[PreMoney MENA 2015] 500 Startups, Edith Yeung: "The Complete Guide To Evaluating Mobile Startups" | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Mobile startups are thriving, with over 100 mobile unicorns valued at over $839 billion, but they face challenges such as marketing, engagement, monetization, payment options, and competition from big players.

Key Insights

• 🚗 Over 100 mobile unicorns exist, with a combined value of over $839 billion, highlighting the success of mobile startups.
• 😘 Challenges faced by mobile startups include marketing difficulties, low user engagement, monetization strategies, limited payment options, device fragmentation, and competition from major companies.
• 👤 Mobile startup founders should focus on testing marketing strategies, analyzing user engagement metrics, developing monetization plans, integrating with payment options, and understanding their market and competitors.
• 💝 Tools like Mobile Action, App Annie, CB Insights, and industry experts can help evaluate mobile startup deals and stay informed about the latest trends.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do mobile startups face challenges in marketing?

Marketing mobile apps is tough because it's difficult to engage users and retain their interest. Many users download an app but never use it again, making it hard to gain traction and visibility.

Q: How can mobile startups make money?

Mobile startups can make money through advertising, subscriptions, driving installs for other apps, or integrating with payment platforms like Google Play or carrier billing. However, monetization strategies vary depending on the type of app and region.

Q: What are some challenges faced by mobile startups in terms of payment options?

Mobile payment options can be limited, especially in emerging countries. Mobile startups need to consider how to collect payments, such as through carrier billing, APIs like DEPA or Tenpay, or partnering with payment platforms like Google Play.

Q: How can investors evaluate mobile startup deals?

Investors can evaluate mobile startup deals by asking specific questions about the founders' marketing strategies, user engagement metrics, monetization plans, payment options, and understanding of the market and competition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mobile startups have seen massive success, with over 100 mobile unicorns valued at over $839 billion as of Q3 2015.

• Challenges faced by mobile startups include marketing difficulties, low user engagement, monetization strategies, limited payment options, device fragmentation, and competition from major companies.

• Questions to ask mobile startup founders include their marketing strategies, user engagement metrics, monetization plans, payment options, and their understanding of the market and competitors.