Sinch today announced the launch of its communications platform enabling iOS and Android developers to add a layer of voice and messaging to their apps, for free or at fraction of the cost of competitors. Sinch provides developers with the tools to capitalize on the massive demand among consumers for mobile communication features within apps.
According to Sinch, the service features the “industry’s easiest implementation and can be integrated into an app in 15 minutes or less.”
Sinch was originally incubated within Rebtel as a developer API (we all remember that, right?). However, Sinch stresses that it’s an independent company and also has $12 million in funding to boot. Some of its investors include Index Ventures and Balderton Capital.
“We plan to democratize in-app communications with Sinch. Rebtel was a pioneer in offering free and super-cheap voice services to consumers, and now Sinch is giving developers the best way to add a free communication layer to their apps,” Sinch CEO Andreas Bernström said. “We anticipate huge growth for our new business over the next 12 months as app development continues its rapid pace, which is the precise reason we felt Sinch deserved its own dedicated staff and focus as standalone company.”
Sinch’s goal is to be simplest and most affordable solution for developers
At launch, the mobile-first platform will offer services including free calling, messaging, group messaging, SMS and call termination. Sinch’s goal is to be simplest and most affordable solution for developers looking to add a useful social layer to their apps without compromising on quality. The service targets developers in a broad range of app categories including travel, communications, gaming, social networking, commerce and dating.
These services are all in great demand. Mobile VoIP alone will reach 1 billion total users by 2017 according to Juniper Research and will be worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
“Chat and voice are two of the fastest-growing segments of mobile applications, and developers understand they are critical to driving growth and user engagement,” Bernström continued. “The latest round of skyrocketing acquisition prices and valuations in the mobile communications space have shown the importance of mobile voice and messaging. With Sinch, we hope to empower some of the world’s most innovative companies, helping them to create more social and profitable enterprises.”
Sinch has a team of over 40 employees, and the company will maintain offices in Stockholm and San Francisco with plans to hire additional U.S. sales and business development staff.