Notes on Webinar on Mobile Application Development and Investment Processes
General Information
This is the second Webinar and Podcast.
Questions will be taken from the Zoom chat and there will be a Q&A session.
Guests: Mr. Özgür and Ms. Burçin.
Introduction of the Guests
About Mr. Özgür
11-12 years of experience at VL Media.
Works on performance marketing.
Graduated from Başkent University in Computer Engineering and holds an MBA from Bahçeşehir University.
About Ms. Burçin
Graduated from METU in 2005, completed a master's in mathematics in Germany.
Returned to Turkey in 2009, worked in technoparks.
Conducted R&D projects with software companies.
Participated in the founding process of VL Media.
Vice President of the Turkish Game Developers Association.
The Establishment of VL Media
Two companies came together in 2014: Moment and Rotosoft.
Initially started as a social media app called Waplog, later turned into a dating app.
150-people team, growth process.
Investment Processes and Criteria
Mr. Özgür's Working Areas
Prefer companies that are self-financing, usually with 5-10 employees.
Invest in companies in development and growth stages.
The most valuable thing: The team.
In addition to financial investment, contributions such as mentorship, business development, operational support, and benefiting from government support.
Qualifications Sought in Companies to Invest
Team harmony and synergy are very important.
There should be experts leading the team: Marketing, Product, Software, Design, etc.
The product's market potential, competitors, and market size are examined.
They invest in potentially large-scale companies.
Developing an App Without Money
The budget may vary depending on the type of product.
Starting with small-budget projects and seeking investment as you succeed is a sensible strategy.
Metrics
Metrics like CR (Conversion Rate), retention rate, PPU (Pay per unit), ARPU (Average Revenue Per User), LTV (Lifetime Value) are very important.
Emphasis on A/B tests and creative tests, methods of attracting users from different channels.
Evaluation and Smart Money Concept
Information about company valuation processes, app valuation, and expectations.
Smart money: Sharing of knowledge and experience by investors.
Mentorship and consultancy services.
Competition and Privacy Changes
Increasing competition raises user acquisition costs.
The impact of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency and Google’s similar applications.
Discussions on Web to App ads and various user acquisition strategies.
Q&A Section
Formulas used for valuation.
Information about the gaming industry.
Emphasis on the importance of incubation centers for startups.
Closing
It was noted that the first webinar was successful and that the second broadcast was also successful.
More specific topics will be addressed in future episodes.
The participants were thanked.
Planned Future Topics
Paywall and onboarding optimizations.
More in-depth product management and user acquisition strategies.