New York - Joost, the peer-to-peer-based streaming TV service founded by the creators of Kazaa and Skype, announced on Thursday that it has raised $45 million in a new round of financing, co-led by Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital.

CBS Corporation, Viacom and the Li Ka Shing Foundation -- the charitable foundation of Hutchison Whampoa chairman Li Ka-shing -- also participated in the round.

Founded in January 2006 by Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom, Joost provides an advertising-supported, free Internet TV streaming service that includes copyright protection.

In addition to their investments, CBS and Viacom are also providing their programming for distribution on Joost.

The service offers more than 150 channels, and has attracted advertisers including Coca-Cola, HP, Intel, Nike and Microsoft.

The funding will enable Joost to accelerate product development, global expansion, localization and service offerings.

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