Next-generation messaging platform for businesses, 8seats, has raised $2 million in a seed funding round from a consortium of high-profile investors including venture capitalist Black Nova, former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci, and tech entrepreneurs Mike Priddis and Greg Miller.
The funding will be used by the startup to scale its platform, which is up against the likes of WhatsApp and Slack, and accelerate its go-to-market strategy ahead of a planned public launch in 2025.
The seed round follows a successful early-access rollout of the 8seats platform which is said to bridge the gap between office-based and desk-less employees, such as those in retail and hospitality.
The app enables communication without the need for personal phone numbers or corporate email addresses.
The platform, which has 41 patent pending claims for its unique interface, is said to combine the best aspects of workplace communication tools with the ease and familiarity of consumer messaging apps.
The startup says through its platform workers will no longer need to use personal chat apps for work, while for employers it cuts the risks associated with using personal messaging apps for work, including data and security breaches.
"8seats is on a mission to disrupt the norm," says Iain McDonald, the founder and CEO of 8seats.
"In a world dominated by legacy platforms, we’re here to give businesses a smarter, simpler way to connect and collaborate across every employee, from the shop floor to the boardroom.”
McDonald, who also co-founded and exited digital agency Razorfish Australia, established 8seats in 2021.
The latest funding round is notable by attracting the likes of Priddis, a former Asia managing director of Boston Consulting Group who developed the Faethm enterprise platform which predicts the future of emerging technologies for businesses.
Priddis and Miller co-founded tech startup support group Arena Mars after a history of successful ventures and exits of their own.
Since launching in closed beta, 8seats has processed more than 300,000 messages, with the company revealing that its platform is driving productivity by minimising communication inefficiencies and ensuring all employees stay informed.
Based on forecasts modelled on a business of 10 or more employees, 8seats says it can save businesses up to 12 weeks of productivity each year by streamlining communications.
The platform’s innovative and intuitive user interface is accessible across any device, bringing together all employees, whether they are in the office or on the ground, on a single platform.
The 8seats artificial intelligence technology is said to require “no learning curve” and is able to streamline daily communications, helping businesses manage information flow more effectively. The platform’s phone number-based accessibility also means no email or special setup is required, simplifying communication and protecting personal privacy.
“8seats has reimagined group messaging with an extremely credible solution that makes it easier for businesses to communicate," says Matt Browne, managing partner at Black Nova.
"We’re excited to be early partners on this journey and see enormous global potential for the company.”
Among other angel investors in 8seats are TBWA president Paul Bradbury, Prezzee’s Tony Karp and Innovation Bay’s Ian Gardiner.
Following its closed beta release, 8seats is preparing for international expansion into the US, UK and Europe with the company supported by AWS and Google startup programs to grow its user base and enhance its platform’s offerings.
"This mission is ambitious, and we’re thrilled to have such experienced investors backing us," says McDonald.
"Their support will help us challenge the status quo and deliver a product that better meets the needs of businesses and their employees."
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