Indian Start-up, Qub3, Mashes Location, Deals, and Content into one App

Imagine a single app that combined content, games, and deals all into one. Sounds like an one-stop app for your daily mobile needs, right? Perhaps. Quantama is an India-based startup which is building exactly that, and its app Qub3 has so far received 20,000 downloads in Bangalore alone.

Founder Preetham V V told us that the app is built with Bangalore-based users in mind. And even though it has games and article content, its primary focus is on providing location-based deals to users. Founded in late 2010, Qub3 is envisioned as a location-based network for users to discover offers nearby. However, he explained that there is always a disconnect between users and businesses: businesses will only get on board if there are enough users, but users will only find the app useful if there are great deals offered.

To solve the problem, Preetham told me that he hired people to go around the neighborhood, adding notable points of interest (POI) – restaurants, retail shops, cafes etc. Plus, he enlisted pregnant ladies, who are often also bargain hunters, to submit good bargains to the app. This way, the app will have good content for users right off the bat.

“Working with businesses in India is tough. They all think we are selling SMS advertising,” said Preetham. In India, “mobile advertising” usually means SMS spam — something that isn’t very welcomed by Indians. The idea of a LBS platform is still relatively new to them, but that hasn’t deterred Preetham from pursuing his idea.

Of course, Quantama isn’t the only LBS start-up in india. Others include GeoSocials, Mojostreet, and MyCityWay. Preetham feels that competition is good for the LBS industry in India as it helps to educate the market faster by providing different user experiences. He added:

Deals are just one way to leverage location-based technology. There are so many problems in India that can be solved using LBS. Transportation is another.

The Qub3 app is currently available on Android and Symbian but is far from complete. Preetham said that he is currently studying the data he receives from users and is working hard to release some new and exciting features in the near future. Stay tuned.