In the past week Google+ launched a feature called Google+ Pages, which allowed businesses and brands build a profile. People have been critical of Google+’s Pages because they have banned promotions and competitions on brand pages directly, but they are allowed to do it from their own external websites. To allow social media management companies manage their presence on multiple social networks, Google+ is allowing Buddy Media, Context Optional, Hearsay Social, Hootsuite, Involver, and Vitrue test out their management tools on their service. These companies will be allowed to manage circle, publish to Google+, and monitor usage. [Google Inside Adwords]

Buddy Media has raised $54 million in its latest financing round. The company, which helps advertisers manage their Facebook and Twitter presence, is reportedly worth $500 million. The funding comes from Insight Venture Partners, Institutional Venture Partners, Bay Partners and GGV Capital. CEO Mike Lazerow says the money will be used to expand the company to Europe and double their staff. [AllThingsD]

Buddy Media, a company that is known for building a Facebook ad management system used by agencies and advertisers, has acquired social analytics company Spinback. This year, Facebook’s ad revenues are expected to jump 80% to $2.19 billion. Spinback is Buddy Media’s first acquisition. Buddy Media’s last round of funding was about $28 million around October 2010. Spinback developed a social commerce widget called EasyShare that allows people to share product purchase information on Twitter and Facebook. [paidContent]

\WPP Group has invested $5 million into social media software company Buddy Media. WPP will improve the way their clients use Facebook to interact with audiences using the Buddy Media platform as part of their strategy. The $5 million is an add-on investment to their recently announced $23 million in funding from IVP, Softbank Capital, Bay Partners, and Greycroft Partners. [DMWMedia]

Buddy Media is a social media company that runs campaigns for major brands. They can handle brand management, advertising, and relationships with PR agencies with social marketing tools. Some of their clients include Microsoft, Anheuser Busch, FedEx, and Time Inc.

Buddy Media has just raised $2 million in funding from SoftBank Capital, Greycroft Partners, Ron Conway, and Bay Partners. Some of Buddy Media’s newest tools include the abilities to create and track Facebook Fan pages to drive a campaign. There is also a Twitter Management System. [TechCrunch]

Buddy Media, the owner of Acebucks was said to have received $1.5 million recently by a variety of well-known investors.  The investors include Peter Thiel, Mark Pincus, James Altucher, and Howard Lindzon.

The purpose of the funding is to expand the operational and marketing abilities of the Acebucks Facebook Application.  Acebucks’ aim is to become the leading virtual currency on Facebook.  Acebucks will be opening an API soon and other developers will be able to integrate Acebucks into different applications.

“”Facebook members can earn AceBucks by playing games, adding applications, completing surveys, inviting friends, opening a store and more. AceBucks can be used to buy both virtual and real goods and services through the AceBucks Mall and user-created stores,” states Buddy Media’s homepage.

Buddy Media is founded by Michael Lazerow.  Lazerow sold companies, Golfserv to Time Warner and U-Wire to Student Advantage.  Lazerow’s personal web site is available at: http://www.lazerow.com/.

Information Source:
[1] AllFacebook: Breaking: Acebucks Raises 1.5 Million
[2] Mashable: Facebook Virtual Currency AceBucks Raises $1.5 Million