Wednesday, July 09, 2014

With FbStart, Facebook Hands Out Goodies to Mobile App Makers

Facebook launched FbStart, a no-strings-attached initiative aimed at giving third-party developers access to services such as app testing and user research. Originally open only to conference attendees, the program is now broadly available to all iOS and Android with live apps, around the world.
Like all businesses, mobile startups increasingly rely on social media to improve their sales, marketing, and customer service. With this platform, developers will get the tools they need to implement an effective social media strategy. Developers supported by the fbStart will get an advanced look at new tools and features Facebook is creating for its site. In return, Facebook hopes that some of those start-ups could eventually build a business around its platform. Startups can apply for one of two tracks in the FbStart program, depending on where they are in their development lifecycle: Bootstrap, for teams that are just starting out, and Accelerate, for apps that are thriving but are now tackling the challenge of scale. The packages include access to Parse Pro, Facebook mobile app advertising credits, invitations to special events, and other tools from industry leaders. So far partners in the fbStart program include Seedcamp, sFund, 500 Startups, TechStars, and Y Combinator. Most of the developers accepted onto FbStart will get about $8,000 worth of products and services, mostly from companies other than Facebook. Some promising apps will receive up to $40,000 in services, including $500 of free advertising on Facebook. The startups might not be worth much now, but they could be future advertising gold mines for Facebook on the mobile app market.
Source: https://developers.facebook.com/products/fb-start/


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