Paris-based mobile IM firm Miyowa said today it has raised $8 million in a second round of venture capital from Techfund and Credit Agricole Private Equity. To date, the company has raised a total of $12.7 million. The financing will go towards developing advanced mobile IM service and expansion into the U.S. and Asia markets. The company, founded in April 2003, works primarily with operators and handset makers with one of the focuses on helping the carriers avoid entering into relationships with social networks or other IM providers. Existing customers include Orange, Bouygues Telecom, O2 and Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) Moviles. The application can also support avatars, social networking and advertising. The company will open offices in Cupertino, Calif. and Singapore, with Miyowa’s CEO Pascal Lorne moving to the U.S. to help develop carrier relationships.

• Mobile IM Firm Miyowa Gets $3.8 Million Funding