SAN MATEO, CA: Pankaj Shah founded mobile search service provider 4INFO Inc., has received $8 million. The firm will use the investment to accelerate growth and enhance product development.

The company's mobile search service allows consumers to find information -- local directory, movie times, sports scores, stock quotes, weather, flight information and more -- for free and quickly using their mobile phones. The service works with all major wireless carriers, including Verizon, Cingular and SprintPCS.

"Having the endorsement of U.S. Venture Partners and Draper Fisher Jurvetson is a strong validation of 4INFO's mobile search business," said Pankaj Shah. "4INFO will continue to lead the market by launching new services and providing the fastest, most accurate results,” he added.

4INFO offers something for every mobile user. The nation's most complete and comprehensive database of stores and businesses in every neighborhood is just a text message away. For example, a user can send "starbucks palo alto" to 44636 and the service will return the addresses and phone numbers for all of the locations in the city. Other sample queries include "movies 94303" for local show times or "weather nyc" for a free 5-day weather forecast.

4INFO's mobile search utilizes sophisticated and patented technology to deliver the most relevant results. The search engine leverages natural language processing and features user-specific intelligence. There are millions of words in the lexicon and no syntax is required.