Why mobile?

It’s a question we’re asked a lot at Women Innovate Mobile - as in “why” would we want to limit our funding focus to mobile or mobile-first ventures. It’s not an oversight and it’s not like we’re missing something by focusing on mobile. Mobile technology is changing everything, rapidly and touching every aspect of our lives. And if you’re sitting in front of your desktop unconvinced, then mull on this: eBay’s global mobile sales reached $13 billion in 2012, more than doubling 2011 global mobile sales, and far exceeding its original $10 billion forecast for 2012. And for good measure, a few more eBay-by-the-mobile-numbers just for fun:

• 1/3 One-third of all eBay transactions are “touched” by mobile, meaning users access listings or post via mobile even if the sale isn’t made on a mobile phone
• 120,000,000+ Number of times eBay Inc.’s apps have been downloaded across the globe
• 155,000,000+ Number of listings created via eBay mobile to date across the globe
• 41,000,000 Number of times eBay’s core iPhone app has been downloaded
• 24,000,000 Number of times RedLaser has been downloaded across the globe
• 3,300,000 Number of new listings currently added via eBay Mobile per week
• 1,500,000 Number of new eBay shoppers that made first eBay purchase through a mobile device in Q4 2012
• 500,000 Number of car parts and accessories sold every week
• 10,000 Number of vehicles sold every week
• 500 Number of dollars spent every second through mobile purchases
• 164 Number of pieces of clothing, pairs of shoes or accessories sold every minute through eBay’s mobile apps.