Jagat, a social network created to encourage more socializing with friends rather than aimlessly scrolling on your phone, has already exceeded 10 million subscribers worldwide. The location-based social network, which started earlier this year in March, aims to assist individuals in prioritizing in-person interactions and forming friendships.
The application, accessible on iOS and Android, is a social map for your acquaintances and activities near you. Jagat offers an interactive map interface that lets you stay connected with your friends in real time and explore new individuals and events nearby. Jagat is comparable to Zenly, a social map app owned by Snap that ceased operations last year.
The startup is located in Singapore and Indonesia and was established by Jagat President Barry Beagen and CEO Loy Xing Zhe. The duo crossed paths in December 2021, with Beagen guiding the Indonesian government on digital economy policy, while Zhe was involved in developing a GameFi product centered around web3, social, and gaming. Bergen claims that he and Zhe came up with the idea of creating a social network.
“We shared a common goal of challenging large technology companies and creating something from Southeast Asia that could compete globally,” Beagen said TechCrunch. “We were also weary of popular social applications that are becoming increasingly inactive, and we were both genuinely enthusiastic about discovering new locations and spontaneously meeting new friends – whether for a nature walk, a nearby music event, a casual basketball match, or simply a stroll.”
The duo chose to construct a social network where individuals can establish their online environments and engage with others through virtual representations of themselves.
Your social map is the view you get when you open Jagat, as it’s where you can see the real-time positions of your friends. It is also where you document the locations you have visited, and you may click on your friends’ avatars to give them a note, stickers, or updates. Jagat views the map as the primary tool to explore activities and individuals in your vicinity. You may view your pals’ real-time status updates to stay informed about their activities.
The business is now developing a feature that seeks to compete with Facebook Groups by enabling users to arrange local events and connect with individuals who share similar interests. It is also developing a function that allows you to explore communities beyond your immediate area by providing access to global communities.
“We aim to reintroduce the social aspect in social apps, focusing on social networking rather than media,” Beagen stated. We aim to focus on individuals rather than online content. We are designed for your close friends, for finding new friends, and for encouraging individuals to spend more time in real life rather than scrolling for pleasure. We’re glad that other emerging social apps are embracing this challenge. Nowadays, popular social media platforms are primarily used for passive fun rather than for establishing friends or engaging with others. We are principally interested in functionalities that enable users to post unedited live updates enjoyably.
According to Beagen, most users frequently use the app approximately three to four times daily. Additionally, many individuals are interested in knowing the whereabouts of their close friends and loved ones after they finish their daily activities, such as school or work. The software allows you to check your friend’s location instead of sending them a text to see if they are nearby and interested in having supper.
Approximately 85% of Jagat users belong to the Gen Z demographic. Since its release, the app has succeeded in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Spain, France, and Singapore. Beagen states that the software has appealed to a wide range of people and that the firm will keep developing for future generations.
The firm completed a Series A investment round in October with the involvement of investors from Southeast Asia but chose to keep the funding amount private.
Regarding the future, the business aims to create “the standard app for the upcoming generation,” Beagen stated. Social apps should facilitate authentic interactions and encourage people to meet in person. Meanwhile, our primary focus is developing innovative new features and further growing our community. What we create, enhancing social experiences on a map can empower a new wave of innovators and businesses worldwide.