Los Angeles - International online social network Badoo, which claims 12.7 million users, on Tuesday announced the launch of a U.S. version of its service. TechCrunch reports that the company this week also raised $30 million in funding, from Russian investor Finam.

Launched in November 2006, London-based Badoo was the second fastest-growing global search term behind "iPhone" in 2007, according to Google's Zeitgeist.

Unlike other social networks, Badoo features no advertising, but has a "Rise Up" feature where users can pay to have the prominence of their profiles increased.

The company says that 20% of its users access the feature -- which costs $1 -- once a month.

Badoo also noted that it is now adding around one million new members each month.

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