When we launched Jest and announced our $7M seed round, we shared a simple conviction: messaging is becoming a new distribution surface for software.
Jest is the first marketplace for messaging apps, where, for the first time, developers can leverage messaging as a primary distribution surface.
We believe this is a once-in-a-generation platform shift. The Jest Apps Fund is our commitment to accelerating it with up to $1M per app for developers interested in building for the messaging era.
The Structure: A Progression Journey
The Fund is not a one-time check. It’s a progression model designed to move apps from experimentation to breakout scale.
New categories aren’t built in a single leap - they’re built through testing, learning, and doubling down on what works. The structure of the Fund reflects that reality.
- Explore (up to $40K): Early validation: test messaging-native mechanics, measure engagement, and find signal.
- Scale (up to $200K): Double down on traction: build repeatable acquisition and strengthen monetization.
- Flagship (up to $1M): Back breakout apps: support franchises that can define genres in the messaging era.
Progression is performance-driven.
Most teams will begin in Explore - testing, learning, and finding product-market fit inside messaging. Some may enter at Scale immediately based on product maturity and prior traction. Advancement isn’t predetermined; it happens when the data supports it.
The idea is simple: we invest more as proof compounds. Capital follows signal. As apps demonstrate scalable retention, acquisition efficiency, and monetization, we lean in - growing alongside the teams that are defining this new category.
How the Fund Works in Practice
When an app is accepted into the Jest Apps Fund and integrated with the Jest SDK, we begin testing immediately.
From there, the work becomes collaborative and performance-driven. Depending on the stage and early results, we may:
- Deploy capital into user acquisition
- Build onboardings that convert paid traffic into engaged messaging users
- Partner closely on creative strategy and iteration
- Align on attribution and performance measurement
- Apply cross-portfolio learnings to improve efficiency
This isn’t passive capital. It’s a hands-on partnership. We test, measure, and refine together - using real performance data to determine when and how to scale.
The Fund is not equity-based. Developers retain full ownership of their IP. Jest participates through platform economics aligned with performance.
The goal is simple: grow alongside the apps and games that grow on Jest.
What We Look For
We don’t have a single template for what a “Jest app” looks like. In fact, part of the excitement is that the defining genres haven’t fully emerged yet.
But we do evaluate along a few consistent dimensions:
- Mobile web readiness: A mobile-optimized web build - or a clear plan to port to web.
- Messaging fit: Apps and games whose mechanics benefit from reminders, re-engagement loops, and conversational distribution inside the inbox.
- Growth capability: We look for teams willing to test aggressively, iterate quickly, and treat user acquisition as part of product design - not just marketing.
- Monetization strength: A credible path to scalable IAP revenue, with mechanics that support long-term user value.
- Collaborative mindset: The best outcomes come from tight feedback loops. Openness to data, experimentation, and shared iteration is essential.
- Strategic fit: Some apps and games expand genre coverage. Some bring a meaningful audience. Some simply have breakout energy. We value all three.
Above all, we’re looking for teams who want to build at the frontier - and help define what messaging apps become.
What We Expect (And What You Can Expect From Us)
At its core, this is a partnership.
From developers, we expect:
- A mobile-optimized web build with the Jest SDK integrated
- Marketing assets to support creative testing and iteration
- Alignment on attribution and performance measurement
- A willingness to move quickly and iterate based on data
From us, you can expect:
- Platform infrastructure to launch inside messaging
- Growth capital to test, learn, and scale together
- Growth expertise and creative collaboration
- Direct access to the team building the platform
We’re here to build enduring apps and games - and enduring partnerships.
How to Apply
You can apply at about.jest.com/fund. The application process is intentionally straightforward.
We’ll ask for:
- Developer and contact details
- A short description of your app and its current status
- Status of your mobile web build
- Monetization model
- UA experience
- Engine/framework
- A playable link or demo
We review applications on a rolling basis and aim to respond within 1–2 weeks.
When alignment is strong, we move fast - technical review, SDK integration, and launch coordination so testing can begin as soon as the app is live.
A Platform Shift Worth Building For
Messaging is undergoing a structural transformation. What started as simple conversations has evolved into a rich, programmable platform used daily by billions.
When platforms shift, the early builders define the category.
The Jest Apps Fund exists to back those builders - with a progression model grounded in performance, aligned incentives, real partnership, and up to $1M per app.
We’re still at the beginning of messaging apps. The genres aren’t fixed. The leaders haven’t been decided. If you want to build for the messaging era, apply here.
Let’s build the future of messaging apps together.