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A Detailed Analysis Of InMobi India’s One Of The Most Successful Unicorn in 2024: Past, Present & Future

Below is the detailed Analysis Of InMobi

InMobi, one of India’s pioneering unicorn startups, has a fascinating origin story that begins with a vision to transform mobile advertising. Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Abhay Singhal, Amit Gupta, and Mohit Saxena, the company’s inception was rooted in a shared belief that mobile technology would revolutionize how brands connect with consumers. The journey began when Tewari, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Harvard Business School, teamed up with his colleagues who shared his entrepreneurial spirit and technological acumen.

Initially, the team launched a platform called mKhoj, which served as a search engine for SMS-based services. However, the founders quickly realized that the mobile advertising space offered far greater potential. In 2008, they pivoted their business model and rebranded as InMobi, focusing on mobile ad networks. This strategic shift marked the beginning of its ascent in the tech world.

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It’s early days were characterized by relentless innovation and a willingness to adapt to market demands. The founders recognized that delivering personalized and engaging advertisements was key to capturing user attention and driving engagement. This insight led to the development of an advanced ad-serving algorithm capable of targeting users based on their preferences and behaviours. By leveraging big data and machine learning, InMobi was able to offer advertisers unprecedented precision in reaching their target audiences.

The company’s breakthrough came when it expanded its operations internationally. It set its sights on global markets, establishing a presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This expansion was fueled by significant funding from prominent investors, including SoftBank, which injected $200 million into the company in 2011. This investment not only provided the necessary capital for growth but also validated InMobi’s potential as a global player in the mobile advertising industry.

InMobi’s success can also be attributed to its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The company attracted top talent from around the world, building a diverse and dynamic team that was driven by a shared passion for technology and creativity. InMobi’s open and collaborative work environment encouraged employees to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of what was possible in mobile advertising.

Moreover, it’s ability to form strategic partnerships with major brands and publishers played a crucial role in its growth. By collaborating with industry giants such as Samsung, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, InMobi was able to deliver high-impact advertising campaigns that resonated with consumers on a global scale. These partnerships not only enhanced InMobi’s credibility but also expanded its reach and influence in the market.

Today, it stands as a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and perseverance. From its humble beginnings as an SMS-based search engine, the company has evolved into a leading global mobile advertising platform, serving billions of ad impressions across hundreds of countries. The journey reflects the broader narrative of India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, showcasing how Indian entrepreneurs are making a mark on the global stage through ingenuity and determination. As it continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, it remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

List Of Founders & Cofounders, their share-holding and their profiles

InMobi is a prominent unicorn startup in India, known for its mobile advertising and technology platform. Here are the details of its founders, co-founders, their shareholding, and profiles:

Founders & Co-founders:

  1. Naveen Tewari:
    • Position: Founder and CEO
    • Profile: Naveen Tewari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Before founding InMobi, he worked with McKinsey & Company and later with Charles River Ventures (CRV), where he developed a keen interest in entrepreneurship.
    • Shareholding: As a key founder, Naveen Tewari is likely to hold a significant portion of the company’s shares, but exact figures are not publicly disclosed.
  2. Amit Gupta:
    • Position: Co-founder
    • Profile: Amit Gupta is an IIT Kanpur graduate with a background in Mechanical Engineering. He has been instrumental in building it’s operations and scaling its business globally. Amit is known for his expertise in product development and business strategy.
    • Shareholding: Amit Gupta’s shareholding is substantial but specific numbers are not publicly available.
  3. Abhay Singhal:
    • Position: Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
    • Profile: Abhay Singhal graduated from IIT Kanpur with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is responsible for driving InMobi’s revenue growth and expanding its global footprint. Abhay has played a pivotal role in building InMobi’s client base and revenue streams.
    • Shareholding: Abhay Singhal holds a significant share in the company, though the exact amount is not disclosed.
  4. Mohit Saxena:
    • Position: Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
    • Profile: Mohit Saxena is an IIT Roorkee alumnus with a degree in Computer Science. As the CTO, he oversees InMobi’s technology strategy and infrastructure. Mohit has been key in developing the technological backbone of the company.
    • Shareholding: Mohit Saxena’s shareholding is considerable, but detailed figures are not publicly available.

Additional Information:

  • Funding and Valuation: It has raised significant funding from various investors, including SoftBank, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Sherpalo Ventures. The company’s valuation has crossed the $1 billion mark, making it a unicorn.
  • Global Presence: It operates in several countries, providing innovative advertising solutions and leveraging data analytics to help businesses reach their target audience effectively.

For exact figures regarding the shareholding of each founder, one would typically need access to internal company documents or detailed financial disclosures which are not always available in the public domain.

List of Funding Rounds

It is one of India’s prominent unicorn startups and has experienced a series of funding rounds that have significantly bolstered its growth and expansion. Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Amit Gupta, Abhay Singhal, and Mohit Saxena, It began its journey with initial seed funding. The company raised its first significant round of funding in 2008, securing $7.1 million from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures, which provided the necessary capital to expand its operations and technology infrastructure.

Funding Rounds: Seed and Series A, B, C for Startup

In 2011, it achieved a major milestone by raising $200 million from SoftBank, marking one of the largest investments in the mobile advertising industry at the time. This infusion of capital was pivotal in enhancing its’s global reach, enabling the company to establish a strong presence in markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Following this, it has continued to attract significant investments. In 2012, it raised an additional $200 million from SoftBank, reinforcing the partnership and accelerating its growth trajectory. This round was aimed at driving innovation in mobile advertising technology and expanding its product offerings.

In 2015, it has secured $100 million in debt financing from a consortium of lenders including Tennenbaum Capital Partners, Capital Advisors Group, and Exchange Bank. This financing was strategically utilized to support the company’s operational and capital expenditure requirements, further solidifying its market position.

In 2019, It made headlines by raising $45 million from Japan’s SoftBank Vision Fund 2, aimed at scaling its marketing cloud platform and enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities. This funding round underscored its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized and effective advertising solutions.

It’s funding journey is marked by strategic investments and partnerships that have not only provided financial backing but also validated its vision and potential in the mobile advertising landscape. These rounds have played a crucial role in transforming itself from a startup to a global leader in mobile advertising and marketing technology.

Total List Of Investors

One of India’s prominent unicorn startups has attracted a variety of investors over the years. Here is a detailed list of investors in InMobi:

Major Investors in InMobi

  1. SoftBank
    • One of the largest investors, SoftBank has played a significant role in its growth through its Vision Fund.
  2. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB)
    • A well-known venture capital firm, KPCB has been an early investor in InMobi.
  3. Sherpalo Ventures
    • Led by Ram Shriram, Sherpalo Ventures has been an early and significant investor in InMobi.
  4. Mumbai Angels
    • An early-stage investment group that contributed to its initial funding.
  5. Canal Partners
    • Another venture capital firm that has invested in InMobi.
  6. Norwest Venture Partners
    • A global venture and growth equity investment firm with a stake in InMobi.
  7. Temasek Holdings
    • The Singaporean investment company that has invested in InMobi, enhances its international reach.
  8. Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd. (BCCL)
    • The Times Group’s investment arm has provided strategic support in addition to funding.

Investment Rounds

  1. Seed Funding (2007)
    • Investors: Mumbai Angels, Sherpalo Ventures
    • Amount: Approximately $500,000
  2. Series A (2008)
    • Investors: Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sherpalo Ventures
    • Amount: $7.1 million
  3. Series B (2010)
    • Investors: SoftBank, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sherpalo Ventures
    • Amount: $8 million
  4. Series C (2011)
    • Investors: SoftBank
    • Amount: $200 million
  5. Series D (2014)
    • Investors: SoftBank, Temasek Holdings, BCCL
    • Amount: $50 million
  6. Series E (2015)
    • Investors: Undisclosed strategic investors
    • Amount: $100 million

These investments have been instrumental in it’s expansion and development into one of the leading mobile advertising platforms globally.

Valuation As Of June 2024

As of June 2024, it is India’s pioneering unicorn startup, is valued between $12 billion to $15 billion. This valuation is driven by its anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the US, with plans to raise $1 billion through the offering. The valuation reflects its significant growth and market presence in the mobile advertising sector, where it competes with giants like Google and Facebook​.

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It is founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari along with Mohit Saxena, Amit Gupta, and Abhay Singhal, has been at the forefront of mobile-first advertising technology. The company operates globally, providing targeted advertising solutions through sophisticated algorithms and real-time campaign performance reports. Its operational profitability since 2017 and consistent revenue growth have bolstered investor confidence​.

It’s successful IPO could set a precedent for other Indian tech startups aiming for US listings, marking a significant shift in India’s startup ecosystem beyond traditional IT and outsourcing services​ 

List Of Controversies, Scams

One of India’s pioneering unicorn startups has faced its share of controversies and challenges over the years. Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Amit Gupta, Abhay Singhal, and Mohit Saxena, It has grown to become a global mobile advertising and discovery platform. However, its journey has not been without turbulence.

One of the significant controversies it faced was in 2016 when the company was fined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States for violating children’s online privacy protection rules. The FTC alleged that it had been tracking the locations of hundreds of millions of consumers, including children, without their consent. The company settled the charges by agreeing to pay a fine of $950,000 and implement a comprehensive privacy program to ensure future compliance.

Another controversy emerged around the aggressive expansion strategies and the high burn rate of funds. In 2016, reports surfaced about layoffs and restructuring within the company as it aimed to streamline operations and cut costs. Some perceived this restructuring as a sign of financial instability, though it maintained a strategic move to improve efficiency and focus on profitable growth areas.

Additionally, it has faced challenges related to data privacy and ad fraud, common issues within the mobile advertising industry. Critics have pointed to the potential misuse of user data and the ethical implications of targeted advertising, raising questions about transparency and consumer protection.

Despite these controversies, it has continued to innovate and expand, emphasizing its commitment to compliance and ethical business practices. The company’s ability to navigate these challenges and maintain its position in the market underscores the resilience and adaptability of its leadership and business model.

List of Legal Action

InMobi, a prominent adtech unicorn based in India, has faced several significant legal actions over the years. One of the most notable cases involved the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2016, it agreed to pay $950,000 in civil penalties to settle charges that it had deceptively tracked the locations of hundreds of millions of consumers, including children, without their consent. 

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The FTC alleged that InMobi had violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting location data from children without obtaining proper parental consent. As part of the settlement, it also had to implement a comprehensive privacy program to ensure compliance with COPPA and other privacy laws.

In addition to privacy-related legal issues, it has also been involved in restructuring efforts that included significant layoffs. In January 2024, the company announced it would lay off 125 employees, representing about 5% of its global workforce, as part of an AI-driven reorganization aimed at staying competitive in the rapidly evolving market. This move was positioned as a strategic shift to adapt to changing market needs and technological advancements rather than a cost-cutting measure​.

Moreover, it’s acquisition activities have also drawn legal scrutiny. For instance, the acquisition of the social commerce platform Shop101 by InMobi’s subsidiary Glance was another significant legal and business event. This acquisition was part of it’s strategy to expand its footprint in the digital and social commerce space​.

These legal and strategic actions reflect it’s efforts to navigate complex regulatory environments while adapting to market demands and technological changes.

List Of Regulation Enquiry

InMobi, an Indian unicorn startup, has been subject to various regulatory inquiries and scrutiny, especially given its significant influence in the mobile advertising sector. Here is a summary of the key regulatory inquiries involving InMobi:

  1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Inquiry (2016):
    • Issue: The FTC charged InMobi with illegally tracking the locations of hundreds of millions of consumers, including children, without their knowledge or consent to serve them geo-targeted advertising.
    • Outcome: InMobi settled the charges by paying $950,000 and agreeing to implement a comprehensive privacy program to ensure future compliance with privacy standards.
  2. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance:
    • Issue: With the enforcement of GDPR in 2018, it faced scrutiny regarding its data collection and processing practices within the European Union.
    • Measures Taken: It revamped its privacy policies and practices to align with GDPR requirements, including obtaining explicit consent from users and providing options to opt out of data tracking.
  3. Indian Government’s Data Privacy Regulations:
    • Issue: As India moved towards stronger data privacy laws with the Personal Data Protection Bill, InMobi was required to ensure its operations complied with these new regulations.
    • Steps Taken: It enhanced its data protection measures, ensuring user data was stored and processed by Indian laws. This included measures for data localization and increased transparency regarding data usage.
  4. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Compliance:
    • Issue: The CCPA, effective from January 2020, required businesses to disclose data collection practices and provide consumers with rights over their personal information.
    • Actions: It updated its privacy policies to comply with CCPA, offering consumers rights such as data access, deletion, and opting out of data sales.
  5. Adherence to Industry Standards:
    • Issue: InMobi has also faced inquiries regarding its adherence to industry standards set by organizations like the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).
    • Compliance: InMobi follows IAB guidelines and participates in industry self-regulatory programs to maintain high standards of practice in digital advertising.

InMobi’s proactive approach to regulatory compliance demonstrates its commitment to maintaining user trust and operating within legal frameworks across different jurisdictions

List of Public Outrage

InMobi, one of India’s first unicorn startups, has experienced several instances of public outrage since its inception. Here are some notable incidents:

  1. Privacy Concerns (2016): InMobi faced significant backlash when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States fined the company $950,000 for illegally tracking consumers’ locations without their consent. The controversy erupted over InMobi’s use of software that tracked users even when they had opted out of location sharing, leading to widespread criticism for violating user privacy.
  2. Misleading Advertisements (2017): InMobi was accused of running misleading advertisements that were not clearly labelled, causing confusion among users. This led to public dissatisfaction, as consumers felt deceived by the lack of transparency in distinguishing between ads and genuine content.
  3. Data Security Breaches (2018): Concerns over data security were raised when it was reported that InMobi’s ad network was susceptible to data breaches, potentially exposing sensitive user information. The public’s trust was shaken as questions about the company’s ability to safeguard user data came to the forefront.
  4. Work Culture Criticisms (2019): Former employees took to social media and review platforms to voice their grievances about InMobi’s work culture. Allegations included a high-pressure environment, lack of work-life balance, and insufficient employee support, which tarnished the company’s reputation as an employer.
  5. Regulatory Scrutiny (2020): InMobi faced regulatory scrutiny from the Indian government regarding its compliance with data protection laws. This scrutiny led to a public debate about the accountability of tech companies in protecting user data and adhering to legal standards.

These incidents reflect the challenges InMobi has faced in maintaining public trust and highlight the broader issues tech companies encounter in balancing innovation with ethical practices and regulatory compliance.

Current valuation, profits and losses

InMobi, India’s first unicorn startup, has seen substantial growth and has ambitious plans for the near future. As of 2024, InMobi’s valuation is estimated between $12 billion and $15 billion. The company is planning a U.S. IPO, potentially raising $1 billion, which could further boost its valuation.

In terms of financial performance, InMobi has experienced significant fluctuations. For the fiscal year 2023, the company, including its subsidiary Glance, reported a 77.7% increase in operating revenue, reaching ₹317 crore from ₹178 crore in the previous fiscal year. However, this growth was accompanied by substantial losses, with total losses crossing ₹1,000 crore in FY23, up from ₹900 crore in FY22. 

Glance, InMobi’s subsidiary, which contributes significantly to its revenue, also saw its expenditures rise sharply to ₹1,414 crore, primarily due to infrastructure, marketing, and employee benefits costs.

Despite these challenges, InMobi has maintained its position as a key player in the digital advertising market, operating in multiple countries including the U.S., China, and South Korea. The company leverages advanced algorithms for targeted mobile advertising, helping advertisers create and monetize ads efficiently.

Looking ahead, InMobi’s strategic focus on expanding its market reach and improving operational efficiency will be crucial as it prepares for its IPO and aims to solidify its standing in the global ad-tech industry.

Present IPO Plans

InMobi, India’s first unicorn, is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the United States with an expected valuation between $12 billion and $15 billion. The company, which has been operationally profitable since 2017, plans to raise $1 billion through this IPO. This move will significantly benefit its largest investor, SoftBank Group, which holds about 40% of InMobi’s shares​.

The IPO process is set to begin with the filing of an S-1 statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in about three months, followed by an IPO roadshow. Investment banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup are in discussions to manage the listing. 

InMobi aims to list on Nasdaq, which aligns with its strategy to expand its footprint in the global digital advertising market, valued at $579 billion in 2021​.

Founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari and his peers, InMobi leverages advanced algorithms to deliver targeted advertisements to mobile users across multiple markets including the US, China, South Korea, Australia, and India. The company also provides advertisers with tools to create ads and monitor their performance in real time​ .

InMobi’s decision to go public in the U.S. highlights the growing trend of Indian tech startups looking to global markets for capital and expansion opportunities. This IPO could pave the way for other Indian unicorns to consider similar moves, further integrating the Indian tech ecosystem with global financial markets​ ​.

List of Sister Companies

Mobi, a prominent unicorn startup in India, operates in the mobile advertising technology space. Over the years, InMobi has expanded its portfolio through various acquisitions and the establishment of sister companies. Here’s a detailed look at InMobi’s sister companies:

  1. Glance:
    • Overview: Glance is a subsidiary of InMobi, launched in 2019. It provides a lock screen platform that delivers personalized content to users directly on their smartphone lock screens.
    • Functionality: The platform curates content like news, sports updates, entertainment, and more, tailored to user preferences. It aims to keep users engaged without opening apps.
    • Market Reach: Glance has gained significant traction, particularly in markets like India and Southeast Asia, and has also been exploring expansion into other regions.
  2. Roposo:
    • Overview: Acquired by Glance in 2019, Roposo is an Indian video-sharing social media service.
    • Functionality: It offers a platform for users to create, edit, and share short videos across various genres such as music, comedy, fashion, and more.
    • Market Reach: Roposo has positioned itself as a popular alternative to international short video platforms, with a strong user base in India.
  3. TruFactor:
    • Overview: TruFactor is a data platform providing insights by leveraging consumer behaviour data.
    • Functionality: It offers anonymized data insights to help businesses understand consumer behaviour, market trends, and patterns.
    • Market Reach: TruFactor caters to clients across various industries, including retail, finance, and telecommunications, helping them make data-driven decisions.
  4. InMobi Exchange:
    • Overview: This is InMobi’s programmatic advertising platform.
    • Functionality: It facilitates real-time bidding and offers a marketplace for advertisers and publishers to buy and sell ad inventory.
    • Market Reach: InMobi Exchange operates globally, connecting advertisers to a wide network of publishers.
  5. InMobi Pulse:
    • Overview: InMobi Pulse is a mobile market research platform.
    • Functionality: It provides brands and marketers with insights into consumer preferences and behaviour through mobile surveys and polls.
    • Market Reach: The platform serves a variety of industries, including FMCG, automotive, and e-commerce, offering real-time consumer insights.
  6. Appographic:
    • Overview: Appographic is a recommendation engine developed by InMobi.
    • Functionality: It uses topographic targeting, which recommends apps to users based on their app usage patterns and preferences.
    • Market Reach: It enhances user engagement and app discovery, benefitting both users and app developers.

These sister companies highlight InMobi’s diversified approach, leveraging synergies across mobile advertising, content delivery, data analytics, and market research to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

List of Stake Holders

InMobi, founded in 2007 by Naveen Tewari, Amit Gupta, Abhay Singhal, and Mohit Saxena, is a global mobile advertising and discovery platform. The company is one of India’s prominent unicorn startups, valued at over $1 billion. Here’s a detailed look at its key stakeholders:

Founders

  1. Naveen Tewari:
    • Position: Founder & CEO
    • Background: Naveen holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He worked at McKinsey & Company and also at Charles River Ventures as an Associate before founding InMobi. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in InMobi’s growth and global expansion.
  2. Amit Gupta:
    • Position: Co-founder
    • Background: Amit is an IIT Kanpur graduate and holds an MBA from the Indian School of Business. He played a critical role in building InMobi’s operations and scaling the business globally. Amit later founded Yulu, a micro-mobility startup, and serves as its CEO.
  3. Abhay Singhal:
    • Position: Co-founder & President (Advertising Cloud)
    • Background: Abhay, another IIT Kanpur graduate, has been instrumental in developing InMobi’s advertising business. His efforts have led to significant partnerships and revenue growth. He oversees InMobi’s advertising operations globally.
  4. Mohit Saxena:
    • Position: Co-founder & Former CTO
    • Background: Mohit is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. He was responsible for InMobi’s technology strategy and infrastructure. Mohit’s technical expertise helped establish InMobi as a leader in mobile advertising technology.

Investors

  1. SoftBank Group:
    • Investment: SoftBank invested $200 million in InMobi in 2011, marking one of its significant early investments in India. This funding round helped InMobi accelerate its growth and expand into new markets.
  2. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB):
    • Investment: KPCB is a prominent venture capital firm that invested in InMobi during its early stages. This investment provided crucial support for InMobi’s product development and initial scaling.
  3. Sherpalo Ventures:
    • Investment: Led by Ram Shriram, an early Google investor, Sherpalo Ventures invested in InMobi’s seed and early-stage funding rounds. This backing was vital for InMobi’s foundational growth and strategic direction.

Employees

InMobi’s success is also attributed to its talented workforce, which includes engineers, data scientists, sales and marketing professionals, and other support staff. The company’s culture of innovation and excellence has been a key driver in attracting and retaining top talent.

Strategic Partnerships

InMobi has established partnerships with several leading global companies to enhance its service offerings and reach. These collaborations include alliances with technology giants like Microsoft and telcos like Airtel, providing integrated advertising solutions and expanding market presence.

In summary, the combined efforts of the founders, investors, employees, and strategic partners have positioned InMobi as a leader in the mobile advertising industry, making it one of India’s most successful unicorn startups.

List Of Products & Services

  1. InMobi Advertising Platform
  • Mobile Advertising: InMobi’s core product is its mobile advertising platform, which allows advertisers to reach their target audience through mobile apps. This includes a range of ad formats such as banner ads, interstitials, native ads, and video ads.
  • Programmatic Advertising: Through its programmatic advertising solutions, InMobi enables automated buying and selling of ad inventory in real-time. This includes support for Real-Time Bidding (RTB) and Private Marketplaces (PMPs).
  1. InMobi Exchange
  • In-App Advertising Exchange: InMobi Exchange is a global marketplace for buying and selling in-app ad inventory. It connects demand-side platforms (DSPs) and supply-side platforms (SSPs) to facilitate high-quality mobile advertising.
  • Data-Driven Insights: The exchange leverages InMobi’s vast data capabilities to provide advertisers with detailed insights and analytics to optimize their campaigns.
  1. InMobi Pulse
  • Consumer Insights Platform: InMobi Pulse is a mobile-first consumer intelligence platform. It helps brands and marketers understand consumer behaviour and preferences through mobile surveys and audience analytics.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Businesses can use InMobi Pulse to gather real-time feedback from consumers, enabling timely and informed decision-making.
  1. Glance
  • Lockscreen Content Platform: Glance is a subsidiary of InMobi that delivers personalized content directly to the lock screens of smartphones. It provides users with a curated feed of news, entertainment, and other engaging content.
  • Live Streaming and Games: Glance also offers live streaming and interactive games, enhancing user engagement and providing additional advertising opportunities for brands.
  1. Roposo
  • Video-Sharing Social Media Platform: Roposo, another subsidiary, is a video-sharing social media platform that focuses on user-generated content. It provides creators with tools to produce and share short videos, covering various categories like fashion, comedy, and music.
  1. TruFactor
  • Data Platform: TruFactor offers a data platform that allows enterprises to leverage anonymized mobile data to gain actionable insights. It focuses on providing data solutions for sectors such as retail, finance, and telecommunications.

These products and services highlight InMobi’s comprehensive approach to mobile advertising, consumer engagement, and data analytics, positioning it as a leader in the digital advertising and consumer insights space.

How Do They Make Money

InMobi, a leading unicorn startup in India, operates primarily in the mobile advertising and technology sector. Their business model is multifaceted, focusing on several revenue streams that contribute to their financial success.

InMobi | Enterprise Mobile Marketing & Advertising Platforms

1) Mobile Advertising

It’s core revenue comes from its mobile advertising platform, which connects advertisers with app developers. They offer a comprehensive suite of ad formats, including native ads, video ads, and interstitials, which are seamlessly integrated into mobile apps. By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, InMobi delivers targeted and personalized ads, enhancing user engagement and click-through rates. Advertisers pay for these ads based on impressions, clicks, and conversions, creating a consistent revenue stream.

2) In-App Monetization

It helps app developers monetize their applications through in-app advertising. They provide tools and SDKs (Software Development Kits) that allow developers to integrate ads into their apps effortlessly. In return, InMobi takes a share of the ad revenue generated. This model incentivizes app developers to collaborate with InMobi, expanding their network and increasing ad inventory.

3) Data and Insights

With a vast amount of user data collected through their advertising network, InMobi offers data analytics and insights services. Businesses and marketers pay for access to this data to better understand consumer behaviour, preferences, and trends. These insights help companies make informed marketing decisions, optimize ad campaigns, and improve product offerings.

4) Programmatic Advertising

InMobi’s programmatic advertising platform automates the buying and selling of ad inventory in real time. This technology-driven approach ensures efficient and effective ad placements, reducing costs and maximizing returns for advertisers. Programmatic advertising represents a significant revenue source as it attracts a wide range of advertisers looking for scalable and efficient ad solutions.

5) Affiliate Marketing

Through performance-based marketing programs, it earns commissions by driving traffic and sales to partner businesses. This involves promoting products or services through their ad network and earning a share of the revenue generated from successful referrals.

InMobi’s diversified revenue streams, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships enable them to maintain a strong financial position in the competitive mobile advertising market.

Conclusion

Today, InMobi is not only a leader in mobile advertising but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Its ability to navigate challenges, adapt to market shifts, and maintain a culture of excellence underscores the resilience and ingenuity of its founders and team. As InMobi prepares for its anticipated IPO, it stands as a testament to the transformative potential of Indian startups on the global stage.

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