Vyke: Role based mobile VoIP and messaging, enabling multiple mobile numbers on a single device

Vyke

Introduction

Vyke will change the way we communicate with the launch of Vyke 2.0 brand new Android and iOS apps.

Mobile phones have evolved massively in the last 20 years, yet we feel that core operator services haven’t changed. You still only get one number and can be charged a fortune for international calls or roaming.

Vyke provides the innovation that operators don’t – multiple mobile numbers on a single device, so you can keep your personal number private and take back control of who contacts you, and when. Add to this the freedom to talk, message and share with other Vyke users for free or with anyone else, from anywhere in the world at incredibly low rates.

Vyke combines many of the features offered in Skype, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Burner and Hushed in one simple to use app.

Vyke trades under a variety of brands that all utilize the same Vyke VoIP platform;

– Vyke – B2C iPhone and Android apps providing international calls to landlines and mobiles.
– VykeBusiness – Enables SMEs to reduce the cost of international mobile calls. Multiple users pay through a single business account. The long term plan is to fold VykeBusiness additional functionality into the new Vyke during 2016. The VykeBusiness brand will be phased out thereafter.
– Phoneserve – legacy pre-paid Calling card app distributed throughout the Middle East and South America. This market is in decline and Vyke anticipates exiting this market within the next 12 months.
– 3rd Party termination – call termination partnership with Nimbuzz Out!

This raise is dedicated to the launch and marketing of Vyke 2.0 only, and not to support any of the existing brands owned by the company

Intended impact

To provide users with multiple mobile identities so they can control and interact with global contacts (by voice, message or photo sharing) cost effectively, all from a single, easy to use mobile app.

Stay available when you travel abroad. Make and receive calls around the globe just as you do at home and wave goodbye to high roaming fees.

Create a virtual mobile presence in the UK or the US so you’re only a local call away from customers, suppliers or contacts. We expect that more countries will follow after launch.

Turn your tablet into a fully functioning mobile phone without the need for a mobile GSM SIM card.

Substantial accomplishments to date

Vyke was one of the first mobile VoIP providers in the world, with apps integrated in Nokia handsets as early as 2007.
Microsoft used Vyke for a MSN Messenger dial out feature.
Vyke provides Nimbuzz and its 200+ million users with high quality PSTN termination.
VykeBusiness was introduced in 2015 with admin and billing control for business usage, in order to cut down on the cost of roaming and international calls.
Vyke 2.0 role based communication apps are aimed for launch in November 2015.

Use of proceeds

The proceeds will be spent on marketing, PR and operational costs.

Print campaign
-Metro inserts or London Underground Tube Car Panels (inside tube cars)
-British Airways advertising – UK to US boarding passes or High Life magazine

Digital campaign
-PPC (primarily Adwords, with small Facebook and Twitter trials)
-Classifieds – Gumtree, Loot, Craigslist, Auto Trader, etc
-Dating sites – Match.com, Tinder
-SoHos – Startups.co.uk, The Startup Donut, Bytestart, SmallBusiness.co.uk, etc
-Travel sites – TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com, etc

PR & Social
-Commission YouGov research to generate stories:
-Stats regarding people with multiple mobile phones
-Stats regarding phone number privacy issues (with case studies illustrating the need for privacy)
-Roaming behaviours and attitudes
-Rapid Response – jumping on the bandwagon of topical news stories on privacy/ roaming

Please note that Vyke has an outstanding loan of £400,000, with an interest rate of 5% per annum.

Source: ICNW