The success of Talkbox, a mobile app that allows users to communicate by voice message has inspired many other companies to clone and ‘innovate’ upon the idea. Now a mainland Chinese clone called Shenliao, has raised a record breaking funding (for one mobile app) of US$30 million or 190 million RMB, in venture capital to develop this app further. This brings total funding to 500 million RMB. Shenliao is reported one of the leading free voice messaging mobile softwares in China, with over 1 million users.
Shenliao’s R&D is lead by an impressive team with staff from Sina, Rising, Fetion etc. When Talkbox was starting to get popular, I interviewed Jacquiline Chong, Director of Marketing of Talkbox to find out the story behind it. Since then, Shenliao has been working different versions for various operating systems.
The iOS version will include additional features on top of voice messaging, including sending fun text messages as well as high-definition pictures, fully optimized message threading and global phone number verification. Additionally, another cool feature for iPhone users, is the ability to simply use the earphone to send and receive a voice message, without looking at the screen. The Symbian version which runs on Nokia, allows people to detect people in the same vicinity. The Android version features the most functionality with faster response, a news channel and accessing more location based information.
Shenliao CEO, Wang Rui says that his team will focus on a technology driven innovation strategy. He will use the monster round of financing to continue to expand his technical and product development team.
Why does a mobile app need that much funding? It seems like a ridiculous amount, considering the cost of operating a team in China is about six times less than America. However, if Shenliao does have the power to give free communication to China’s smart-phone hungry population, $30 million may be needed!
This figure is not right:
“US$30 million or 500 million RMB”$30M USD is about 190M RMB.I’ve noticed other mis-calculations regarding the exchange rates. May want to double check your figures before publishing.
Yes, you are correct. Sorry for making the bad mistake. I should have said total funding is now 500 million RMB. Correction made.
This is a little insane. Is this the Color of China?
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That sounds like a good place. I will tell my friend who is starting a car dealership? Would you go for Honda or
Toyota? Look at Honda and Toyota. They have huge lineups of hybrid and
electric cars. Both have some real nice cars for sale and soon the air will be good too. I think the Honda is better. How about you?
I agree with you on this one. The Honda is the way to go>