Twilio, a cloud communications platform, has signed a cash-cum-stock deal worth around $850 million to acquire Zipwhip, a Seattle-based business text messaging software provider.

Zipwhip’s business texting platform is designed to enable firms to quickly and easily reach their customers through SMS. Besides, firms can text enable their existing toll-free phone number within minutes and fit texting into their workflows seamlessly using the company’s customizable APIs, suite of integrations, or software product.

Commenting on Twilio acquisition of Zipwhip, Simon Khalaf – SVP and general manager of the Twilio Communications Platform said: “Messaging is becoming a preferred way for consumers to engage with brands, therefore it’s critical to provide multiple messaging options.

“By bringing together the world’s leading cloud communications platform and a trusted partner in the messaging ecosystem, we have the ability to deliver more secure, high-quality toll-free traffic at scale. We are thrilled to welcome Zipwhip to the Twilio team as we continue our journey to become the world’s leading customer engagement platform trusted by developers and companies globally.”

Zipwhip is said to offer all of the major carriers in the US onboarding, registry, gateway, and spam detection and remediation.

Currently, the business text messaging software provider has 30,000 customers across the world, which include resellers.

Comments on Twilio acquisition of Zipwhip

John Lauer – CEO and co-founder of Zipwhip, commenting on Twilio acquisition of Zipwhip, said: “Twilio and Zipwhip share a vision for the future of business messaging and its growing role within customer engagement.

“Zipwhip’s goal is to make sure every business we serve can text their customers using their existing business phone numbers and, together, we have a unique opportunity to elevate the customer experience, helping brands better communicate via a trusted and growing channel that’s been proven to drive long-term customer satisfaction.”

Zipwhip will operate under the messaging business unit of Twilio upon closing of the deal.

Based in California, Twilio provides cloud-scale APIs for SMS, chat, and WhatsApp. The cloud communications platform is said to send and receives more than 105 billion messages annually and has sent and received over 592 million messages in a single day.

The deal, which is subject to the meeting of customary closing conditions, is expected to be wrapped up by the end of 2021.

  California, John Lauer, Seattle, Simon Khalaf, Twilio, USA, Zipwhip