Mig33

About Mig33

Mig33 was a global digital media company and social entertainment platform focused on emerging markets. It was founded in December 2005 by Steven Goh and Mei Lin Ng in Perth, Australia. The initial concept, developed in a coffee shop, was to provide a low-cost way for teenagers to send text messages using mobile data instead of expensive SMS.

The company launched as a mobile-first global community, allowing users to chat, play games, use virtual avatars, and connect with others. In 2007, it moved operations to Silicon Valley to enhance its technology and secure venture capital, which led to significant user acquisition in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. By 2009, having attracted investors like Accel Partners and Redpoint Ventures, the headquarters relocated to Singapore to be closer to its primary user base. The platform grew rapidly, and by 2013, it was ranked the seventh fastest-growing social platform globally.

In 2014, the company rebranded to migme after acquiring the Hong Kong-based artist community alivenotdead.com. That same year, it listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through a reverse takeover and secured a significant investment from FIH Mobile, a unit of Foxconn. The business model focused on a virtual economy where users purchased 'mig33 credits' to spend on games, virtual gifts, and other paid services, while core features like chat remained free. Revenue was generated through this virtual currency system, which also supported a merchant network where users could resell credits.

Migme provided a suite of services including chat, microblogging, games, virtual gifts, and integration with other instant messengers like Yahoo Messenger and Google Talk. It was designed for feature phones and later expanded to Android, BlackBerry, and web platforms, operating in markets like Indonesia, India, and across Africa. Despite its initial success and large user base, the company faced challenges in the evolving mobile landscape. It was delisted from the ASX in August 2017 and eventually became inactive.