Choicely
About the Company
Choicely offers a no-code, browser-based mobile app creation tool called Choicely Studio, built for ease and accessibility. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality empowers users to design and deploy customized mobile apps for iOS and Android. Choicely’s main customers are businesses within media, sports, and entertainment, where fan engagement, content delivery, and interactivity are critical. The company appeals to organizations that need an effective app experience without the extensive costs and technical requirements traditionally associated with app development.
Beyond the design studio, Choicely enables integration with other platforms through SDKs and APIs, making it versatile for app management and maintenance. By prioritizing user-friendly features and seamless deployment, Choicely meets the rising demand for business-focused mobile apps as people increasingly use apps for daily interactions and brand engagement.
Idea Behind Company
Kaius Meskanen’s background includes prior entrepreneurial ventures and a wealth of diverse global experiences. He established an architecture firm in 2008, followed by a real estate legal resource company in 2014, both of which helped develop his skills in business and customer engagement. The idea for Choicely emerged from a need for enhanced fan engagement and interaction in mobile formats during TV events.
Meskanen initially envisioned a platform that could support interactive tools like voting and community engagement. However, feedback from major clients pointed to a need for comprehensive mobile apps with these tools built-in, leading Meskanen to expand the platform’s scope. Drawing from his experiences, he wanted to create an accessible app-building platform that could empower other entrepreneurs.
Creating the Company
Kaius launched Choicely in 2015 with initial funding and two co-founders, aiming to make fan engagement easier and more impactful for businesses. The first few years were dedicated to refining the platform, meeting with potential clients, and assembling a skilled development team to bring the concept to life. Tommy Eklund, the company’s CTO, played a key role in building the Choicely platform, which started with basic interactive features but soon expanded based on client feedback.
By 2018, the platform was well-received during demonstrations to large media firms, though client demands led Choicely to develop a fully-fledged app builder. Meskanen’s team worked to improve the platform’s versatility, allowing clients to create unique app structures with tools for engagement, content, and sales. Choicely’s team went through rigorous testing phases to ensure the app’s reliability and scalability.
Launching the Business
Choicely launched its first official app, Love Island Finland, in 2019, which was well-received for its fan engagement features. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the company, as the entertainment industry—Choicely’s primary clientele—faced disruptions. Many clients delayed or canceled projects, but the Choicely team persevered, securing additional funds to maintain operations.
The pandemic highlighted the value of digital engagement tools as in-person events declined. This led to a surge in demand for apps, especially as businesses recognized the benefits of engaging audiences remotely. The increased reliance on mobile apps presented an ideal growth environment for Choicely, which gained new clients and continued developing its platform to serve a broader range of businesses.
Earnings
Choicely now generates approximately $840,000 annually, primarily through monthly revenue of $70,000. The platform is trusted by prominent brands like ITV Studios, the International Judo Federation, and IMG for developing custom apps. From 2020 to 2021, Choicely experienced a fourfold increase in revenue, with its user base and app downloads steadily expanding.
Looking to the future, Choicely aims to reach full process automation, reducing costs and improving accessibility. Meskanen envisions expanding Choicely’s client base to small businesses and individuals, potentially offering lower pricing tiers. The company has maintained customer satisfaction and a zero churn rate, with plans to increase its market share through automated sales funnels, partnerships, and targeted marketing strategies.
