"The third-party app store known as AltStore, one of the first companies to offer an alternative app marketplace in the European Union, is preparing to connect its platform with the open social web known as the fediverse. The move would connect users on other open social apps, like Mastodon or Meta's Threads, with updates from their favorite apps in a new way."
"In addition, the startup is announcing its first funding round from outside investors, with a $6 million Series A from Pace Capital. The deal gives the venture firm a 15% equity stake in AltStore and will allow the company to hire a team beyond its co-founders, Riley Testut and Shane Gill. Flipboard CEO Mike McCue, a fediverse backer, is also now joining the startup's board."
"AltStore has seen notable growth since the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) opened up competition in the app store market, forcing tech giants like Apple to permit new rivals to operate. While the startup offers its own third-party apps, led by video game emulator Delta, it began adding other third-party apps in June 2024. This included the virtual machine app UTM, a move that pressured Apple to open up its own App Store to allow virtual machines."
AltStore will integrate its platform with the fediverse to connect users on open social apps such as Mastodon and Meta's Threads with app updates. The company closed a $6 million Series A from Pace Capital for a 15% equity stake and will use proceeds to hire beyond its co-founders, Riley Testut and Shane Gill. Flipboard CEO Mike McCue joined the board. AltStore plans storefront expansion to Australia, Brazil, and Japan. Growth accelerated after the EU Digital Markets Act enabled competition. AltStore added third-party apps including UTM, partnered with Epic Games for Fortnite, and began hosting adult app Hot Tub.
Read at TechCrunch
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