Founded by industry veteran Richard Garriott, total funding in mobile and social publisher Portalarium has hit $3.6 million after an injection by London based m8 Capital - its second funding round. 

The mobile tech investment firm led Portalarium's latest funding round, representing the first time the company has invested in the US market.

The round also included a contribution by San Francisco-based Founders Fund.

Funding first

"We are delighted to join Richard Garriott and the Portalarium team in creating the next great gaming company. Richard is one of the giants of the industry," said m8 Capital general partner Joseph Kim.

"He's a proven entrepreneur and has been a driving force at each of the industry's major turning points.

"Following a year of successful European investments, it's a significant milestone for m8 Capital to make our first investment in the States."

Portalarium was set up by Garriot, the man behind the Ultima series, in September 2009 with a view to "publishing premium online games and virtual worlds for popular social networks and mobile platforms".

Social surge

The firm's main aim is to create an open ecosystem populated by both mobile and social gamers, linking up with existing social networks and gaming communities on the latest mobile platforms.

It's a goal Portalarium claims will be greatly aided by the latest investment in the firm.

"With m8 Capital and Founders Fund, we have the investment resources in place with two very key partners who are prepared to help us grow and scale our company to meet the opportunities found currently in social media and mobile platforms," said Portalarium CEO Fred Schmidt.

Portalarium plans to release its first major title – a new social media game – in the coming months.

[source: Portalarium (PDF)]