BeReal Bought by Voodoo

BeReal is a photo-sharing app launched in late 2019 by former GoPro employee Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau. It differentiates itself from other social media platforms by encouraging users to capture and share genuine, unfiltered moments from their day. Users receive a daily prompt to take a photo using both the front and back cameras simultaneously, which is then shared with friends. The app aims to provide an authentic snapshot of everyday life rather than curated or heavily edited content.

The Concept and Features

BeReal's unique concept revolves around spontaneity and authenticity. Once a day, at a random time, users receive a notification prompting them to take a photo within two minutes. The app simultaneously captures images from the front and rear cameras, giving a genuine snapshot of what the user is doing at that moment. There are no filters or editing tools, which aligns with the app’s goal of promoting unfiltered and genuine content.

Key features of BeReal include:

• Daily Notifications: Users receive one notification per day at a random time, prompting them to take a photo within two minutes.

• Dual Camera Capture: The app uses both the front and rear cameras to capture a full perspective of the user’s surroundings and activities.

• No Filters or Editing: To ensure authenticity, BeReal does not offer filters or editing options.

• Friends Feed: Users can view and interact with their friends' daily photos, fostering a sense of community and connection based on real-life moments.

• Discovery: Users can explore photos from people around the world, providing a glimpse into everyday life in different cultures and locations.

Regarding funding, BeReal raised $30 million in a Series A round in June 2021, with investors including Accel and Andreessen Horowitz. In October 2022, they secured an additional $60 million in a Series B round, bringing their total funding to $90 million and valuing the company at approximately $600 million.

Recently, BeReal was acquired, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The acquisition details reflect the growing interest and competition in the social media space, especially for platforms emphasizing authenticity and real-time sharing.

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Voodoo is a prominent mobile game development and publishing company based in Paris, France, founded in 2013 by Alexandre Yazdi and Laurent Ritter. The company has become well-known for its casual and hyper-casual games, which have garnered massive popularity worldwide. Voodoo's portfolio includes hit games like "Helix Jump," "Aquapark.io," and "Roller Splat," which have achieved millions of downloads and topped app store charts in numerous countries.

Financially, Voodoo has raised over $600 million in funding across multiple rounds, with significant investments from venture capital firms and corporations like Tencent Holdings. As of their latest valuation in 2021, Voodoo was valued at approximately $2.3 billion.