Odds are, you’ve used a new messaging app since the coronavirus outbreak.
Communication and workflow platforms are now widespread since the COVID-19 pandemic forced employees across the world to work from home. Most likely you’ve tried one or two. Apps like Zoom (even with it’s host of security problems) are seeing a surge in daily users and companies are turning to one app in particular for urgent, mass messaging: AlertMedia.
AlertMedia uses cloud-based software for its internal two-way mass communications ranging from texts, to notifications, to phone calls. Business can inform large numbers of staff concerning location closures, financial assistant programs, or other internal matters. Employees can also contact managers with questions and concerns.
As interest surges, AlertMedia has raised $15 million through Series C funding (or the raising of capital through the sale of preferred shares) made largely possible by current investors Next Coast Ventures, JMI Equity, and Silverton Partners. Brian Cruver, AlertMedia’s founder and CEO, announced the startup’s annualized recurring revenue increased over 25% from $16 million to $20 million throughout March. Combined with the newest funding, AlertMedia’s value has increased from $120 million to an approximate $250 million.
Cruver founded the startup in 2013 after the tragedies of the Newton school shootings and Boston Marathon bombing. Cruver saw how the incidents, along with natural disasters and terrorist attacks, create need for companies to quickly and efficiently communicate with all employees.
AlertMedia offers additional services like an emergency hotline, wellness checks, and lone worker monitoring. They currently have 2,000 corporate clients such as Greyhound Lines and Kawasaki Motors.
Communication is vital during a crisis especially a country wide virus. These startups are not only providing the tools to make that happen, but experiencing a sector boom which may change the way we work and communicate looking down the road.
Staff Writer, Allison Yano is an artist and writer based in LA. She holds a BFA in Applied Visual Arts and Minor in Writing from Oregon State University, and an MFA in Fine Art from Pratt Institute. Her waking hours are filled with an insatiable love of storytelling, science, and soy lattes.
