G-Mobi

Founded in 2011 by CEO Paul Wu and COO Ben Liao, General Mobile Corporation (GMobi) is a Taipei-based provider of mobile internet services with a strategic focus on emerging markets. Wu, who holds an MBA from Rotterdam School of Management and a bachelor's in Agri-Economics from National Taiwan University, previously worked at MediaTek, where he was instrumental in building a mobile service ecosystem. This experience directly informed GMobi's mission to address the demand for mobile device services in developing economies. Ben Liao, an Oxford University alumnus with a background in finance and mobile internet, complements the leadership with expertise in strategic partnerships and investment.

GMobi operates a multifaceted business model primarily targeting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and mobile app developers. The company provides a suite of software solutions called Go2Reach, which includes firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) updates, data analytics, push notification campaigns, a global payment network, and app recommendations. This platform enables phone manufacturers to offer value-added services and helps app developers monetize their products and acquire users in hard-to-reach markets. Revenue is generated through several channels, including managing white-label app stores for feature phones, taking a percentage of in-app purchases, selling ad space on its FOTA interface, and brokering pre-install deals for applications on smartphones. This approach creates a symbiotic relationship, allowing local device vendors to monetize their user base while giving global app publishers access to new consumers.

The company's platform is designed to function as a bridge between software firms and local smartphone brands, particularly in regions where many users may not have a Google account. By 2018, the company had been acquired by Airpush (now Airnow), marking a significant milestone in its journey. Prior to its acquisition, GMobi had secured investments from prominent firms including MediaTek, Singtel Innov8, Trend Micro, SOSV, and CDIB. GMobi's services are integrated into a vast number of Android devices, having established partnerships with over 100 OEMs.

Keywords: mobile internet services, firmware-over-the-air, FOTA, app monetization, user acquisition, mobile advertising platform, emerging markets, white-label app store, push notifications, mobile payment solutions, data analytics, OEM services, app pre-install, mobile software management, Paul Wu, Ben Liao, Go2Reach, ad platform, content monetization, mobile device services, Taipei startup