Inside Facebook

Large Facebook app developer and widget distributor RockYou announced today that the company has raised $17 million from SoftBank and SK Telecom, on top of the $35 million it raised this summer, to increase its growth in Asian markets.

RockYou says it has been focusing development efforts overseas lately, including expansion into China’s largest social network, Xiaonei. As part of the deal, RockYou and SoftBank are also partnering to form a joint venture to distribute widgets on “PCs and mobile devices” throughout Asia.

In addition, RockYou says it will use the money to fund the expansion of its US sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit, and well as for acquisitions. The company is one of the more active acquirers of Facebook app developers, having recently acquired Pieces of Flair and Speed Racing in July for a large undisclosed sum.

Kara Swisher caught up with CEO Lance Tokuda and CTO Jia Shen at the company’s new offices earlier today. Check out the video here: