Tracxn – Analyst Notes # 971 – Mobile App Distribution

A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally

RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – MOBILE APP DISTRIBUTION

• Maple Media, an app distribution services provider raises $30M from Shamrock Capital. Link
• Apptopia, an app analytics startup raises $2.7M from Sound Ventures. Link
• Mobile Streams, a mobile content retailer raises $2.8M (post-IPO) to finance marketing in India. Link
• Apperian, a mobile app management & security startup was acquired by Arxan, a mobile app and IoT security company. Link
• IronSource, a mobile distribution platform announces the expansion of integration with Google’s AdMob Network. Link
• Jana, an app discovery platform to launch internet browser with free data service. Link
• IronSource, a mobile distribution platform launches eCPM index and reveals the state of mobile advertising. Link
• Sensor Tower: Q4 game revenues grew 70%, downloads up 33%. Link
• Appdome, a mobile app protection platform Mobile Integration Tool adds App Management through a partnership with Appaloosa Link
• WeChat, the Chinese messaging platform launches an alternative to app stores. Link
• India Pips U.S. In Google Play downloads. Link
• App downloads up 15 percent in 2016, revenue up 40 percent thanks to China. Link
• China moves to regulate App Stores. Link
• Alibaba Group’s 9Apps, an alternate app store partners with Gameloft, a mobile game developer to distribute top games in India. Link

SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND

appicore (2016, SF) – Alternate app store for Android and iOS phones.

LEADER BOARD – MOBILE APP DISTRIBUTION

Alternate App Stores
Wandoujia (2009, Beijing, $128M, Acq.) – Android app store in China with over 200 million users. Backed by Goldman Sachs, Softbank, DCM, and Innovation Works Development Fund. Acquired by Alibaba in July 2016.
GetJar (2004, San Mateo, $42M, Acq.) – App distribution service that provides apps under various themes & categories. Backed by Accel Partners and Tiger Global. Acquired by Sungy Mobile in February 2014.
91Wireless (2010, Fuzhou, $30M, Acq.) – Android app marketplace focused on the development and expansion of wireless internet businesses. Backed by Vertex Ventures, IDG Capital Partners, and iD TechVentures. Acquired by Baidu in August 2013.

App Recommendation
Quixey (2009, Mountain View, $135M) – App search engine that uses indexed unstructured data from the web for personalized app recommendation. Backed by Goldman Sachs, SoftBank, Alibaba, U.S Venture Partners, GGV Capital, Innovation Endeavors, and others.
Drippler (2011, Tel Aviv, $6M) – Mobile content aggregator for software updates, apps, and accessory deals customized to the user’s Android phone. Backed by UpWest Labs, TMT Investments, iAngels, and Titanium Investments.

Deals
Jana (2009, Boston, $94M) – Mobile rewards platform connecting apps with emerging market consumers through reciprocal advertising. Backed by Qualcomm Ventures, Spark Capital, Flywheel Ventures, Verizon Ventures, and others.

Operations tech for developers
App Annie (2010, SF, $156M) – Platform that provides app store analytics and market intelligence. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Greycroft Partners, Institutional Venture Partners, IDG Capital Partners, Wellington Partners, Greycroft Partners, Infinity Ventures and others.
TUNE (2009, Seattle, $26M) – Enterprise SaaS platform for marketers and supply-side partners, that develops performance tracking technology for online ad campaigns. Backed by Accel Partners, Performance Equity Management, and Icon Ventures.

Distribution tech for developers
Apperian (2009, Boston, $40M, Acq.) – Mobile application management and White label app store solution. Backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, KPCB, Intel Capital, North Bridge Venture Partners, Common Angels and others. Acquired by Arxan Technologies in January 2017.
Maple Media (2016, LA, $30M) – Mobile ad operations, yield optimization, and revenue growth services for app owners. Backed by Shamrock Capital.