Remarq Raises $20 Million In Equity Funding

San Jose, CA-based RemarQ Communities Inc., an ad-backed provider of Internet discussion services, said it has received a $20 million venture capital investment.

Investors include Attractor Investment Management, Benchmark Capital, Bowman Capital Management, Capital Research Management, LG Capital and Pivotal/Amerindo.

RemarQ connects millions of people with discussions via a distribution network of more than 1,000 Web sites and ISPs. Users can research purchases, ask and offer advice, and build relationships with their peers in more than 30,000 discussion communities.

“This significant level of backing recognizes RemarQ and our next-generation discussion services as a pivotal step in the evolution of online community building,” said Bill Lee, CEO of RemarQ.

RemarQ will use the new round of funding to expand research and development and enhance its operations infrastructure. Last year, the company received $4 million in original funding from Benchmark Capital.

Current advertisers include eBay, Friend Finder (personals) and IT information site TechRepublic.