Mapping the Future: TomTom’s Evolution in Mobile Navigation and Location Data
Episode OverviewTomTom’s seasoned experts reveal the evolution of an iconic brand—from pioneering satnav devices to becoming a cutting-edge location data company powering premium mobile navigation. In this episode, Managing Director Pim Spaanderman and Head of Mobile Growth Kees Oostinjen share their insights on transforming traditional hardware into innovative app solutions like GO Navigation. They discuss strategic shifts in acquisition, rigorous testing to optimize pricing and user onboarding, and the unique challenges of catering to both everyday drivers and professional truckers. Episode Topics at a Glance• The evolution of TomTom: from satnavs to a comprehensive location data company• Transitioning to premium mobile navigation with GO Navigation• Data-driven acquisition strategies and performance advertising• Optimizing user onboarding, trial experiences, and pricing models• Tailoring navigation for professional truck drivers with custom featuresMore about TomTom’s ExpertsPim Spaanderman leads TomTom’s Consumer Business Unit, drawing on his e-commerce and telco background to steer the company’s transition from traditional navigation devices to innovative app solutions. With over a decade of experience, he champions customer-centric strategies that blend legacy strengths with modern digital innovation.Kees Oostinjen, a long-time TomTom veteran, brings deep expertise in sales operations and analytics. His data-driven approach has been pivotal in refining acquisition tactics and optimizing the full customer journey—from trial to paid subscription—ensuring that TomTom stays ahead in a competitive market.TomTom’s Links• Pim Spaanderman on LinkedIn• Kees Oostinjen on LinkedInTimestamps[00:01:09] – Overview of TomTom’s consumer business and strategic evolution[00:05:20] – Transitioning into a modern location data powerhouse[00:08:05] – Differentiating premium navigation with GO Navigation[00:10:01] – Acquisition strategies and performance advertising insights[00:14:21] – The culture of continuous testing: pricing, trials, and user onboarding[00:22:14] – Expanding the market: introducing truck-specific features for iOS and Android[00:32:29] – Final thoughts and where to connect with the expertsEpisode production by Mobdesign: https://podcasts.mobdesignapps.fr
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33:27
Subscriptions: The Good, The Bad & The Overused
Episode OverviewIn this episode of Subscription League, we continue our conversation with David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), co-founder of 37signals and creator of Ruby on Rails. We dive into the subscription business model, its pros and cons, and why some apps might be better off without it. DHH shares his unfiltered thoughts on pricing strategies, SaaS fatigue, and the evolution of software monetization—challenging industry norms along the way.Episode Topics at a GlanceWhen subscriptions make sense—and when they don’tThe rise of subscription fatigue and consumer backlashThe alternative to SaaS: ONCE and one-time purchasesPricing strategies: Experiments, A/B testing, and market realitiesWhy not all best practices are actually bestThe psychology of pricing and how perception shapes buying decisionsMore about David Heinemeier HanssonDavid Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) is the co-founder of 37signals (the company behind Basecamp and HEY), the creator of Ruby on Rails, and an outspoken advocate for rethinking conventional business wisdom. Known for his contrarian approach, he challenges mainstream SaaS and startup trends, advocating for sustainable and independent business models.Books by DHH📖 Rework – Rethinking how to run a business📖 Remote: Office Not Required – Challenging the need for physical offices📖 It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work – Pushing back against hustle cultureLinks🔗 David Heinemeier Hansson’s Twitter🔗 37signals Website🔗 HEY Email App🔑 5 Key Timestamps[00:01:21] – The problem with subscription overload and consumer fatigue[00:04:24] – The real difference between SaaS and one-time purchases[00:07:12] – Introducing ONCE: A new alternative to subscriptions[00:12:29] – Raising prices vs. increasing signups: What actually works?[00:17:39] – The cost of bad design: A multi-million dollar mistakeEpisode production by Mobdesign: https://podcasts.mobdesignapps.fr
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25:17
App Store: The Good, the Bad, and the Glitches
Episode OverviewDavid Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) joins the Subscription League podcast to discuss his fight against App Store policies and monopolistic practices. From launching the HEY email app to addressing challenges in the subscription space, DHH shares his bold perspectives on app distribution, developer rights, and the future of platforms like iOS. He emphasizes the need for competition in the ecosystem and highlights Apple's complex relationship with privacy and revenue generation.For noteworthy quotes and key takeaways, read the article -Episode Topics at a GlanceThe launch and challenges of the HEY email appWhy App Store policies are harmful to developers and consumersThe economics of monopolistic platforms like iOSComparing app distribution models: Apple vs. Android vs. MacThoughts on regulatory interventions and EU's Digital Markets ActSolutions for improving developer freedom and user choiceMore about David Heinemeier HanssonDavid Heinemeier Hansson is a programmer, author, and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CTO of 37signals, creators of Basecamp and HEY. DHH is also the creator of Ruby on Rails, a widely used web application framework. In addition to his tech achievements, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a passion for developer advocacy, DHH has been a vocal critic of monopolistic practices in the tech industry, especially around app distribution and payment systems.Books by DHH:ReworkRemote: Office Not RequiredIt Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at WorkLinksDavid Heinemeier Hansson’s Twitter37signals WebsiteHEY Email AppTimestamps[00:01:10] Early career and the creation of Ruby on Rails[00:06:35] Success stories with Basecamp[00:10:45] Challenges of launching HEY and fighting Apple[00:18:20] Breaking down App Store monopolies and the need for change[00:24:50] EU regulations: Hope or hindrance for developers?[00:32:15] Proposals for fixing app distribution ecosystemsEpisode production by Mobdesign: https://podcasts.mobdesignapps.fr
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50:37
Scaling Mojo: How to Build a Subscription App with 40M+ Downloads
Episode OverviewFrancescu Santoni, CEO of Mojo, shares the journey behind building a leading social media tool for creating reels and stories. From overcoming early challenges in virtual reality to pivoting to Mojo’s current success, Francescu dives into key growth strategies, the role of user-generated content, and Mojo’s subscription model. This episode also explores the balance between user accessibility and high-quality features, as well as how Mojo stays competitive in a fast-evolving app landscape.For noteworthy quotes and actionable insights, check out the article - Scaling Mojo: How to Build a Subscription App with 40M+ DownloadsEpisode Topics at a GlancePivoting from virtual reality to reels and stories with MojoChallenges in the social media and content creation spaceHow subscription models and free trials drive engagementUsing A/B testing to optimize the user experience and retentionBalancing accessibility with high-quality content for usersMore about FrancescuFrancescu Santoni is the CEO of Mojo, an app that empowers users to create standout social media videos with ease. With a background that includes building augmented reality apps and experience with Y Combinator, Francescu focuses on making high-quality video creation accessible to everyone, from everyday users to small businesses.Francescu’s LinksFrancescu’s LinkedIn profileMojo app websiteTimestamps[00:01:17] Elevator Pitch for Mojo[00:02:44] From Virtual Reality to Mojo[00:04:52] Pivoting to Monetization and Subscription[00:08:01] Phases of Growth at Mojo[00:13:29] The Role of Subscriptions in the App Industry[00:18:27] Innovation and Keeping Up with Trends[00:23:02] The Impact of Generative AI on Mojo[00:25:40] A/B Testing Insights[00:28:44] What Other Apps Can Learn from MojoEpisode production by Mobdesign: https://podcasts.mobdesignapps.fr
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30:55
Pioneering inclusivity in the dating app space: Insights from HER's CEO Robyn Exton
Timestamps[00:00:20] - Introduction to Robyn Exton and HER[00:02:10] - Robyn's Early Days and Learning to Code[00:04:55] - Early User Acquisition Strategies[00:07:50] - Competitive Landscape and Differentiation[00:11:00] - User Behavior and Market Size[00:14:30] - Current User Acquisition Channels[00:17:00] - A/B Testing and Onboarding Insights[00:19:30] - Brand Partnerships and Authenticity[00:23:00] - Future of the LGBTQIA+ Dating Space[00:27:00] - Challenges in Different Markets and User SafetyEpisode production by Mobdesign: https://podcasts.mobdesignapps.fr
Welcome to the Subscription League podcast hosted by Purchasely, a world-class no-code Growth Platform for Subscription Apps. Drawing on the industry experience of Purchasely’s three award-winning founders, we sit down with CEOs, innovators, and experts to discuss hands-on experiences, pitfalls, and actionable insights and strategies for success. This podcast aims to guide you through your app subscription business journey.