Aquto

Aquto, established in 2012, was a mobile technology company that pioneered sponsored data and data rewards. The firm was brought to life by a team of experienced entrepreneurs: Susie Kim Riley, Jurie Roux, and Reda De Lemos. Susie Kim Riley, who served as the CEO, brought a wealth of experience from her time at Cisco and as a founder of other tech ventures. This background in network infrastructure and mobile technology was pivotal in shaping Aquto's core offerings.

The company's primary business revolved around a platform that allowed brands to sponsor mobile data for consumers as a reward for engaging with their content. This created a symbiotic relationship where users received free data, mobile carriers experienced increased data consumption and user engagement on their networks, and brands gained a direct and effective channel to reach their target audience. Aquto's platform was designed to be easily integrated by mobile operators and publishers, serving as a bridge between them and advertisers looking to leverage data as a marketing currency.

Aquto's core product was its Sponsored Data Platform, which facilitated these data rewards. When a user watched a video ad, downloaded an app, or completed a survey from a participating brand, they would receive a certain amount of mobile data credited directly to their account. The platform managed the entire process, from ad delivery to the provisioning of the data reward with the carrier. A key achievement for the company was securing a partnership with AT&T in 2014, which integrated Aquto's sponsored data services into its network, significantly validating the business model. This was followed by deployments with other major carriers like Verizon and Telefonica.

The company's journey culminated in its acquisition by Jibe Mobile, a subsidiary of Google, in 2018. The acquisition was aimed at enhancing Google's Rich Communications Services (RCS) messaging capabilities, suggesting that Aquto's technology and expertise in carrier partnerships were valuable assets for improving the mobile messaging experience. Following the acquisition, the Aquto brand and its specific sponsored data services were integrated into Google's broader mobile strategy.

Keywords: sponsored data, data rewards, mobile marketing, ad-tech, carrier services, mobile engagement, user acquisition, data monetization, telecom partnerships, RCS