Essential builds an Android-based smartphone notable for a near-bezelless design that maximizes screen area. Founded by Android co-creator Andy Rubin, the company has generated significant hype around the device’s design and premium placement. Essential plans a U.S. retail launch with Amazon, Best Buy, and Essential.com, a U.S. carrier launch exclusivity with Sprint, and availability through Telus in Canada; additional international carrier partners will be announced later in 2017. Release timing was described as "a few weeks away" by President Niccolo De Masi, with an exact date to be provided soon. The company said it would consider low single-digit million unit sales in year one to be very successful. Financially, Essential confirmed a $300 million funding round and has total funding of $330 million; Equidate estimates a roughly $1 billion valuation, though Essential is not disclosing official figures.

Total raised

$300M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Aug 2017