Metabar

Metabar.ru provides a free platform designed to automate the creation of browser-based applications, specifically targeting the Russian internet market. The company was backed by a USD 1 million investment from Runa Capital. Michael Ushakov serves as the CEO of the company.

The platform is engineered for ease of use, enabling website owners without programming or development skills to build a browser application. With just a few clicks, users can create an application that incorporates content from their site, such as news feeds, instant notifications, and even games. These applications exist as a toolbar in a user's browser, continuously pulling information from the main website. This functionality aims to help website owners convert casual visitors into a regular, loyal audience. The platform had already attracted hundreds of Russian websites as partners during its beta phase, which started in Autumn 2010, including prominent brands like Vedomosti.ru and KP.ru.

Metabar's business model is centered around an advertising revenue share. By integrating popular search engine capabilities into the browser applications, website owners can participate in the revenue generated from advertising searches conducted through the toolbar. This model is similar to that of the California-based Conduit.com but was the first of its kind to be offered specifically for the Russian market. The strategic goal is to increase web traffic and brand loyalty for internet sites based in Russia and the CIS region.

Keywords: browser application builder, toolbar creation, increase web traffic, brand loyalty, Russian internet market, ad revenue share, Conduit.com model, Michael Ushakov, Runa Capital, Vedomosti.ru, KP.ru, online advertising, user engagement, browser-based applications, website promotion, instant notifications, CIS technology, web development platform