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Although I'm pretty flexible, Kobo is my preferred e-book store since they have "normal" (i.e. not BN-flavored) epub, the ability to read on multiple devices without the hassle of stripping DRM and converting (yeah, yeah, I know it's minimal hassle, but it is hassle), and coupons/discounts on non-agency titles. So, I'm happy to hear they are getting a bit more funding.
But, I share others' concerns about their long-term viability - although for different reasons. My main concern about Kobo's viability is how @$#%)@ it is to use their website for much beyond finding a book you already know about. Their search is abominable and actually got ***worse*** not too long ago - unless you put things in quotes, you get mostly listings that have scant relationship to the keywords you entered. And, they have no advanced search function, and only very limited ability to sort search results. If they'd fix these things, I'd be more optimistic about their future.
With that said, if they can negotiate the pathways of a more international e-book market, I think they might add a lot of value for those outside the US. It strikes me, though, that they will have to charge a lot more as their overhead for dealing with multiple languages, publishers, rights-holders, countries, etc. etc. will be quite high. But, maybe there is a specialty niche to be found there...someone(s) must think so...
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