The Jest Apps Fund

No. The Jest Apps Fund is optional. Anyone can publish on Jest through our self-serve path, which includes full SDK access, documentation, a developer Discord community, and direct email support - at no cost. The Fund provides additional capital and growth support for apps that are a strong fit and ready to scale.

No. Existing apps can be published on Jest, including titles already live on other platforms. The primary requirement is a mobile web build that integrates with the Jest SDK.

Jest receives an increased platform revenue share in accordance with 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.

Once an app is integrated with the Jest SDK and published on the platform, we are ready to begin user acquisition testing immediately.

Depending on the stage (Explore, Scale, or Flagship), we may deploy capital toward user acquisition and growth, collaborating with the developer on creative development and applying lessons learned from performance data.

Developers can run their own campaigns alongside Jest-supported efforts. We align on attribution and measurement to ensure performance is transparent and scalable.

The Jest Apps Fund is structured 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 – Cost per texting subscriber and organic virality.
• Retention – Strong D1/D7/D30 engagement signals and repeat usage.
• Revenue – In-app purchase strength and return on ad spend (ROAS).

We look for sustainable unit economics and signals that the app can scale profitably within the messaging ecosystem.

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

• Mobile web readiness - An app build optimized for mobile web, or a clear plan for porting.
• 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 in-app purchase performance, or a clear strategy for building a scalable IAP economy.
• 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.

Developers are expected to:

• Publish a mobile-optimized web build with the Jest SDK integrated.
• Agree and adhere to the Development Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy.
• Provide app assets required for marketing creatives, onboardings, and user acquisition.
• Work closely with the Jest team to refine and evolve the app using performance insights.

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.

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

We review applications on a first-come, first-served basis and aim to respond within 1–2 weeks.

If there’s strong alignment, we move quickly into technical review and launch coordination so testing can begin as soon as the app is live.