Pokemon hunt leads to glory for Google-born Niantic

San Francisco

BORN in Google's shadow, Niantic strode into the spotlight with a mobile Internet spin on hunting Pokemon but can the obsession with the game lead to long-term financial success?

Niantic founder and chief executive John Hanke has told a story of naming the company after a whaling ship abandoned in San Francisco harbour by crew members who rushed off to seek fortunes during the famed Gold Rush. The ship was run aground and converted into a store.