Alternative App Store AltStore Raises $6M, Connects With The Fediverse
Alternative app store AltStore raises $6M, connects with the fediverse — marking a major step in reshaping how apps are distributed and shared across the open web. The platform, known for challenging Apple’s App Store monopoly in the European Union, is now linking its ecosystem with the fediverse — a decentralized social web that includes platforms like Mastodon and Threads.
Image Credits:AltStore founders Riley Testut and Shane Gill
AltStore’s Big Funding Round
AltStore has officially closed a $6 million Series A round led by Pace Capital, giving the venture firm a 15% equity stake in the company. This marks AltStore’s first external funding round and signals investor confidence in the rise of alternative app marketplaces.
Flipboard CEO Mike McCue, a well-known advocate for the fediverse, will also be joining AltStore’s board to help guide its next phase of growth.
Expanding Beyond The EU
The company’s founders, Riley Testut and Shane Gill, based in New York, plan to use the new funding to expand AltStore beyond Europe. After the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) opened doors for third-party app stores, AltStore became one of the first to seize the opportunity. Now, the team is eyeing markets in Australia, Brazil, and Japan later this year.
“This funding allows us to scale faster and bring our mission of open app distribution to more countries,” said Testut.
Fediverse Integration: The Next Step
AltStore’s integration with the fediverse will allow users on decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Meta’s Threads to receive updates and interact with apps directly from their social feeds. This move bridges the gap between app discovery and social engagement — potentially redefining how indie developers reach users.
By connecting to the fediverse, AltStore is not only expanding its ecosystem but also aligning with the growing movement toward decentralized, user-controlled platforms.
A Growing Player In The App Store Revolution
Since the DMA took effect, AltStore has grown steadily as users seek more flexibility outside traditional app store restrictions. Its flagship offering, the Delta emulator, has been one of the top downloads, demonstrating the strong demand for alternative app options.
The company’s long-term vision goes beyond sideloading. By embracing open protocols like ActivityPub — the foundation of the fediverse — AltStore could pioneer a socially connected app ecosystem that’s transparent, developer-friendly, and community-driven.
As major tech firms face increasing regulation, AltStore’s expansion and fediverse integration position it as a major disruptor in the app distribution market. With fresh funding, an expanded team, and growing global interest, AltStore is paving the way for a more open, connected, and user-empowered app economy.
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