plan."