Shutterfly acquires mobile app developer Penguin Digital

Penguin Digital launched its Mobile Photo Factory iPhone app in January 2012. It allows anyone to easily create physical prints and photo based merchandise such as iPhone & iPad cases, mugs, key chains, apparel, canvas prints and more. With MoPho, users can access photos from their iPhone or their Facebook or Instagram accounts and create one-of-a-kind products and gifts while on the go. In addition to the stand alone application, Penguin Digital has developed a Software Development Kit ("SDK") that lets other app developers integrate printing of photos and the creation of photo based products into their own applications.

Smartphone use continues to grow, and according to eMarketer, by 2013, more than half of all mobile phone users in the US will own a smartphone. The acquisition of Penguin Digital further solidifies Shutterfly’s market leading position, enabling consumers to be more creative with their photos and to preserve their memories. The MoPho application will be rebranded and updated over the next few months and will add to Shutterfly’s mobile offerings, which include the popularShutterfly iPhone and iPad apps and the soon to be released Treat birthday card app.

"The acquisition of Penguin Digital supports our mobile strategy aimed at giving consumers better ways to engage with their photos and personalize products on the go," said Jeffrey Housenbold, president and CEO of Shutterfly. "We believe it’s important to give consumers the choice and convenience of transforming their memories into high quality products and gifts from their PC, tablet and mobile phone. Our recent strategic acquisitions of Nexo, TinyPrints, Photoccino and now Penguin Digital combined with our continued investment in organic growth and innovation further enables us to fulfill our vision of making the world a better place by helping people share life’s joy."

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to join forces with Shutterfly. It’s exciting to combine our mobile expertise and passion for innovation with Shutterfly’s brand, large customer base and manufacturing expertise," said Reuven Moskowitz, CEO of Penguin Digital. "Together, we will truly put the selection and ease of a physical photo kiosk in the pocket of millions of smartphone users."

Penguin Digital founders Reuven Moskowitz and Josh Friedman, along with the rest of the Penguin Digital team, will be establishing Shutterfly’s new technology center in New York City.