Popsical

Popsical, a Singapore-based startup, was founded in 2016 by three karaoke enthusiasts: Faruq Marican, Umar Abdul Hamid, and Fadhli Rahim. The company's inception was driven by the goal of modernizing the karaoke experience, moving away from bulky, traditional machines with limited song choices. Popsical started as a Kickstarter campaign and has since positioned itself in the home entertainment market.

The company's core product is a compact, cloud-based karaoke streaming device. This system provides access to a licensed library of over 230,000 songs in 14 languages, which is updated daily. Unlike traditional systems requiring manual updates via CDs, Popsical streams its content, ensuring users have access to the latest hits. The device, such as the Popsical Remix 2, is designed to be portable and user-friendly, connecting to a TV and controllable via a smartphone app. This app allows users to browse the songbook, queue songs, and control the system, creating an interactive and social experience. Some models feature built-in microphone receivers and rechargeable wireless microphones.

Popsical operates on a hardware-plus-subscription business model. Customers purchase the physical karaoke device and can then opt into a subscription service for unlimited access to the full song catalog. The company offers different subscription tiers, including a monthly plan and a 24-hour pass, catering to both regular users and those hosting impromptu parties. A limited free-play option is also available daily. The business primarily targets Gen Z and Millennial consumers, as well as families seeking at-home entertainment solutions. The company has sold over 20,000 units and holds the distinction of being a best-selling karaoke system in Singapore. To support its growth, Popsical has secured a total of $5.58 million in funding over four rounds, including a significant Series A round in June 2020 led by Quest Ventures.

Keywords: home karaoke system, cloud-based karaoke, karaoke streaming, music entertainment, Popsical Remix, subscription music, karaoke app, smart karaoke, digital entertainment, Faruq Marican, home entertainment system, streaming device, licensed music library, social singing, portable karaoke, video streaming, music streaming hardware, consumer electronics, entertainment technology, Singapore startup, Quest Ventures, Series A funding