The funding, led by new investor Highland Capital Partners Europe and boosted by Nauta Capital and other existing investors, has been earmarked to fund development of the company’s social intelligence platform, as well as its continued international expansion. The company recently announced the hiring of two former Topsy executives, who were tasked with setting up a San Francisco office.

Brandwatch previously raised $6m in investment back in 2012.

“Social data is the oil of the tech world right now, and we’re betting big on our own technology platform,” said Giles Palmer, Brandwatch CEO (pictured). “Our reputation as the expert’s social intelligence platform is only as good as our technology which is why we plan to funnel this investment directly into our Engineering department across the board.

“Our partnership with Highland will help fuel Brandwatch’s lightning-paced growth on a global level, especially in New York City and San Francisco.”