PeoplePC Inc, a free PC company based in San Francisco, has secured $65m in funding from a syndicate led by Softbank Capital Partners. PeoplePC says it will use the money to expand its marketing and branding, and add to its partnerships. The company has already set up deals with Compaq Computer Corp, Toshiba Corp, MCI Worldcom, E*Trade and 1-800-FLOWERS.com.
PeoplePC offers consumers everything needed to hook up to the internet for $24.95 per month, including a PC, unlimited ISP service, and discounts with online and offline partners. It calls its customers members. Co-branded 366MHz Celeron PCs from Compaq or Toshiba are distributed in the US via Ingram Micro, for a $48 shipping fee. á
