The debate has been raging for years about how to obtain payment for content on the Internet. Foap's concept is to create a marketplace where normal mobile phone users can sell their photos.
Foap's rapidly expanding number of users has resulted in the app attracting a lot of attention all around the world only a year or so after its launch. The application currently has 575,000 users, and ten million Swedish kronor in the form of venture capital is currently being invested in the company so that it can expand internationally.
Foap was founded by Alexandra Bylund and David Los, with the basic concept of serving as a digital photo database that brings together private individuals and companies in a convenient way. Private individuals can obtain payment for pictures they've taken with an iPhone, and companies in turn can have access to photos they need in their business.
– The material was already there, on Facebook, in blogs, on Twitter, on Instagram and so on. Someone just needed to take care of it and help users obtain payment for it, says Alexandra.
The cost for a photo sold on Foap Market is 10 dollars, shared equally between the photographer and Foap, and the photo can then be sold many times.
One new function in the app is Foap Missions, which was launched in March 2013, where companies can submit specific photo assignments, and this has proven to be very successful. One of the very first customers to support the project was Region Skåne.
– They were our first customer and have supported us from Day One in terms of development and strategy. We've really felt that we've had a strong local player behind us who believes in what we do and who pushes us, which has been incredibly important for the success we've had so far, believes David.
It was the opportunity to put together a good team that resulted in David and Alexandra choosing to launch their company in Malmö.
– It's becoming easier and easier to find skilled apps developers in Skåne thanks to the courses and initiatives that exist in the region," says David.
Foap has its premises in Media Evolution City in Malmö. Alexandra explains why:
– We're based here for the 'software', for the concept of networking and the atmosphere of innovation in the building that pervades everything.
Foap now has ten employees and customers such as Puma, Mango, Lavazza and AXE. Still ahead is expansion in the USA, with a number of major customers interested, as well as the launch of an Android version.
– Our latest assignment is for Sony Entertainment Network, who want to have lots of pictures for their social music streaming service. We're now talking to major global brand names that we could only dream about earlier, says David.
Film: Foap is featured on CNN
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