Aiming to Bridge Global Connectivity
South African-founded international calling app, Talk360, has secured $1.4 million in pre-Series A funding, driving its mission to connect seven million users by 2025. This milestone marks a crucial step in its journey towards long-term profitability while expanding its influence across underserved markets.
Launched in 2016 by South African venture builder Dean Hiine, alongside Dutch entrepreneurs Hans Osnabrugge and Jorne Schamp, Talk360 offers a simple and affordable solution for making international calls to mobile and landline numbers. With its footprint spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia, Talk360 has already connected millions and continues to grow with new funding and strategic partnerships.
The Talk360 Journey: From Startup to Industry Leader
Talk360 was born out of the need to provide an affordable communication platform for African migrants looking to stay connected with their families abroad. Co-founders Hiine, Osnabrugge, and Schamp saw an opportunity to bridge the gap in international communication by creating a reliable and cost-effective calling app, accessible even to those in underserved regions. Their shared vision centered around connecting communities across borders and fostering relationships through technology.
Global Reach and Impact
Since its inception, Talk360 has become Africa's leading international calling app, with offices in South Africa, the Netherlands, India, and Nigeria. By 2023, it had connected more than four million people worldwide, more than doubling its user base from just 2.3 million in 2021. This exponential growth is a testament to the app’s reliability and affordability, resonating with users across different continents.
Securing Funding: $1.4 Million to Fuel the Next Phase of Growth
In its latest funding round, Talk360 raised $1.4 million in pre-Series A capital to further its growth trajectory. Leading the investment was HAVAÍC, a long-term investor in Talk360, contributing $1 million of the total amount. Other investors provided the remaining $400,000, pushing the startup’s valuation to an impressive $30 million.
This latest round follows Talk360’s successful $7 million seed round in 2022, which was pivotal in accelerating its global expansion efforts. The additional capital will help the company execute its ambitious plans, including expanding its reach to connect seven million people by 2025 while driving sustainable profitability across its operations.
Commentary from the Founders
“We are incredibly proud of Talk360’s growth over the past few years,” said Hans Osnabrugge, CEO of Talk360. “From connecting 2.3 million users to 4 million in 2023, this funding will enable us to push forward with our mission of linking African migrant communities with their loved ones. The new investment will allow us to scale further, reaching seven million people and achieving profitability across our global operations.”
Growth Strategy: Expanding Connectivity and Partnerships
With this new funding, Talk360 is not only looking to grow its user base but also deepen its presence in Africa through localization. The company plans to expand its services by offering support in more African languages, making the app more accessible to local users. Additionally, Talk360 aims to build partnerships with remittance companies, retailers, and brands to strengthen its ecosystem and create a more integrated experience for its users.
This localization strategy will ensure that Talk360 continues to meet the needs of the diverse African market, allowing users to feel more connected to their culture and communities, even from afar.
Navigating Challenging Economic Conditions
Talk360 has demonstrated resilience in navigating economic challenges, particularly in underserved regions. According to Ian Lessem, managing partner at HAVAÍC, “Talk360’s ability to succeed in difficult economic conditions speaks volumes about the strength of its business model and the clarity of its vision. We are confident that this latest round of funding will allow them to deepen their impact, particularly in communities that have traditionally been underserved by global communication platforms.”
The Road Ahead: Vision for the Future
While Talk360 has seen impressive growth in terms of user adoption, the company remains focused on achieving long-term profitability. The new funding will be crucial in scaling operations, improving customer service, and optimizing the app’s infrastructure to ensure that users receive top-tier service at affordable rates.
By leveraging advanced technology, Talk360 aims to streamline its operations, minimize costs, and provide value to its customers, ensuring sustained revenue generation as the company scales. The long-term vision is not just to expand in numbers but to build a financially sustainable and impactful business model that serves millions globally.
Connecting Seven Million People by 2025
Looking ahead, Talk360’s most immediate goal is to connect seven million users by 2025, nearly doubling its current user base. The company’s growth strategy focuses on expanding its reach into new markets while deepening its relationships with existing customers through improved services and partnerships.
Through its strong commitment to localization, strategic alliances, and technology-driven solutions, Talk360 is well-positioned to meet its ambitious growth targets. The company remains focused on its mission to bridge the communication gap for African migrants and communities around the world.
