SV Angel

SV Angel, established in 2009 and based in San Francisco, is an investment firm that supports early-stage entrepreneurs. They provide business development, financing, M&A, and strategic advice to help startups navigate key inflection points and accelerate growth. SV Angel invests primarily in software-focused companies across the United States, with a typical investment size ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. They differentiate themselves by investing in a higher volume of companies, often over 100 per year, compared to traditional venture capital firms.

Ron Conway

Founder and Managing Partner

Topher Conway

Managing Partner

Sourav Gupta

Principal

Steven Lee

Partner

Beth Turner

Managing Partner - Seed

Past deals in Messaging

Magical

Series A in 2022
Magical is a productivity app that empowers anyone to slash through repetitive tasks in seconds by effortlessly moving data between any site you work with. With a simple keystroke, Magical automates mundane tasks like messaging, data entry, sourcing, and prospecting workflows. Unlike existing automation solutions that are expensive, clunky, and require a technical team to set up, Magical is designed for non-technical users, offering a simple, user-enabled solution that works across any app.

Beeper

Seed Round in 2021
Beeper is a social media application that consolidates messaging across multiple platforms, including iMessage and WhatsApp, into a single interface. This innovative app allows users to search, snooze, or archive messages, ensuring that important communications are easily accessible and never overlooked. By providing a unified inbox, Beeper enhances the messaging experience, making it efficient for users to manage conversations from various networks in one place.

Cooper

Seed Round in 2021
Cooper is a mobile application that enables users to connect with friends through gaming. It provides a platform for users to participate in voice chats, discover games their friends are playing, and organize gaming parties. The app focuses on fostering social interactions among gamers, allowing them to engage in games together in a fun and interactive environment.

Cappuccino.fm

Seed Round in 2020
Cappuccino.fm is a developer of a mobile audio group messaging application designed to connect individuals. Its product enables users to record voice memos and share them with customizable groups, facilitating the strengthening of existing relationships and the formation of new ones. Through its innovative approach to audio communication, Cappuccino.fm aims to enhance social interaction among users.

Community

Seed Round in 2019
Community is a social engagement platform that enables effective two-way communication between influencers and their audiences. It provides a unique 10-digit phone number that connects businesses, brands, public figures, and creators directly to their consumers. By facilitating interactions without the challenges of commercial interests, toxicity, and data privacy issues commonly found on social media, the platform allows a diverse range of users—including global brands, sports teams, artists, and small businesses—to engage with their audience on a personal level. This approach enhances communication and fosters meaningful relationships between influencers and their followers.

Mirror Emoji Keyboard

Seed Round in 2017
Mirror uses a single selfie to instantly create hundreds of emoji that look like you and your friends. You can then use these in all messengers.

Confide

Seed Round in 2016
Confide, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in providing a secure mobile messaging solution designed for confidential communication. Founded in 2013, Confide offers a platform that enables users to send encrypted messages that self-destruct after being read, ensuring privacy and preventing the possibility of screenshots. With its use of public and private encryption keys, the platform allows individuals to engage in sensitive discussions without the fear of information being duplicated or misused. By prioritizing message security and integrity, Confide aims to facilitate unfiltered conversations while maintaining the confidentiality of its users' communications.

Begin

Seed Round in 2015
Begin is a company that specializes in developing an interactive bot application program interface, designed to enhance communication and collaboration among users. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, Begin's platform enables users to create groups and teams, facilitating task management and organizational teamwork. The application employs command messaging technology to automate tasks over the Internet, allowing employees to complete their assignments more efficiently. With a focus on creating full-featured, scalable applications, Begin aims to transform static interactions into dynamic, productive workflows.

Kik

Series C in 2014
Kik, founded in 2009 by a group of University of Waterloo students, is a mobile messaging application based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate connections among users, services, and businesses, particularly targeting a teenage audience. Kik offers features that allow users to share their feelings and engage with friends and family, as well as chatbots for entertainment. With over 300 million registered users, Kik has established itself as a popular messaging platform, with more than 40% of young Americans using it as their primary messaging app. Users typically spend an average of 35 minutes per session within the app, reflecting its strong engagement. The company is supported by notable venture capitalists and has raised significant funding, with Tencent, the creator of WeChat, as a strategic investor.

Talkray

Series B in 2014
Talkray is a developer of a mobile communication application that transforms smartphones into walkie-talkies, allowing users to make free calls and engage in chat. The application is available for download on both Android and iPhone platforms. In addition to voice communication, Talkray enables users to share photos, videos, and locations, facilitating a more connected experience with friends and family. The app prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, making it a versatile tool for maintaining personal connections.

Kik

Series C in 2014
Kik, founded in 2009 by a group of University of Waterloo students, is a mobile messaging application based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company aims to facilitate connections among users, services, and businesses, particularly targeting a teenage audience. Kik offers features that allow users to share their feelings and engage with friends and family, as well as chatbots for entertainment. With over 300 million registered users, Kik has established itself as a popular messaging platform, with more than 40% of young Americans using it as their primary messaging app. Users typically spend an average of 35 minutes per session within the app, reflecting its strong engagement. The company is supported by notable venture capitalists and has raised significant funding, with Tencent, the creator of WeChat, as a strategic investor.

Secret

Series B in 2014
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

WUT

Seed Round in 2014
WUT, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing a social messaging application that enables users to send anonymous and ephemeral messages to their friends. The app captures the spontaneous and free-spirited interactions that users enjoy, allowing them to engage in casual conversations through their mobile devices. By focusing on anonymity and temporality, WUT aims to enhance the social messaging experience, making it more dynamic and reflective of real-life interactions.

Secret

Series A in 2014
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Confide

Seed Round in 2014
Confide, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in providing a secure mobile messaging solution designed for confidential communication. Founded in 2013, Confide offers a platform that enables users to send encrypted messages that self-destruct after being read, ensuring privacy and preventing the possibility of screenshots. With its use of public and private encryption keys, the platform allows individuals to engage in sensitive discussions without the fear of information being duplicated or misused. By prioritizing message security and integrity, Confide aims to facilitate unfiltered conversations while maintaining the confidentiality of its users' communications.

Secret

Seed Round in 2013
Secret offers an online platform that enables users to share their personal secrets with other users anonymously. It owns and operates a mobile application that helps users to share and connect with friends. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Swipe Labs

Seed Round in 2013
Swipe Labs is a mobile communication application developer based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The company focuses on enhancing the intimacy of human interactions by enabling users to privately share photos and videos with small groups of friends. Swipe Labs aims to improve mobile communication experiences through innovative social products that foster closer connections among users.

Layer

Seed Round in 2013
Layer, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of an open communications layer platform for the Internet. Founded in 2011, Layer enables developers to integrate rich messaging, voice, and video capabilities into their applications. The company's offerings include Atlas, a customizable UI kit designed for enhancing messaging features, as well as software development kits (SDKs) for both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Layer provides a Client API that allows browser-based applications to incorporate chat and communication services, along with a Platform API that facilitates the automation, extension, and integration of these services with other applications. Through its innovative tools, Layer aims to enhance customer interaction for businesses by improving communication between companies and their clients.

Leo

Seed Round in 2013
Leo is the fastest and easiest way to share moments of your life with family and friends. Connect with your favorite people through short-lived photos, videos and texts, captured in the moment. Messages disappear a few seconds after viewing them.

Layer

Seed Round in 2013
Layer, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of an open communications layer platform for the Internet. Founded in 2011, Layer enables developers to integrate rich messaging, voice, and video capabilities into their applications. The company's offerings include Atlas, a customizable UI kit designed for enhancing messaging features, as well as software development kits (SDKs) for both iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Layer provides a Client API that allows browser-based applications to incorporate chat and communication services, along with a Platform API that facilitates the automation, extension, and integration of these services with other applications. Through its innovative tools, Layer aims to enhance customer interaction for businesses by improving communication between companies and their clients.

Tapstack

Seed Round in 2013
Tapstack, originally founded as Taptalk in 2014, has developed an innovative application that facilitates deeper connections among users by enabling them to share personalized short videos and photos with a simple tap. The app merges elements of messaging and social media, allowing individuals to maintain a consistent presence in the lives of their contacts. Users can send messages, locations, and multimedia content, including videos and photos of up to ten seconds in duration, directly by tapping on a friend's or family member's profile picture. This approach encourages the sharing of everyday moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, enhancing interpersonal communication in a user-friendly manner.

Snap

Series B in 2013
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.

MessageMe

Series A in 2013
MessageMe is a mobile messaging application designed to enhance communication through personalized and emotionally engaging interactions. The platform focuses on creating a fun and lightweight user experience, encouraging users to send and respond to messages in a dynamic manner. By applying techniques from social gaming, MessageMe aims to enrich the emotional context of messaging, thereby increasing user engagement and excitement. The company has attracted interest from major players in the tech industry, including Snapchat and Truecaller. Ultimately, MessageMe was acquired by Yahoo for a sum estimated between $30 million and $40 million, reflecting its potential in the competitive messaging app landscape.

ClassDojo

Series A in 2013
ClassDojo, Inc. is an online school communication platform founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, California. The platform connects teachers, students, and families, fostering close-knit communities that enhance the educational experience. It allows educators to share classroom activities, including photos and videos, and facilitates communication through features like Class Story and private messaging with parents. ClassDojo aims to engage students and their families by providing a space where learning can be shared and celebrated, ultimately enriching the educational environment and promoting collaboration both in and out of the classroom. The company, previously known as Class Twist, Inc., rebranded to ClassDojo, Inc. in December 2017.

Talkray

Series A in 2013
Talkray is a developer of a mobile communication application that transforms smartphones into walkie-talkies, allowing users to make free calls and engage in chat. The application is available for download on both Android and iPhone platforms. In addition to voice communication, Talkray enables users to share photos, videos, and locations, facilitating a more connected experience with friends and family. The app prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, making it a versatile tool for maintaining personal connections.

Koa.la

Series A in 2013
Koala develops a photo-sharing application which can be integrated into smartphone messenger. Koala was formerly known as Albumatic Inc. and changed its name to Koala in November 2013. It was founded in 2012 and is based in San Francisco, California.

MessageMe

Seed Round in 2013
MessageMe is a mobile messaging application designed to enhance communication through personalized and emotionally engaging interactions. The platform focuses on creating a fun and lightweight user experience, encouraging users to send and respond to messages in a dynamic manner. By applying techniques from social gaming, MessageMe aims to enrich the emotional context of messaging, thereby increasing user engagement and excitement. The company has attracted interest from major players in the tech industry, including Snapchat and Truecaller. Ultimately, MessageMe was acquired by Yahoo for a sum estimated between $30 million and $40 million, reflecting its potential in the competitive messaging app landscape.

Snap

Series A in 2013
Snap Inc., established in 2010, is a global camera company headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It operates primarily through its flagship product, Snapchat, a multimedia messaging application renowned for its ephemeral nature, allowing users to send and share photos, videos, and messages that disappear after viewing. Snapchat offers a range of creative features, including filters, lenses, augmented reality experiences, and Stories, which enable users to create and share content with friends or a broader audience. The platform also includes Discover, providing access to original content from publishers and creators, and Memories, allowing users to save and revisit their Snaps. In addition to its software offerings, Snap Inc. has ventured into hardware with Spectacles, wearable cameras that capture first-person perspective content and sync with Snapchat. The company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising, with North America being its largest market despite only accounting for a quarter of its user base. As of 2023, Snapchat boasts over 400 million daily active users.

Plivo

Seed Round in 2012
Plivo Inc. is a cloud communication platform that provides SMS and voice call solutions for businesses globally. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, the company offers a range of services including Voice API, which enables voice capabilities in web and mobile applications, and SMS API for text messaging integration. Plivo also provides SMS Short Codes for bulk messaging, a WebRTC SDK for in-browser voice calls, and a Mobile SDK to incorporate voice calls in iOS and Android apps. In addition, it offers Salesforce Integration for enhancing communication within Salesforce applications and an open-source framework for prototyping voice call applications. With direct relationships with over 1,600 local carrier networks, Plivo ensures reliable connectivity in 195 countries, making it a cost-effective solution for modernizing business communications.

Moped

Venture Round in 2012
Moped is a messaging application designed to facilitate communication for users across desktops and mobile devices. It offers integration with various web services, including Dropbox, Foursquare, Chrome, IFTTT, Twitter, and Facebook. The platform is particularly beneficial for small businesses, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. Launched in Berlin, Germany, Moped was acquired by 6Wunderkinder in December 2013.

Couple

Seed Round in 2012
Couple is an app just for the two of you. It helps you stay connected, and feel close to each other. Whether it's texting, sharing videos, photos, sketching together and more, Couple let's your partner know that you're thinking about them. Couple was part of the YCombinator W2012 batch, and was formerly named Pair until they renamed to Couple on January 31st, 2013.

Voxer

Venture Round in 2012
Voxer, LLC, founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, California, develops mobile communication applications, particularly a push-to-talk service compatible with iOS and Android devices. Originally known as RebelVox, LLC, the company rebranded in March 2011. Voxer offers a walkie-talkie messenger application that enables users to send instant voice, text, and photo messages in real time to individuals and groups. The application emphasizes secure communication, featuring end-to-end encryption and the capability to function over 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi networks. This robust platform is designed to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication for teams worldwide.

Talkray

Seed Round in 2012
Talkray is a developer of a mobile communication application that transforms smartphones into walkie-talkies, allowing users to make free calls and engage in chat. The application is available for download on both Android and iPhone platforms. In addition to voice communication, Talkray enables users to share photos, videos, and locations, facilitating a more connected experience with friends and family. The app prioritizes ease of use and accessibility, making it a versatile tool for maintaining personal connections.

Highlight

Seed Round in 2012
Highlight is a mobile application designed to facilitate social connections among users in their vicinity. The app notifies users when they are in close proximity to others who share mutual friends or interests on Facebook, allowing for potential interactions. Users receive push notifications when they come within a few blocks of these individuals, enabling them to message each other. The app's homescreen features a reverse chronological list of people the user has encountered, enhancing the experience of discovering and engaging with nearby acquaintances. Highlight aims to foster a sense of community and connection in urban environments by leveraging social media networks.

Embly

Seed Round in 2012
Embly is an online platform designed to enhance social engagement by helping users celebrate significant events in their friends' lives, such as birthdays and other milestones. The platform allows users to easily discover and acknowledge their friends' special occasions through quick, enjoyable messages, as well as offering free gifts and gift cards. By integrating with social media, Embly provides timely updates about friends' celebrations, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among users.

Flotype

Seed Round in 2012
Flotype Inc. is a venture-backed company building a suite of enterprise technology for real-time messaging. Flotype takes a unique approach by building developer-friendly technologies focused on ease-of-use and simplicity, while still exceeding enterprise-grade performance expectations. Flotype licenses enterprise-grade middleware, Bridge, to customers ranging from social web and software enterprises to financial and fleet management groups. Other offerings include NowJS, a free, open-source framework, for developers seeking real-time interactivity on Node.js and JavaScript browsers. NowCluster is available for companies seeking scalability and reliability for NowJS applications. Established in 2010 and based in Berkeley, California, Flotype is venture-backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Ignition Partners, InterWest Partners, and Salesforce.com.

Just.me

Seed Round in 2011
Just.me, Inc., established in 2011 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, operates a mobile and social network. It offers a free, unified mobile messaging platform that combines features from various apps, such as texting, email, voice messages, and multimedia sharing, into a single application. Users can save, share, or publish their memories, messages, or posts with unlimited photos, videos, voice, and text. The platform provides users with control over their information and messages, as it leverages the smartphone's address book to determine who sees each shared message. Currently, the app is in beta for iPhone users, with an Android version in development, and a web version available with reduced publishing features.

GroupMe

Series B in 2011
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.

Path

Seed Round in 2010
Path is a mobile photo-sharing and messaging service for building personal social networks with up to 150 contacts. Currently Path Places. Path Talk and Path sold to Daum Kakao May 28, 2015. Path brings people closer together. Guided by the belief that mobile technology will fundamentally change the cultural, social, and economic landscape, Path focuses on simplicity, quality, and privacy to provide the best mobile personal networking service in the world. Path was designed with the people they love, closest friends, and family in mind.

Twilio

Series B in 2010
Twilio is a cloud-based communications company that empowers developers and businesses to build and integrate voice, video, messaging, and authentication into their applications via a robust set of APIs. By merging cloud computing, web services, and telecommunications, Twilio is transforming traditional telecom, enabling more contextual and personalized customer interactions. The company's Super Network ensures fast, cost-effective communication across the globe.

The Simple

Seed Round in 2010
What is it? simple makes it faster and easier than ever for organizations, companies, and groups to communicate and get organized. simple in an affordable innovative interaction system that promises to bring efficiency to group communication. Who is it for? greek organizations, wall street companies, small businesses, and any group looking for an effective, secure, and most importantly quick way to communicate amongst its members. Features include A Facebook like News Feed for recent network activity, mass text messaging and emails, custom events, user profiles and note boards, message boards, polls & questions, and much more. Thousands of users are enjoying simple every day.

GroupMe

Series A in 2010
GroupMe Inc. is a New York-based company that develops and operates a group messaging application designed to facilitate communication among users, including those without smartphones. Launched in 2010, the platform allows users to easily connect with friends, family, and coworkers through push notifications or SMS. GroupMe's services include group messaging, conference calling, and location and photo sharing, enabling seamless interaction within social networks. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, processing billions of messages and expanding its team to 25 employees. Acquired by Skype Global, GroupMe operates with a degree of autonomy, maintaining an entrepreneurial culture while aiming to become a primary communications provider for a large user base.

Airtime

Seed Round in 2010
Airtime is a social platform designed to foster genuine online interactions, aiming to create a welcoming environment for users. Founded by Sean Parker, the platform offers various virtual "rooms" where individuals can engage in live conversations about diverse interests, from music to art and comedy. Unlike traditional social networks that often promote isolation, Airtime encourages community building and real-time engagement. The company is supported by prominent investors, including Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, and Google Ventures, and operates with a dedicated team of over 100 employees across three locations. Airtime focuses on enhancing the quality of online social experiences through its innovative video conversation features.

TweetDeck

Series B in 2010
TweetDeck is a Twitter client designed for desktop, web, and mobile devices, featuring a unique columned user interface that allows users to manage and monitor Twitter feeds efficiently. Originally developed as an Adobe AIR application, TweetDeck enables users to organize their main feed into topic or group-specific columns, offering a broader overview of tweets in real-time. The application integrates various social media services, including Twitter and Facebook, to enhance user experience. In 2011, TweetDeck was acquired by Twitter, which subsequently rebuilt the application using HTML5 technology, further improving its functionality and accessibility.

Slack

Seed Round in 2010
Slack Technologies, Inc., established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, operates a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform, Slack. This platform facilitates team messaging, file sharing, and integration with various business tools, catering to a wide range of industries, from startups to large enterprises. Slack's software-as-a-service model enables real-time communication and data sharing, aiming to increase organizational efficiency and productivity.

Formspring

Series A in 2010
Formspring is a social networking platform designed to facilitate personal connections through question-and-answer interactions. Users create profile pages where they can receive questions from others, allowing for a dynamic exchange of insights and experiences. The platform encourages users to share their thoughts and personalities, fostering a fun and engaging environment for self-expression. By posing original questions, Formspring enables individuals to discover more about their friends, acquaintances, and others they find intriguing, thus promoting deeper understanding and connections. This unique approach to social interaction allows users to engage in both straightforward and surprising conversations, enhancing their overall social experience.

App.net

Seed Round in 2010
App.net is an ad-free, subscription-based social networking and development platform launched in August 2012. Owned and operated by Mixed Media Labs, founded by CEO Dalton Caldwell and CTO Bryan Berg, the platform serves as a backbone for the social web, allowing developers to create applications while providing users with tools for meaningful interactions. App.net offers a range of social applications, including group messaging, photo and document sharing, and microblogging, all designed to enhance user engagement without the distraction of advertisements.

RollCall (roll.to)

Angel Round in 2010
RollCall helps you plan get-togethers with multiple friends using your mobile phone. Use RollCall to invite friends to hang out directly from your phone's address book. RollCall uses text messaging and the mobile web to coordinate and rally your friends together. No longer will you miss a chance to go out with your friends. RSVP on the go with RollCall!

Snapvine

Series A in 2006
Snapvine is a service that allows users to leave voicemails online. Users can call a central Snapvine number, enter a specific code for their intended recipient, and record their message. Additionally, messages can be left using a computer microphone. The recorded voicemails are accessible through simple embeddable widgets, enabling recipients to receive messages either publicly or privately. Public messages can be listened to by anyone visiting the page where the widget is embedded, making it especially popular on social networks like Myspace, where artists and celebrities interact with their fans. Snapvine's focus on voice solutions enhances communication on various social platforms.
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