Appster
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mobile app development, software development |
| Founded | June 2011 |
| Founder | Josiah Humphrey, Mark McDonald |
| Defunct | December 7, 2018 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia, United States, international |
Key people | Josiah Humphrey (co-founder), Mark McDonald (co-founder) |
| Products | Mobile applications, websites, digital product strategy, consulting services |
Number of employees | 400 (2018) |
Appster was an Australian firm specializing in mobile app development, established in 2011 by Josiah Humphrey and Mark McDonald. The company focused on creating mobile applications and websites for both startups and large corporations, at one point being recognized as the "next Apple" due to its rapid expansion. Nevertheless, Appster ultimately went into liquidation on 7 December 2018.
History
Founded in June 2011 with an initial investment of $50,000, Appster began as a digital agency offering consulting services in conversion rate optimization for online e-commerce businesses. It soon transitioned into a software development and digital product strategy organization.
By the conclusion of 2011, the company had employed more than 15 individuals in Melbourne, Australia, completing upwards of 20 applications. In 2014, Appster grew internationally, employing over 100 people and establishing a San Francisco branch staffed by five full-time employees, while generating around $10 million in revenue from the Australian market.
In 2015, founders McDonald and Humphrey were listed on the AFR Young Rich List with a combined valuation of $58 million and were also recognized in Forbes' "30 Under 30" selection.
In February 2015, Appster collaborated with New Town High School in Hobart, Tasmania, to offer students hands-on opportunities in coding and designing gaming applications.
Prior to its downfall, Appster reported annual revenues exceeding $19 million and employed approximately 400 staff members across four international locations.
On 7 December 2018, the company declared liquidation following unsuccessful projects and a significant decline in workload over six months that led to revenue losses. More than 200 employees remained unpaid, and numerous clients were owed substantial sums. The appointed liquidator identified the reduction in income as the primary reason for the company's collapse.
In 2019, legal proceedings were initiated by liquidators against founders McDonald and Humphrey for purportedly conducting business while insolvent.
Awards
- Ranked 27th Most Innovative Company by BRW in 2014.
- Recipient of the Telstra Business Award in 2015.