Amazon Joins Major Asian Backers of Android Creator's New Phone

  • Tencent, Foxconn also take part in $300 million funding
  • Andy Rubin’s Essential has raised a total of $330 million

Niccolo De Masi, president and COO of Essential, discusses the company's new smartphone and strategy with Bloomberg's Emily Chang on 'Bloomberg Technology.' (Source: Bloomberg)

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Amazon.com Inc. has joined Tencent Holdings Ltd. and the main assembler of iPhones in backing Essential Products Inc., the startup co-founded by Android-creator Andy Rubin that’s getting ready to sell a new smartphone.

China’s largest social media company and Foxconn Technology Group took part in a $300 million funding round for Essential alongside Amazon’s Alexa Fund and Access Technology Ventures, the VC firm saidBloomberg Terminal in a statement. Other backers included Redpoint Ventures, Altimeter Capital and Vy Capital. Access said it contributed about $100 million to the pot.