From left to right: Jamaludin Bujang, Managing Partner of Gobi (Malaysia), Johan Rozali-Wathooth, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bintang, Nafees Khundker, Managing Director of Bitsmedia, Lee Chong Min, Managing Partner of CMIA Capital Partners and Fara Abdullah, co-CEO of Bitsmedia.
Bitsmedia, the creator of the widely popular Muslim lifestyle application (app), Muslim Pro, has successfully secured US$20 million in its Series A funding round. This funding round saw participation from Asia-focused venture capital firm, Gobi Partners, alongside continued support from existing investors – CMIA Capital Partners, and Bintang Capital Partners.
The newly injected funds will be dedicated to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, enrich content offerings on Bitsmedia’s streaming platform, Qalbox, continuously develop educational features, and improve the Quran experience within Muslim Pro.
Nafees Khundker, Managing Director of Bitsmedia, said, “Nurturing Bitsmedia’s growth and global footprint while serving the needs of our global Muslim community remains central to our vision. This investment is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and expanding our reach into key international markets such as the US, UK, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as new territories within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.”
Fara Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bitsmedia added, “Our vision for Muslim Pro is to evolve into a comprehensive platform that meets the diverse needs of the Muslim community. This marks the beginning of our commitment to enhance the Muslim experience and drive deeper connections in their lives.”
Gobi Partners, an Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in assets under management (AUM), champions entrepreneurship across emerging markets. Their investment in Bitmedia is in line with the firm’s overarching “TaqwaTech” investment thesis, which focuses on identifying and supporting growth companies that use technology for purpose-driven innovation to meet the needs of Muslim consumers, businesses, and communities around the world.
Jamaludin Bujang, Managing Partner of Gobi (Malaysia), said: “At Gobi, our mission is to break barriers, level the playing field, and provide access for all. Over the years, we’ve identified a significant market opportunity in underserved digital needs within Muslim communities. Our investment in Bitsmedia underscores our commitment to TaqwaTech.”
CMIA Capital Partners and Bintang Capital Partners have continued to collaborate with Bitsmedia since their initial investment in 2017, witnessing its evolution from a community app centered around the Quran, Qibla, prayers times and other utility features to a platform that now incorporates lifestyle, knowledge, and community-focused services.
Lee Chong Min, Managing Partner of CMIA Capital Partners said, “We see significant growth opportunities within the 2 billion-strong global Muslim community for Bitsmedia. Given its initiatives to leverage technology for community benefits, such as Qalbox’s content streaming service and the upcoming integration of AI, we are confident in Bitsmedia’s continued upward trajectory.”
Johan Rozali-Wathooth, Founder and CEO, Bintang Capital Partners said, “Bintang has clear impact objectives for our recent investment in Bitsmedia: to champion digital inclusivity for Muslims, foster stronger global ties through educational content about the Muslim world, and create high-value employment opportunities through the growth of Bitsmedia’s business. We hope to welcome Bitsmedia into the global B Corp community in the near future.”
Nafees added, “The latest funds infusion, in collaboration with the industry’s best investors, puts us on the right track to achieving our vision of becoming the ‘Digital Home for All Things Muslim’.”
Headquartered in Singapore, Bitsmedia is recognized for its flagship product, the Muslim Pro app, which has amassed over 150 million downloads globally.
For media inquiries, please contact: press@bitsmedia.com
Bitsmedia, the developer and publisher of Singapore-based Muslim Pro, the world’s leading Muslim lifestyle app, has announced that it has surpassed a remarkable milestone of 150 million downloads worldwide. This achievement cements Muslim Pro’s position as the leading lifestyle app, that caters to the diverse needs of millions of Muslims globally. According to Data.ai, as of May 2023, Muslim Pro is the number one mobile app from Singapore as well as Southeast Asia in the lifestyle category by cumulative downloads. It is also one of the top 25 mobile apps overall from Singapore by cumulative downloads.
Fara Abdullah, co-CEO at Bitsmedia said, “We are grateful for the overwhelming support Muslim Pro has received, surpassing the significant milestone of 150 million downloads. This achievement is testament to our ongoing dedication to empowering Muslims worldwide and ensuring that they have access to essential resources and an enriching digital experience.”
Since its inception in 2010, Muslim Pro has been empowering individuals to enhance their spiritual journey. The app provides a comprehensive suite of features, including accurate prayer times, Qibla direction, the Holy Quran, Islamic calendars, and various other invaluable resources, all seamlessly integrated within a user-friendly interface.
Bitsmedia continues to innovate and cater to the evolving needs of its users. Its recently launched streaming service, Qalbox, attracted an average of 15 million monthly visitors since January 2023. Users can browse and enjoy Qalbox’s catalogue of content ad-free via the Muslim Pro app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), web app, tablets, Chromecast and Samsung Tizen TV, Android, and tvOS Apple TV.
The success of Muslim Pro would not have been possible without the trust and support of its users, partners, and the wider community. To commemorate the milestone and show Muslim Pro’s appreciation to its subscribers, Bitsmedia presented Umrah packages to three lucky users as part of a giveaway in partnership with Syukran Travel. This was done at a recent luncheon at Muslim Pro’s 68-staff main headquarters in Keppel, to celebrate its latest achievement.
Bitsmedia, the developer and publisher of the Muslim Pro app and Qalbox announces their participation as a silver sponsor at MAS-ICNA Convention 2022.The Muslim American Society (MAS) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Annual Convention is happening from the 26 to 28 December 2022 at McCormick Place, Chicago.
“The MAS-ICNA convention is an important community event that brings together the different elements of Islamic society in that region to discuss important topics affecting the community. Various programs are offered concurrently for different ages and interests, allowing a melting pot of Muslims from all walks of life to participate,” said Nik Emir Din, co-CEO at Bitsmedia.
“Similarly, Qalbox, our newest SVOD streaming service for Muslims globally aims to provide a little of something for every Muslim irrespective of where they are, in their interlacement of faith and daily life since Islam is a way of life,”
“We hope through this collaboration it will enable both Muslim Pro and Qalbox to be a part of the microcosm of the Muslim community in North America and beyond to fulfill their diverse needs,” he added.
The convention is expected to draw up to 30,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors from around the world, the largest crowd since COVID-19 with this year’s theme being “Islam & Modernity: Challenges & Opportunities”.
It features three full days of programs for all ages and interests, including activities for toddlers and children. Unique booth-bazaar and entertainment sessions which include a talent show, Qur’an competition, a kids carnival, and Islamic nasheeds (music).
Additionally, over 100 acclaimed speakers and scholars from across the country and abroad are expected to attend the convention. Among guest speakers include Long Island University’s Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Dalia Fahmy, Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research’s President Omar Suleiman, and Siraj Wahhaj, the Imam of New York’s Masjid Taqwa.
Exclusive to this year’s MAS-ICNA convention, attendees can enjoy premium features of the Muslim Pro app ad-free with a complimentary first month subscription and stream Qalbox indefinitely via the mobile app, web app, tablets, as well as SMART TV Chromecasting.
Tickets are now on sale and a full schedule can be found by visiting the convention’s website, https://masconvention.org/
For media enquiries, please contact press@bitsmedia.com
Bitsmedia was awarded the ‘User Satisfaction’ award by the AdMob Team at the annual Google APAC App Summit 2022 for listening to user feedback and filling a niche gap for Muslims with Qalbox – a streaming service within the Muslim Pro App that celebrates the Muslim community, a group often underrepresented and victimized in today’s entertainment.
“When Bitsmedia was presented with the award, the team and I were surprised because we did not expect something that had just been launched to be recognized for listening to our users,” said Louis-Bernard Carcouet, Bitsmedia’s executive advisor.
“We are grateful for Google’s recognition. This is an achievement and testament to the team’s hard work and efforts. Hopefully, this is the start of many more!” He added.
The award was introduced this year to recognize publishers who have demonstrated outstanding app execution.
Google held its first in-person App Summit for APAC at their Singapore headquarters since COVID-19 from 3-4 November where Louis-Bernard Carcouet participated in a panel discussion on the topic of global change and growth.
Moderated by Google’s SEA Head of Growth & Acquisition, Denis Nichifor, the panel included Alicia Vo HCMC Marketing Director at ABI, Amari Nguyen UAE Marketing Leader at Rocket and Saad Hameed, CEO at Game District.
In addition to discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the panel addressed the current challenges facing the industry and the steps startups are implementing, such as hiring re-skilled talent or promoting women to leadership roles.
“The discussion among the panelists was insightful and a great way for us to learn from each other on the probable ways to mitigate issues faced in the industry,” said Louis.
The Google App Summit is an all-invite only event for partners as well as promising start-ups from the region.
For media enquiries, please contact press@bitsmedia.com
- The agreement was signed at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony with local self-help group MENDAKI on 14 April 2022
- The scholarship will support 10 Malay/Muslim students from local universities in STEM
- This is Bitsmedia’s first scholarship funding since its inception in 2009
Bitsmedia forms a 5-year agreement with local self-help group Yayasan MENDAKI to fund scholarships for students in local universities, with priority given to those in the STEM field.
A total of 10 Malay/Muslim students would benefit from this scholarship twice a year, from 2022 to 2026. Each scholarship is valued at SGD $5,000.
“At the core of the Muslim Pro brand is our commitment to empowering Muslims through technology,” says Fara Abdullah, Co-CEO of Bitsmedia and Muslim Pro.
Fara also added, “We want to encourage youths to explore a sector that is constantly thriving with innovations and limitless possibilities. It all begins with education and that a person’s financial limitations should not be a roadblock to achieving one’s ambitions and aspirations. I hope this would inspire many more students to achieve greater heights in the areas of STEM.”
Mdm Zuraidah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of MENDAKI says, “MENDAKI is delighted to partner Bitsmedia and establish a new scholarship to support Malay/Muslim students who are studying in STEM fields. We hope more like-minded corporate partners in emerging and growth sectors will continue to work with MENDAKI to help our students to pursue their studies and achieve their dream”.
This scholarship is Bitsmedia’s first to fund since its inception in 2009.