Bitsmedia

About Bitsmedia

Bitsmedia is a Singapore-based technology firm established in 2009 by Erwan Macé. With a background of over 20 years in senior roles at tech companies like Google, Alcatel, and Akamai, Macé initially led Bitsmedia to develop applications for major clients such as Universal Music and Vivendi. The company's trajectory shifted in 2010 with the launch of Muslim Pro, an application conceived after Macé identified the digital needs of the large Muslim population in Indonesia, a market he believed was poised for mobile internet growth. This strategic pivot proved successful, and Muslim Pro grew organically, achieving its first 25 million users without any venture capital funding.

A significant milestone occurred in August 2017 when Singapore-based private equity firm CMIA Capital Partners and Malaysia's Affin Hwang Asset Management acquired a majority stake in Bitsmedia, a deal that valued the company's growth potential. Following the acquisition, Macé transitioned from CEO to non-executive Chairman. The company continued its growth, securing a $20 million Series A funding round in December 2023, led by Gobi Partners, CMIA Capital Partners, and Bintang Capital Partners. This capital is earmarked for advancing its AI capabilities and expanding content. Today, Bitsmedia has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, in addition to its Singapore headquarters.

The company's business model centers on its flagship product, the Muslim Pro app, which operates on a freemium basis. Revenue is generated primarily through in-app advertising in the free version, which accounts for the majority of its income, and premium subscriptions that offer an ad-free experience and exclusive features. The company serves the global Muslim community, providing a comprehensive digital platform for religious and lifestyle needs. In 2022, Bitsmedia expanded its ecosystem by launching Qalbox, a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming service integrated within the Muslim Pro app. Qalbox offers a curated library of films, documentaries, and series celebrating Muslim identities and cultures.

The Muslim Pro application is a multifaceted tool designed to assist users in their daily religious practices. Its core features include verified prayer times with adhan (call to prayer) notifications, a Qibla compass for direction, and the complete Holy Quran with over 40 translations and audio recitations. The app also provides a Hijri calendar, Zakat calculator, a Halal restaurant and mosque finder, and community features. The premium version unlocks offline access and advanced tools. Qalbox, the entertainment extension, provides a diverse range of content, from educational programming for children to documentaries and films, aiming to fill a gap in Muslim-themed entertainment.