Fuego Nation Secures $1.5 Million in Series A Funding

SAN FRANCISCO, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuego Nation, a social networking 2.0 company, today announced that it has secured $1.5 million in Series A funding. The round, funded by private investors, was syndicated by Robert Goodman who also joined Fuego Nation's board of directors.

"Existing sites work well for young people wanting to casually connect online, but don't meet the needs of adults who would benefit from having their professional lives and personal passions in one place," said Brogan Keane, chief executive officer and founder of Fuego Nation. "We're leaving juvenile applications like 'poking' behind and giving adults a much better way to manage their online reputations."

Research analyst firm, Creative Strategies, confirms the need for the next evolution of online social networking.

"Future social networking sites will be designed for people who want more community experience rather than networking, and who want a more efficient way to manage their relationships and online identity," said Ben Bajarin, consumer technology and digital media analyst for Creative Strategies. "I think we'll see sites that do a better job of connecting people based on their shared interests and passions. When that happens, doors will open for advertisers to interact with consumers in a more powerful and relevant way."

Fuego Nation was founded in March 2007 by Brogan Keane, who has spent much of his career in leadership roles at gaming and entertainment companies including Electronic Arts, Domark/Eidos and Air Media. Matthew Cordasco, vice president of product development, joined Fuego Nation's management team from technical consulting firm, Noveris, where he served as president.

Fuego Nation has also assembled a Corporate Advisory Board and Product Guild drawing from leading experts in the video game, consumer Internet, mobile entertainment and luxury branding industries.

"We believe there is a big market opportunity for a next-generation social networking product designed specifically for the lifestyle needs of Gen X," said investor Robert Goodman. "Fuego Nation will not only draw a high caliber of users, it will also appeal to lifestyle brands who are looking to create more meaningful and direct relationships with their consumers in a way that's never been done before online."

Fuego Nation Online is due to launch this Summer. More information can be found at www.fuegonation.com.

About Fuego Nation:

Founded in March, 2007, Fuego Nation is taking social networking to the next level with its member-driven admissions process, rich 3D-like environment and interactive game-inspired interface. Unlike legacy social networks that are open to anyone, Fuego Nation is designed for discerning, passionate adults looking to expand their personal and professional communities in one convenient location. More information, including the company's blog, "Social Networking 2.0," is available at www.fuegonation.com.