Recently, Sensor Tower made headlines by acquiring data.ai, uniting two major players in the mobile app data industry. The news sparked discussion within the mobile games sector during GDC week. The acquisition overshadowed announcements like the Epic Games Store expanding to mobile, driven by the Digital Markets Act’s impact on the iOS ecosystem.
Many were surprised by the acquisition, not because of competition, but because data.ai was perceived as a larger company. Sensor Tower’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Cui, revealed that discussions regarding the deal had been ongoing for some time. Both companies shared a common goal of providing valuable insights to the mobile market.
Cui mentioned that Riverwood Capital, an investor in Sensor Tower, was already familiar with data.ai. He highlighted the alignment of goals between the two companies and emphasized the potential for accelerating the product roadmap by combining resources.
Although the acquisition price remains undisclosed, data.ai had previously raised $157 million in investments and employed around 400 staff before the purchase. The deal led to some staff layoffs at data.ai, with rumors suggesting that as many as half of the employees lost their jobs.
Looking ahead, Sensor Tower plans to consolidate the data.ai team and brand quickly. Cui admitted to lessons learned from previous acquisitions and emphasized the importance of integrating cultures and assets from the start. He assured customers that both platforms will be supported in parallel before eventually transitioning to a unified platform.
The acquisition expands Sensor Tower’s capabilities beyond iOS and Android, aiming to become a comprehensive digital intelligence provider across various platforms. Cui expressed a long-term vision of offering multiple products that cater to different facets of the digital ecosystem.
Regarding concerns about monopolizing the mobile market intelligence space, Cui noted the presence of other providers such as SimilarWeb, Nielsen, Kantar, and MediaRadar. He emphasized Sensor Tower’s commitment to adapting to industry shifts, including the rise of web stores and cross-platform strategies.
While an IPO is not imminent, Cui acknowledged the possibility in the future as Sensor Tower aims to expand its reach and provide more comprehensive data solutions. The acquisition of data.ai signifies a step towards capturing a larger market share and delivering enhanced services to customers.
Source: PocketGamer.biz
