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Chinese in-app search platform Wandoujia raises $120 million

SoftBank leads the Series B investment round

Chinese in-app search platform Wandoujia raises $120 million

Chinese mobile entertainment platform Wandoujia has closed a $120 million investment round.

The lead investor was SoftBank, while existing investors such as DCM and Innovation Works Development Fund also participated.

Wandoujia says it will use the cash to expand its vision to create a strong Android-based platform for mobile games, apps, video and music through in-app search.

It currently claims more than 300 million users in China and says it's the second most active Android distribution channel in China in terms of monthly users.

It's also in the process of launching its SnapPea product, which enables you to sync between Android and web/Windows PC, internationally.

A new way to discover

Founded by ex-Googler Junyu Wang - the company's CEO - Wandoujia launched with a desktop manager for Android before moving into mobile search.

"At present, Wandoujia is the only mobile internet company in China to have developed in-app search technology to break down the barriers between apps and help users better discover content," Wang explained.

"This successful round of funding represents the market's affirmation of Wandoujia's competitiveness, and we will use these resources to accelerate our growth and more openly serve developers and the entire ecosystem by developing technology and innovation in mobile search."

Doing things differently

"When DCM first came into contact with Wandoujia in 2011, it stood out from the mass of app stores because of its unique app search model. Since last year, Wandoujia has entered into additional mobile content verticals with its search product." commented DCM, General Partner Hurst Lin,

"We believe that Wandoujia, with its record of achievements and persistent strength in products and technology, has an opportunity to become the leader of the mobile internet industry."

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A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.