Over the past decade, the number of startups in the country has exploded, increasing over 300-fold, with hundreds achieving the coveted “unicorn” status. Yet, the journey to becoming a unicorn in India was first charted by a pioneering company: InMobi.
Founded in 2007, InMobi emerged with a visionary goal—to revolutionize the advertising landscape. At a time when mobile phones were becoming ubiquitous in India, InMobi foresaw the potential of mobile advertising. The startup aimed to solve a fundamental business challenge: reaching consumers effectively and efficiently. By extending traditional TV advertisements to mobile devices, InMobi carved a niche for itself in the digital advertising space.
InMobi’s innovative approach is best exemplified by the now-ubiquitous in-app ad banners. These ads have become a staple in mobile applications, seamlessly integrating advertisements into user experiences. This strategic move not only revolutionized advertising but also set InMobi on a rapid growth trajectory.
In 2011, just four years after its inception, InMobi achieved unicorn status, becoming India’s first startup to reach a valuation of $1 billion. The company’s ascent didn’t stop there. By 2017, InMobi had turned profitable—a milestone few unicorns achieve swiftly. Today, InMobi stands as one of the rare profitable unicorns in India, boasting a valuation exceeding $15 billion and reporting a profit of Rs 113.2 crore in 2023.
InMobi’s success story extends beyond Indian borders. The company has established a global footprint, operating in over 190 countries. Remarkably, China has emerged as InMobi’s second-largest market after the United States, highlighting the startup’s international appeal and strategic prowess.
As India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, the pioneering journey of InMobi will always be remembered as the spark that ignited the unicorn revolution in the country. InMobi’s story is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the incredible heights Indian startups can achieve with innovation, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment.
InMobi’s trajectory reaffirms that India is not just a land of startups but a fertile ground for innovation that can transform industries and set new benchmarks globally.
