InMobi’s Glance acquires Roposo

Glance, a business unit of Bengaluru based advertising tech company InMobi’s Group has acquired the short-video platform Roposo, for an undisclosed amount to boost its vernacular video content capabilities.

Operated by Gurugram-based Relevant E-Solutions Private Limited, Roposo is backed by investors such as Tiger Global Management and Bertelsmann India Investments. Glance is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform that delivers personalized, ad-free content to the lock screens of smartphones. It comes pre-installed in many Android smartphones and has more than 60 million daily active users.

Glance will now have access to Roposo’s network of professional, vernacular content creators and more than 42 million users in India. It will also own Roposo’s video technology, platform, and brand. Founded by IIT Delhi alumni, Roposo’s interface allows users to watch videos in 10 languages, across 24 channels. The acquisition will enable Glance to tap into Roposo’s network of regional influencers and create vernacular video content.

Glance provides content in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and nearly 60% of its users in India are in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. They spend an average of 22 minutes a day consuming content in a language of their choice.

Paytm buys Cube26

One97 Communications Ltd which owns payments app Paytm announced the acquisition of New Delhi based technology startup Cube26. The acquisition will help the company upgrade user experience over its mobile platform.

Cube26 develops customized Android OS for original equipment manufacturers, and it is currently building a games and apps store by connecting India-based developers directly with smartphone users. The app store also helps developers monetize their content.

Cube26 is backed by Tiger Global Management and Flipkart. It had raised $7.7 million from both investors in 2015. The start-up was founded in 2012. The acquisition comes just days after Paytm claimed to have 120 million monthly active users on its in-app messaging feature called ‘Paytm Inbox’. The company also said that it will focus more on regional content for making its app more popular across small cities and towns.

Paytm had also made two acquisitions in recent months. In December 2017, Paytm acquired Nearbuy and Little, two platforms that focus on local restaurants and commercial establishments. Paytm later merged both entities and made an undisclosed investment into the resultant entity.