Menlo Park, Calif. - Emerging from stealth mode, Gizmoz, the developer of a new service that lets users create 3D talking characters and videos for use in blogs, social networks and e-mail, said on Thursday that it has raised $6.3 million in its first round of funding from Benchmark Capital and Columbia Capital.

The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company, which officially launched its service on Thursday, said that it will use the funds to expand its product development efforts and support its global expansion plans.

"Gizmoz is all about creating a digital identity that consumers can use to express themselves across a variety of virtual venues," said Eyal Gever, the company's founder and CEO.

Founded in 2003, Gizmoz also has offices in Israel.

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