Jest Has Reached $1 Million Billings Run Rate
The platform hit the milestone three months after enabling in-app purchases for its web-based mobile games.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Startups
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Jest, a messaging-based app distribution platform, reached a $1 million gross billings run rate this year. The startup, which was founded in 2025, also launched a $1 million fund to support mobile game and entertainment app developers.
Why it matters
The company provides a distribution alternative to traditional, saturated app stores by allowing users to play web-based apps directly through messaging. This model aims to offer developers better revenue terms while bypassing standard app store constraints.
Jest reports a 15% payer conversion rate among active US users and a 400% increase in platform usage, totaling over 4 million games and apps played. Users spend an average of 24 minutes per day on the platform.
The players
Jest
Jest is a startup that enables users to play web-based apps directly through messaging interfaces.
Deyan Vitanov
Deyan Vitanov is the founder of the Jest startup platform.
The details
Developers can integrate the Jest SDK to replace standard app store components with messaging and digital wallets, leveraging the RCS standard to host games. The platform currently offers developers up to 90% of net revenue and covers all associated messaging fees.
Timeline
Deyan Vitanov founded Jest in 2025.
The app entered a soft launch on July 1, 2026.
Jest published its state of the platform report in Q3 2026.
Market Landscape
Jest represents a push toward decentralized app distribution that challenges the dominance of major app store ecosystems. By leveraging the RCS standard, the platform seeks to capture a share of the mobile gaming market by lowering barrier-to-entry costs for developers.
The platform is currently available only in the United States, meaning access remains restricted to that region. Users can expect to see more web-based games integrated directly into their messaging experiences as the platform expands.
The takeaway
Jest illustrates a shift toward messaging-centric app experiences that prioritize higher developer payouts. Users can expect continued integration of web-based applications within mobile chat environments as the startup scales.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Startups.
More information
Submit an application for platform funding to participate in the developer support program.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GamesBeat.
Live Poll
Would you use your messaging app to play games instead of downloading traditional apps?
