Foundation and establishment
Iflix was founded by Patrick Grove, CEO of Catcha Group, Mark Britt and Evolution Media, a merchant bank focused on the media, sports, and entertainment industries.[7] Iflix was created for the rapidly growing, emerging middle-class population and their increasing demand for entertainment content. The company set out to address a certain set of conditions, which tend to exist universally across emerging markets – prevalence of piracy, inconsistent infrastructure, inconsistent quality and distribution of internet connectivity, expensive and limited mobile data, low paid television penetration, low credit-card penetration and a lack of familiarity with online payment options – through technology and commercial partnerships.
In April 2015, Iflix announced the completion of a $30 million round of funding, led by international investment firm Catcha Group and telecommunications company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).[8] The company launched its service in Malaysia and the Philippines one month later,[9] where they also announced the formation of its advisory board, composed of Hollywood business and creative leaders.[10] By July, Iflix recorded over 100,000 subscribers, becoming Southeast Asia's fastest growing Internet TV service.[11] Within the 12-week trial phase of its official launch in Thailand in November, Iflix drew close to 200,000 subscribers.[12]
In March 2016, Iflix attracted a $45-million investment from European pay-TV giant Sky plc, with Indonesian firm Elang Mahkota Teknologi (Emtek) through its subsidiary, Surya Citra Media (SCM) join the investment.[13][14] In June, Iflix announced its official launch in Indonesia and in August 2016, Iflix announced its official launch in Sri Lanka.[15] It announced its official launch in Brunei on September,[16] and the Maldives in November.[17]
In January 2017, Iflix announced its official launch in Pakistan.[18]
In February 2017, Iflix announced its official launch in Vietnam.[19] That same month the company announced a joint venture with Zain, leading telecommunications group in the Middle East and Africa, establishing Iflix Arabia.[20]
In March 2017, Iflix announced its official launch in Myanmar.[21]
In April 2017, Iflix went live in eight countries in the MENA region.[22] and in October 2017, Iflix launched in Nepal.[23]
In June 2017, Iflix announced the establishment of Iflix Africa. Iflix Africa is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa and trades commercially as 'Iflix', with launches in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, Sudan and Zimbabwe.[24]
Iflix launched in Bangladesh in November 2017. Robi and Airtel customers get one year free access upon signing up.[25]
Iflix launched its own creative production business for short-form video content Studio2:15 in March 2018, its first production was Cupid Co. in April 2018.[26]
Iflix exited Sub-Saharan Africa in December 2018 and sold their stake in the joint-venture to Econet Media to focus on their Asian markets.[27]
In June 2020, Tencent (owner of Tencent Video/WeTV) acquired Iflix's "content, technology, and resources"[28] in order to grow its presence in the Southeast Asian market.[29]
In May 2022, Iflix closed its office in Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand.[30]
Management
Iflix was co-founded by Mark Britt, who served as executive director, and Patrick Grove, who served as chairman.
In March 2016, Andre de Wet, ex-Naspers and PriceCheck joined iflix to head up Africa.
In October 2016, Marc Barnett joined the Iflix Group as chief operating officer.[31] In November 2019, Mark Britt stepped down as group CEO of the company and Marc Barnett was promoted to the role.[32]
In January 2017, former head of technology for all of Walt Disney's businesses outside of the United States, Emmanuel Frenehard, joined Iflix as chief technology officer of Iflix Group.[33][34]
In March 2017, former VP, Global Television at Netflix Sean Carey was appointed the new Chief Content Officer, in place of James Bridges.[35]
