Gogii, TextPlus, and the App Store Phenomenon

Gogii, the company behind the popular mobile app TextPlus, has become a major player in the app store landscape. TextPlus is the 36th most downloaded application in the history of the iPhone app store, boasting over 7.7 million monthly active users who send over 32 million text messages daily.

This massive user base, primarily under the age of 25, is drawn to TextPlus's core feature: free text messaging.

The app also provides users with a free phone number, allowing them to text without revealing their personal mobile number.

TextPlus's accessibility extends beyond smartphones, making it usable on devices like iPod Touches, which further expands its reach among younger audiences.

The Rise of Group Texting

While TextPlus initially gained traction through free text messaging, it has evolved into a significant player in the group texting market. The "plus" in TextPlus refers to its group texting capabilities, allowing users to easily coordinate with multiple people, including family members, friends, work colleagues, and even bandmates.

The All-Star Team Behind TextPlus

One of the key reasons for venture capitalists' excitement is the team behind Gogii. The company's founders are veterans of the mobile games industry, having previously built and sold JAMDAT, a successful mobile games company, to Electronic Arts for a whopping $680 million.

This experience and expertise in the mobile games market are highly valuable, indicating a deep understanding of user engagement, monetization, and the potential of mobile gaming.

The Gogii team is not just a group of seasoned veterans. They are joined by a strong team of executives with backgrounds in marketing, branding, and corporate development from companies like Activision, Fox Interactive Media, and ESPN, further bolstering their expertise and capabilities.

The "Where the Puck is Going" Strategy

The Gogii team isn't satisfied with being just a successful app store player. They have a clear vision for the future, one that extends beyond free texting and into the realm of mobile games.

Their strategy involves building a large and engaged user base through free text messaging and group features, which will then serve as the foundation for a transition into mobile social networking and games.

This approach, referred to as "where the puck is going," demonstrates their strategic vision and foresight in anticipating the future of mobile communication and entertainment.

Venture Capital Support and a Big Vision

Gogii's ambitions are fueled by the support of prominent venture capital firms, including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers' iFund, Matrix Partners, and individual investors.

Gogii's venture capital partners bring significant experience and resources to the table, further strengthening the company's position in the LA tech scene and beyond.

The team's vision is to become a major force in the mobile games market, building a thriving platform and ecosystem for mobile gaming and social networking.

This ambitious vision, coupled with their strong team, experienced leadership, and the support of leading venture capitalists, positions Gogii for continued growth and success in the highly competitive mobile app market.

The Power of Blogging

This article highlights the power of blogging as a marketing tool. The Gogii team first connected with the author through his blog, demonstrating the reach and influence that online platforms can have in the venture capital and tech world.

This example emphasizes the importance of building an online presence and engaging with the community through blogs, social media, and other platforms.

Blogs, in particular, can be a powerful way to share insights, build relationships, and attract attention from potential investors and partners, as demonstrated by the Gogii story.