Dopplr Acquisition A False Rumour?
It seems that the Nokia acquisition of Dopplr we just wrote about, referring to a TechCrunch rumour, might be a hoax. We're receiving multiple sources referring to this as nonsense. Perhaps one of the most relevant is the fact that Matt Biddulph, one of the founders of the company, has stated that it's completely fabricated.
We'll keep you updated as the story evolves.
Update: Paidcontent received a no-comment reply from Dopplr.
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[...] from the company. Nothing (as of 24th Sept 10.40am). So either the sale has not in fact occurred, as some think (which I doubt), or it has and they just don’t really want to talk about it because [...]
[...] WashingtonPost and ArcticStartup] Share [...]
I just came back from the Helsinki Open Coffee gathering in Helsinki. It seems that the news has gotten the Finnish startup scene really talking. Before 15 minutes I had had seven people ask me what's the deal here. Honestly, I, now we, do not know yet. Nor do anyone else beyond Dopplr and Nokia.
During the evening there were people arguing both sides. Here are some arguments I heard.
"It does not make any sense. No synergies."
"Well, none of Nokia's acquisitions do, so could as well be true"
"No no, think about it. If you tweak the product a little it complements Ovi and is great for traveling which is inherently dependent on everything mobile."
"Oh, and Plazes, it could go wit the Nokia Maps and all"
"It was body shopping. They bought Matt Biddulph. Think about Plazes. Same deal. Or Jaiku for that matter with Google. They just wanted the talent"
"It's true. Think about the strong social network of high net worth individuals. It's valuable for Nokia"
"Why would Marko go back to Nokia?"
"If Nokia buys the the company, that's the end of Dopplr"
"Look, there was talks. There's always talk and probably Nokia looked into investing or said maybe they acquire the company, and then it didn't happen and that's why they can't say anything yet. Because there's probably talks still going on"
What do I think of all this? I honestly don't know what to think. On the face of it the two companies are not exactly a match, but who knows what goes on inside the Nokia House in Espoo and yes, the connections are certainly there which always plays a big part. But still, Ovi and Dopplr? I just can't see it. Based on the silence, it's probable that there's still some unresolved issues and that the two companies are talking to each other trying to work them out, whether its trying to iron out the terms of the deal or asking each other where did such a ludicrous rumor get started.
All I can say is that if the deal really went down, Matt Biddulph must be one hell of a developer.
We'll stay on full alert and report as soon as we hear anything. I'm just as curious as you on who will break the silence.
[...] Dopplr Acquisition A False Rumour? [...]
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