Even though Toronto-based BlackBerry Partners Fund LP was created in May to invest $150 million in companies developing software for BlackBerrys and other phones, they made their first invenstment now. BlackBerry Partners is similar to another fund set up with support from Apple Inc. to invest in companies making software for the iPhone, but the portfolio is quite broad. That is reflected in its first three investments, set to be announced on Wednesday. None of the recipient companies makes software exclusively for the BlackBerry.

The fund is leading a $8 million round for MobiMate Ltd., an Israeli company that makes an application called WorldMate. It helps frequent travelers by keeping track of delayed flights, guiding them to hotels and suggesting restaurants. It can use information from global positioning chips to know where the user is and keep the itinerary in sync with the time zone.

Digby, an Austin, Texas-based firm, is raising $5.5 million with BlackBerry Partners as the co-lead. Digby helps retailers set up Web stores for cell phone screens, and can also guide a user to a physical store if the phone’s GPS chip indicates that one is close.

The third investment is in Buzzd, a New York-based firm that makes an interactive city guide. It, too, senses where the user is, and can recommend nearby events and restaurants. It’s getting $3.2 million.

As is usual for venture funds, BlackBerry Partners didn’t reveal the amounts it is investing in each startup, only the total amount raised by all investors in the round.

 

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