Play Octopus

Bethesda, United States Founded: 2017 • Age: 9 yrs Acquired By T-Mobile
In-car entertainment advertisement solutions for rideshare industry
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About Play Octopus

Play Octopus is a company based in Bethesda (United States) founded in 2017 was acquired by T-Mobile in January 2022.. Play Octopus has raised $13.26 million across 1 funding round from investors including T-Mobile, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Match Capital. Play Octopus operates in a competitive market with competitors including dKilo, Xinchao Media, Rodeo, Drovo and Ara Labs, among others.

  • Headquarter Bethesda, United States
  • Sectors
    Media & Entertainment
  • Email
    ***********
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
Operational Areas
Media & Entertainment → Marketing, Advertising & Adtech
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $13.26 M (USD)

    in 1 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
    $13.26 M (USD), Series A

    Sep 03, 2019

  • Investors
    T-Mobile

    & 2 more

  • Employee Count
    Employee Count
  • Acquired by
    T-Mobile

    (Jan 10, 2022)

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People of Play Octopus
Headcount 10-50
Employee Profiles 11
Board Members and Advisors 1
Employee Profiles
People
Cherian Thomas
Co-founder & CEO
People
Shirish Verma
Chief Financial Officer
People
Bennett Fogel
Chief Commercial Officer
People
Bradford Sayler
Co-founder & COO

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Board Members and Advisors
people
Dave Kupiec
Senior Advisor

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Funding Insights of Play Octopus

Play Octopus has successfully raised a total of $13.26M through 1 strategic funding round. The most recent funding activity was a Series A round of $13.26 million completed in September 2019. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 1
  • Last Round Series A — $13.3M
  • First Round

    (03 Sep 2019)

  • Investors Count 2
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Sep, 2019 Amount Series A - Play Octopus Valuation Sinclair Broadcast Group
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Play Octopus

Play Octopus has secured backing from 3 investors, including institutional investors. Prominent investors backing the company include T-Mobile, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Match Capital. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Institutional
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Television stations and channels are owned and operated nationwide.
Founded Year Domain Location
Serves as a platform connecting investors with entrepreneurs.
Founded Year Domain Location
Mobile telecommunication services, internet connections, and device sales are provided.
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Play Octopus

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016

Financial Statements - Play Octopus

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Play Octopus Comparisons

Employees
+
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Competitors of Play Octopus

Play Octopus operates in a dynamic and competitive business environment, facing competition from various established players and emerging companies in the market. The competitive landscape includes prominent companies such as dKilo, Xinchao Media, Rodeo, Drovo and Ara Labs, among others. This competitive environment drives innovation, market differentiation, and strategic positioning as companies strive to capture market share and deliver value to their customers. Understanding the competitive dynamics is crucial for assessing market positioning, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating the challenges inherent in a competitive marketplace.

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Cloud-based cab advertising solutions are provided for real-time campaign management.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Media advertising services are delivered via elevator TVs in China.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Rodeo is engaged in transit media advertising solutions.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Cab advertising solutions are provided via a targeted digital platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Advertising services are provided by Ara Labs since 2016.
Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Latest news on Play Octopus

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Octopus

When was Play Octopus founded?

Play Octopus was founded in 2017 and raised its 1st funding round 2 years after it was founded.

Where is Play Octopus located?

Play Octopus is headquartered in Bethesda, United States. It is registered at Bethesda, Maryland, United States.

Is Play Octopus a funded company?

Play Octopus is a funded company, having raised a total of $13.26M across 1 funding round to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series A of $13.26M, raised on Sep 03, 2019.

What does Play Octopus do?

Play Octopus was founded in 2017 in Bethesda, United States. In-car entertainment and advertising solutions are supplied to the rideshare sector. Pre-configured tablets equipped with games and content are distributed to drivers, while location-based short video ads are targeted at passengers. Partnerships with advertisers are established to integrate ads within Uber, Lyft, and similar services across urban areas.

Who are the top competitors of Play Octopus?

Play Octopus's top competitors include Xinchao Media, Rodeo and Ara Labs.

Who are Play Octopus's investors?

Play Octopus has 3 investors. Key investors include T-Mobile, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Match Capital.

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