Sekai Camera featured on MiX – ending “Tonchidot is a company to watch” http://bit.ly/4ZwY05 (shame @iguchi didn’t get Gorilla.. next time!)

The app is free, so what’s Tonchidot’s business model? In an email response to questions, Ken Inoue, the CFO, said that the company will look to make money from advertising, promotions, premium services and in-app-purchase of gaming items, among other things. “But first, we, and everybody else, need to build a user base, and promote adoption by as many people as possible. We are still in the very early stages of the industry,” he added.

User-base first, business model second. That’s a well-worn strategy and no guarantee of success. Like Facebook, Tonchidot is going to have tread a fine line between meeting advertisers’ needs and protecting consumers’ privacy and the quality of the user experience. Still, Sekai Camera’s emphasis on fun does suggest it has found the path to popularity – Tonchidot is a company to watch.

Related posts:

1. Sekai Camera Campaign for Tsutaya
2. Sekai Camera Launches AR in Japan
3. Sekai Hero AR Game
4. Tagging the World on a Phone
5. AR for the Car, Camera & More

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!