fring

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in January 2006, fring operated with 11–50 employees and raised $30 million across 4 funding rounds from 4 investors. The company was acquired by Genband in September 2013.

Business overview

fring developed mobile communication solutions, enabling users to engage in free mobile group video chat, two-way video chat, voice calls, and text chat. Their core technology leveraged mobile internet connections (3G/4G, Wi-Fi, GPRS, EDGE) to provide these services across major smartphones and tablets, including iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android, and Nokia devices. The company served consumers globally, operating within the mobile and telecom technologies sector, specifically focusing on digital content engagement and entertainment.

Strategic signal

In September 2013, fring was acquired by Genband. This acquisition highlighted the strategic importance of mobile VoIP pioneers in the telecommunications landscape, as carriers sought to enhance their offerings and compete with emerging over-the-top (OTT) communication services like Skype and WhatsApp. For investors, this signaled a successful exit for fring, validating its technology and market position in mobile communication.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was a significant corporate milestone for fring?

fring was acquired by Genband in September 2013, leading to its current inactive status.

When was fring founded?

fring was founded in January 2006.

How much capital did fring raise in total?

fring raised a total of $30 million across 4 funding rounds from 4 investors.

Which investors participated in fring's May 2011 funding round?

In May 2011, fring received funding from Pitango VC and North Bridge Venture Partners & Growth Equity.

What was the strategic rationale behind Genband's acquisition of fring?

Genband acquired fring in September 2013 to enhance its capabilities and assist carriers in competing with popular VoIP and messaging services such as Skype and WhatsApp.