Invite-only chat app Clubhouse booms in Japan

The growth of Clubhouse has led to handwringing on the app over why Japan’s tech sector has not been able to produce its own equivalent. — AFP

TOKYO: Private social audio app Clubhouse is growing rapidly in Japan and now ranks first among free apps on Apple’s App Store in a test of its international viability following its latest funding round.

The San Francisco-based app, which users must be invited to join, reached a valuation of US$1bil (RM4.04bil) in the round announced Jan 24, a source familiar with the matter said confirming media reports.