Jest Fund II

No, anyone can publish on Jest self-serve. The Fund is optional growth support for apps that are a strong fit and ready to scale.

Yes. Your app must already be live on Jest with the SDK integrated before you apply. If you haven’t published yet, start with the Jest docs and the self-serve path.

No. Existing apps can be published on Jest, including titles already live on other platforms.

We aim to respond within 1–2 weeks of your application.

Developers are evaluated across six core areas. We look for teams building apps and games that can help define and expand the Jest ecosystem, with the potential to become category leaders.

• Mobile web readiness - An app build optimized for mobile web, live on Jest with the SDK integrated.
• Messaging fit – App mechanics that naturally support reminders, re-engagement, viral loops, or message-based distribution via texting.
• Growth capability – The developer's experience, resources, and willingness to support user acquisition and iterate on performance.
• Monetization strength – Evidence of strong ROAS, or a clear strategy for achieving scalable return on ad spend.
• Collaborative mindset – Openness to rapid iteration, data-driven decision-making, and close partnership with the Jest team.
• Strategic fit – Expands genre coverage, brings a meaningful audience or brand signal, or has breakout potential within the messaging apps ecosystem.

The Fund has three stages:

1. Explore — Up to $5K in Jest Ads Credits to validate your app with the Jest audience.
2. Scale — For promising apps ready to deepen platform testing on their path to becoming flagships, offered under a separate agreement.
3. Flagship — For breakout successes, established franchises, and high-performing titles ready to grow, offered under a separate agreement.

Advancement through the stages is driven by performance.

The Jest Fund is designed as progression stages rather than fixed tiers. Most apps begin in Explore to validate performance on Jest. Some partners may qualify for Scale immediately based on product maturity, performance signals, and overall fit. Advancement through Scale and Flagship is driven by performance.

Progression is driven by performance. The primary KPIs we evaluate include:

• Acquisition efficiency – User acquisition costs and organic virality.
• Retention – Strong D1/D7/D30 engagement signals and repeat usage.
• Revenue – Monetization strength and return on ad spend (ROAS).

We look for sustainable unit economics and signals that the app can scale profitably on Jest.

Developers are expected to:

• Have a mobile-optimized web build live on Jest with the SDK integrated before applying. See our Launch Checklist for details.
• Agree and adhere to the Application Development and Publishing Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy.
• Accept the Jest Fund Terms for each accepted app before credits are issued.
• Provide app assets required for ad creatives and user acquisition.
• Work closely with the Jest team to refine and evolve the app using performance insights.

Explore doesn't change your revenue share. For Scale and Flagship, Jest receives an increased platform revenue share, as set out in that app's agreement and the Jest Platform Economics.

The Fund is not equity-based and does not require partners to give up ownership of their IP. Our goal is simple: to grow alongside our partners and participate in the upside we help create.

Nothing punitive.

Not every app will achieve scalable economics — that’s the purpose of structured testing. If performance doesn’t support continued investment, the app can remain live on Jest via the self-serve path, including Discord for community support.

If the collaboration was strong and the developer is aligned with our ecosystem, we’re often eager to explore future collaborations.

Apps with strong metrics may be considered for Scale and Flagship, at Jest's discretion.

To keep the momentum going after you graduate from the fund, we also offer ongoing post-fund support: optional Jest-managed UA funded by your reinvested revenue (2% fee).