Jongla

Based in Helsinki, Finland, Jongla was a mobile technology company established in 2009. The firm, led by CEO Riku Salminen, developed a cross-platform mobile messaging application designed to offer free communication services as an alternative to traditional SMS and MMS. Jongla's primary offering was a messaging app that enabled users to exchange unlimited text messages, photos, videos, and location information. A key point of differentiation was its minimal application size; in March 2016, the Android version was just 2.4MB, making it significantly lighter than competitors like WhatsApp and Messenger. This lightweight design was a strategic decision to target emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, where internet connectivity can be unreliable and data costs are a significant concern for consumers.

The company's business model centered on in-app purchases, initially through the sale of digital 'stickers'—large, animated icons—for $1.99 per pack. Over time, Jongla evolved its product, introducing social features to bridge the gap between messaging apps and social networks. In June 2016, it launched "Jongla - Social Messenger," which included a feature for users to discover and interact with other nearby users. The app also incorporated unique functionalities such as push-to-talk voice messages with humorous voice-altering filters and "Jongla Out," a feature that allowed users to chat with contacts who did not have the app installed via a web interface. In September 2014, Jongla introduced 'Channels,' providing a dashboard for brands to manage their presence, send targeted content, and set up automated replies. The company successfully raised a total of $13.2 million in funding, including a €5 million Series B round in November 2016, with investors like Arto Boman, who was also a founder.

Keywords: mobile messaging, instant messaging, emerging markets, lightweight app, data compression, social messenger, in-app purchases, digital stickers, voice messaging, brand channels, Riku Salminen, Arto Boman, Finnish startup, cross-platform messaging, Jongla Out, low-bandwidth communication, Africa tech, Southeast Asia tech, Latin America tech