Telstra has completed an investment of AUS$4 million in Australian cloud-based software company Whispir.

The telco firm hopes the deal can “leverage their expertise as a leader in enterprise communications platforms across the region.”

Melbourne company Whispir currently provides organisations with mobile, email, voice and digital technology for targeted communications between staff, customers and the community, with Telstra currently offering their platform to customers in Australia.

Telstra says the investment aligned with its mandate of working together with emerging companies that are well positioned for growth, especially in the Asian region, offers them development capital and support as they enter new markets.

”Whispir provides a leading platform for business critical communication and we see very real growth opportunities for this business,” says Deena Shiff, Telstra Applications and Ventures Group MD.

“This investment will enable Telstra to continue to differentiate our customer offerings by distributing next generation mobile, cloud and media applications.”

Whispir CEO Jeromy Wells says Telstra’s investment would help Whispir accelerate its growth into new domestic and international markets.

“We have already established operations in Singapore, where four full time sales staff are based,” he says.

“This investment by Telstra will help us fast track our expansion in other markets.

“With Whispir’s product depth and Telstra’s reach we are focused on continuing to grow our business both domestically and internationally.

“We have seen significant growth in key vertical markets like banking and finance, utilities, transportation and emergency services.

“Last year we successfully won a $2 million grant from Commercialisation Australia, enabling us to further develop and expand our commercial offering.

“With this announcement Telstra has recognised that we have a market-disruptive solution and compelling business model with potential for significant international expansion.”