Tokyo-based Quan has just officially announced the series A funding that they got last Monday (20/10). The startup, which is known as mobile apps and sticker provider, is now reportedly preparing to use this millions of dollars for an expansion to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia.
Quan Inc had its debut back in 2011. Its first product was Lounge app, an instant messaging app that gained its fame through unique features like decorated text, pictograms, and inter-users illustration. The app was available for both iOS and Android, and indirectly became the competitor of Naver’s LINE Messenger.
As time goes by, Quan has establishes its role as one of best players in the industry. The Bridge even once reported that Quan and its myStickerShop helped Thailand-based telco giant AIS getting plenty of customers right after the launching of 3G network in the country.
Previously, Quan had sealed a funding from Japanese e-commerce giant Netprice and East Ventures back in August 2012. A report has it that the startup has been funded by a number of investors, i.e Daiwa Corporate Investment, East Ventures, Dentsu Digital Holdings, IMJ Investment partners. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital, and Senshu Ikeda Capital.
Even though Quan’s CEO, Kazuhiro Mizuno, was unwilling to explain the funding in detail, it is rumored that the money will be used to intensively expand Quan’s business in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia.
“We look to use the funding to expand our operational activities in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. We have already own a local office in Thailand which partners with AIS and several developers there. We aim to enhance our skills and experience in mobile games release and stickers distribution,” Mizuno stated.
He further claimed that the stickers they produce have been downloaded more than hundred million times. This is particularly because stickers are really fun and easy to use.
[Header illustration: Quan]
