FreeCharge acqui-hires offline app distribution firm Preburn

Mumbai-based Accelyst Solutions Pvt Ltd that runs online recharge site FreeCharge.com has acquire-hired a stealth mode startup Preburn, a top executive of the company told Techcircle.in. The startup provides an offline app store for user acquisition wherein apps are distributed through mobile retail stores. The financials of the deal remain undisclosed.

"We have invested in bringing on board the Preburn team that comprises of five IITians. With the acquisition, we're hoping to get good ideas out of the garage and into the market, where they belong," said Alok Goel, CEO of FreeCharge.

"Preburn aspires to facilitate smooth on-boarding for new smartphone users. The founders share our vision around discovery of mobile apps and FreeCharge's resources and expertise would give them speed of execution and would help serve a wider user base of users," he added.

Preburn was launched earlier this year by Mohit Mittal, Manikanta Nikhil and Vijaysimha Reddy. Apps of different genres are packaged into bundles and installed on users' devices at time of purchase from retail stores. App publishers can get to their target audience using its advanced device and location targeting functionalities.

Prior to Preburn, FreeCharge had acquired  social wish list platform Wishberg, wherein the startup shut down and its founders joined FreeCharge to lead the company's product & growth as well as its partnerships & alliances.