Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
Strategic acquirers, private equity (buyout funds and growth funds) firms, and valuation benchmarks for Consumer Mobile Utility Apps
1.1 - About Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
Companies in the Consumer Mobile Utility Apps category build smartphone tools that optimize device performance, organize content, and safeguard user privacy. They deliver lightweight, high-frequency utilities that help consumers clean storage, manage files, migrate data, monitor battery health, and control app permissions. Vendors monetize via freemium models, subscriptions, and OEM bundling, providing scalable, high-download solutions across Android and iOS ecosystems.
Offerings typically span junk and cache cleaners that reclaim storage, file managers with cloud sync, and battery optimizers with charge cycle insights. Many include duplicate photo detection, contact de-duplication, and app management with uninstallers and permission controls. Cross-device backup and phone-to-phone transfer utilities support upgrades, while privacy lockers, VPN-lite add‑ons, QR/barcode scanners, and network speed tests round out a toolkit focused on day-to-day smartphone maintenance.
These providers mainly serve consumer smartphone users at scale, as well as OEMs and carriers that preload utilities to enhance device experience. Strategic buyers in consumer mobile utilities pursue OEM preloads. Outcomes include improved device responsiveness, extended battery life, reclaimed storage capacity, and smoother data migration during upgrades. For partners, the category supports higher customer satisfaction, reduced support costs, and incremental monetization through subscriptions and cross‑sell of value‑added services.
2. Buyers in the Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
2.1 Top strategic acquirers of Consumer Mobile Utility Apps companies
Bitwarden
- Description: Provider of open-source, zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted password management solutions that let organizations and managed service providers securely store, share, and administer unlimited passwords across devices, with cross-platform access, third-party auditing, and options for self-hosting and enterprise deployment.
- Key Products:
- Bitwarden Password Manager: Delivers unlimited password storage and secure, scalable sharing with cross-platform access and zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive data for businesses and their clients
- Bitwarden Provider Portal: Centralizes management of multiple client organizations and automated billing for MSPs, streamlining deployment, policy enforcement, and administration from a single interface
- Directory Sync & SSO Integrations: Connects enterprise directories and single sign-on systems to Bitwarden, enabling automated user provisioning and secure authentication without extra cost
- Self-Hosting Deployment: Allows enterprises to run the full Bitwarden platform on their own infrastructure with no additional self-hosting fees, ensuring data residency control and compliance.
- Company type: Private company
- Employees: ●●●●●
- Total funding raised: $●●●m
- Backers: ●●●●●●●●●●
- Acquisitions: ●●
2.2 - Strategic buyer groups for Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
M&A buyer group 1: Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Kape
- Type: N/A
- Employees: ●●●●●
- Description: Provider of cybersecurity solutions developing online security, privacy and autonomy products through a platform that protects consumers and their data, offering digital privacy, private internet access and digital security services.
- Key Products:
- ExpressVPN: Consumer VPN service with Lightway open-source protocol
- Keys password manager and Aircove routers enabling encrypted traffic, privacy control and secure internet access for millions
- Private Internet Access: US-based VPN with court-proven no-logs policy and decade of expertise, offering world-class encrypted connectivity and anonymity to global customers
- Intego Antivirus: Mac-exclusive antivirus founded in 1997 that delivers Apple-centric malware detection, system protection and specialized security features optimized for the macOS ecosystem
- Webselenese: Data-powered portfolio of comparison websites providing unbiased privacy and security reviews, guides and information, helping consumers choose appropriate digital protection products.
Buyer group 2: ████████ ████████
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●● companies3. Investors and private equity firms in Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
3.1 - Buyout funds in the Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
2.2 - Strategic buyer groups for Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
4 - Top valuation comps for Consumer Mobile Utility Apps companies
4.2 - Public trading comparable groups for Consumer Mobile Utility Apps sector
Valuation benchmark group 1: Consumer Internet Mobile-First Apps Companies
Grindr
- Enterprise value: $●●●m
- Market Cap: $●●●m
- EV/Revenue: ●.●x
- EV/EBITDA: ●●.●x
- Description: Provider of a social networking application designed for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, offering location-based technology to connect users worldwide, and including modern LGBTQ lifestyle features and services.
- Key Products:
- Grindr XTRA: Premium subscription service with additional features for ease of use
- Grindr Unlimited: Top-tier subscription with maximum available features and no limitations
- Location-Based Matching: Uses GPS technology to connect users nearby
- Chat and Messaging: In-app communication tools for users
- Traveler Mode: Allows users to connect with others in different cities.