Doongle
Doongle is an app service that helps users to make global friendships with people who share lifestyle, interests, and culture.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor investor | €0.0 | round |
KRW730m | Seed | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Doongle operated as a mobile-based social platform designed to connect individuals globally, particularly catering to travelers seeking local friendships. The company's journey began in 2011 when it launched under the name ePenpal, conceptualized by a backend developer who aimed to create a digital penpal service. In 2016, serial entrepreneur Nathan Jh Moon took the helm, rebranding and relaunching the app as Doongle in 2017 with a broader vision. Based in Seoul, South Korea, the startup was funded by investors including Lotte Ventures and RISE.
The platform's primary function was to facilitate cross-cultural connections and language exchange. Users could create profiles, share photos and voice stories, and engage in conversations with people from over 150 countries. Key features included one-on-one messaging, real-time group chats for users with similar interests, and a search function to find users by country. Unique additions were "Right Now," an interactive world map for chatting with users in different time zones, and a random video chat feature. To bridge language barriers, the application incorporated a real-time translation service for messages and user stories. The business model was based on a freemium structure; core features were free, while a premium subscription offered an ad-free experience and additional profile customization options. In 2019, the company outlined plans to generate further revenue through partnerships with local advertisers and travel agencies.
Despite reaching over one million registered accounts, the company faced significant challenges. User reviews frequently cited issues with the app's stability, bugs, and a user base that included unsolicited and rude behavior. Data from Tracxn indicates that the company is now considered deadpooled, suggesting a cessation of its operations. The official website is no longer active, and the app is not available on major app stores, though older versions can be found on some third-party APK sites.
Keywords: global social network, penpal app, language exchange, cultural exchange, travel friends, social discovery, international chat, Doongle Corp, ePenpal, Nathan Jh Moon, Seoul startup, meet global friends, cross-cultural communication, traveler social app, mobile social platform, Lotte Ventures, social networking app, real-time translation