French outdoor mobile phone manufacturer Crosscall has received a €2mn loan from the banque publique d’investissement (Bpifrance) for its international expansion.

The firm, which sells smartphones and accessories made for extreme outdoors conditions, will use the financing to find partners and distributors in new markets. It aims to have a presence in eight markets within six months and 19 within a year.

“Beyond our promising growth in France and Europe, we harbour strong ambitions for the coming months, and aim to quickly conquer new territories,” says Cyril Vidal, Crosscall’s founder and CEO.

The company received €4.5mn in capital from ACG Management in April and the month after hired David Eberlé, former president of Samsung Electronics France, as vice-president and partner, an appointment that fits within its international growth ambitions.

Counting 65 employees, Crosscall had a turnover of €17mn in the 2015/16 financial year, and expects to reach €40mn in 2016/17, with the goal of hitting €100mn within three years.