Snaptu

A free Israeli-made mobile application platform that ran on virtually every type of Internet-enabled mobile phone, allowing access to popular services like social networks, news, and sports.

Acquired by Meta
Acquired Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel Founded 1994
Last updated 2026-07-26
Total raised
$6.0M
Last: Undisclosed Round 2010-06
Stage
Acquired
Founded
1994
Headcount
24
HQ
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Sector

About

Snaptu, originally known as Moblica, was an Israeli startup founded in 2007. It developed a free mobile application platform that provided smartphone-like experiences on basic "feature" phones, which were prevalent in emerging markets. The platform allowed users to access various web services and social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Picasa, through a lightweight, Java-based interface. Snaptu's technology ran applications on Internet servers rather than on the mobile phone itself, making it compatible with over 2,500 different mobile devices. In January 2011, Snaptu had over 78 million users worldwide. The company was acquired by Facebook in March 2011 to enhance Facebook's mobile presence and reach non-smartphone users globally. Following the acquisition, Snaptu's standalone app was discontinued in December 2011, and its technology was integrated into Facebook's ecosystem, notably contributing to the development of Facebook Lite.

Funding history · 1 round · $6.0M total

2010-05
B Round $6.0M
★ Viola Ventures★ Sequoia Capital

Headcount over time

From 31 (2016-02) to 10 (2025-10) · -21 (-68%) · 2 points · source: Finder history + radar grounding
310 2016-02 2025-10

Q&A

What is Snaptu's current status?
Snaptu was acquired by Meta in September 2011 and is currently inactive.
Where is Snaptu's headquarters located?
Snaptu's headquarters is in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Center District, Israel.
What was Snaptu's primary offering?
Snaptu developed a free mobile application platform that provided smartphone-like experiences on basic "feature" phones, allowing access to popular services like social networks, news, and sports.
When was Snaptu founded?
Snaptu was founded in January 1994.
What was the total amount of funding raised by Snaptu?
Snaptu raised a total of $9,000,000 across its funding rounds.
When was Snaptu's last known funding round and who were the lead investors?
Another B Round in June 2010 was led by Carmel Ventures.
When and by whom was Snaptu acquired?
Snaptu was acquired by Meta in September 2011 for $70,000,000.
What was Snaptu's original name?
Snaptu was originally known as Moblica.

Sectors & technology

Sub-sectors
Media & Entertainment TechnologiesDigital Content DistributionDigital Content Engagement & Entertainment
Technologies
Platforms & InterfacesMobile
Target customers
ConsumersDemographics & FamilyTeenagers & Young AdultsWomenMenEnterprise & Professional ServicesSoftware DevelopmentMobile Software DevelopmentMedia & EntertainmentSocial Media
Business model
B2B2C

Tags

social-media
Full data — links, identifiers, deals & radar signals (jobs, patents, research, more)

External links

Websitesnaptu.com
LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/snaptu
Facebookfacebook.com/snaptu

Identifiers & details

Legal nameMoblica
Former namesMoblica
Founded1994-1
Employees (exact)24
Status reasonAcquired (Inactive) by Meta on Sep 2011 - closed due to acquisition

Acquisitions & public offerings

Acquired by Meta 2011-09 $70.0M

Radar intelligence

Patents

EPO1

Web history (Wayback)

Domainsnaptu.com

Israeli Companies Registrar (רשם החברות / ICA)

Registrar # (ח.פ.)513995480
Statusמחוסלת מרצון — CLOSED
Corp typeישראלית חברה פרטית
Incorporated2007-06-25
Purposeלעסוק בכל עיסוק חוקי
Liabilityמוגבלת
In violation (unfiled)no
Last annual report2022
Active charges / liens0
Registry events2 — charge (1), dissolution (1)
Closure date2026-07-05
Registered addressשדרות רוטשילד 22 תל אביב - יפו

Recent registry events

DateEvent
2026-04-13סילוק שעבוד
2026-07-05חיסול חברה