Mobile gamer ads are growing business
Chartboost helps companies reach target audience
Editor’s note: Here are three Bay Area startups worth watching this week.
As the gaming industry rapidly expands to reach a broader audience, San Francisco’s Chartboost wants to help developers monetize all of that traffic.
Founded in 2011, Chartboost helps companies place ads relevant to mobile game players. For example, a user can watch a video ad in exchange for a new life in a game.
It’s a win-win, says Pepe Agell, the company’s vice president of corporate strategy: “On one side there is an increase of gaming usage, and the audience who plays games is broader, more diverse and more valuable,” he said. “And then, there are more brands that want to reach mobile audiences.”
The company has $21 million in funding and 120 employees, Agell said.
According to App Annie, a market data and insights company for apps, the average mobile consumer uses 10 apps a day — and a big portion of these are gaming apps. In 2016, games made up 75 percent of iOS App Store revenue and 90 percent of Google Play revenue, according to a March report. And the numbers are growing.
Chartboost is trending on startup database Crunchbase this week because of its recently introduced exchange network, which allows companies to openly bid on certain ad placements.
“Advertisers want to increase their reach,” Agell said. “And today, if you want to reach the user at the right moment, you need to invest in online
“You need to invest in online and mobile because this is where users are.” Pepe Agell, vice president of corporate strateg y for Chartboost
and mobile because this is where users are spending their time.”
Also trending: Talent Sonar
What it does: A software company that assists companies in their hiring process, from helping write job descriptions to conducting the final interview. What happened: It recently acquired Talent Function, a recruiting consulting firm. Why it matters: The public has a microscope on workplace diversity — especially in Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Liz Kofman, the company’s sociologist, said Talent Sonar helps mitigate unconscious hiring bias, through services such as writing job descriptions that will attract the broadest representation of candidates and redacting names from resumes. Headquarters: San Francisco. Funding: $9 million, according to Crunchbase. Employees: 25.
Brit + Co
What it does: A digital media and commerce company that produces video tutorials and other content aimed at Millennial women; offerings include fashion, beauty, parenting tips and food. It also has subscription DIY kits for making a range of items, from scarves to wall hangings. What happened: It recently held its first “experiential event” on the East Coast called #CreateGood, a five-day pop-up that hosted speakers, workshops and other events. Why it matters: CEO Brit Morin has branded herself as the “Martha Stewart” of this generation. “Martha's led this (crafty movement) for 30 years,” Morin told The Chronicle in 2015. “I'm coming from a different generation. So I think some people can maybe relate to me better.” Headquarters: San Francisco. Funding: $45 million, according to the company. Employees: 110.