Yuilop is a European free messaging startup launched in 2011 that has amassed millions of users across more than 40 countries. The app combines the open XMPP standard and mobile-number (MSISDN) interconnection to enable free calls and messages to non-Yuilop users using a virtual currency called 'energy'. Energy can be earned through actions such as referrals, using the app, talking with other Yuilop users, or engaging with promotions; receiving calls also earns energy. Yuilop offers free calls, SMS, and real-time multimedia chat and plans to add video chat, sticker-like features, a browser-based client, and possibly a free data component in the future. Its business model centers on advertising, promotions/voucher redemption, a white-label OTT SaaS product for carriers and MVNOs, and potential freemium/premium services like paid energy and additional phone numbers. Financially, the company has raised close to $10 million to date (about $7.12M per CrunchBase plus a €1.5M Spanish government loan) and counts Nauta Capital, Shortcut Ventures GmbH and Bright Capital among its investors. yuilop offers a free social communication app for all major mobile platforms that integrates Facebook Chat, instant messaging and free, unlimited SMS to any phone. Founded in 2010 by Jochen Doppelhammer and Antonio Brusola and based in Barcelona, Spain, the company has been backed by investors including Nauta Capital. It has raised €4.5m in a Series A round led by Shortcut with participation from Bright Capital, Bruno Ducharme and existing investor Nauta Capital. The company intends to use the new capital to expand internationally and to continue to develop its solutions. As part of the financing, Shortcut’s Martin Ostermayer and Bright Capital’s Vadim Tarasov will join the company’s board and Bruno Ducharme will join as an advisor. yuilop is currently hiring. Yuilop offers a real-time social communication hub that blends conversations from yuilop-to-yuilop, SMS, Facebook Chat and other channels into a single conversation thread. The service operates independently from wireless carriers. The company has launched its mobile communication service in Germany and says more markets will follow soon. Later this year Yuilop plans to add free voice communication between users. Job listings indicate support or planned support for Android, iOS, Symbian and BlackBerry. The startup is based in Barcelona and raised €1 million in seed funding from Nauta Capital; it was founded last year by Jochen Doppelhammer, Antonio Brusola and Julian Moreno Beltran.

Total raised

$16M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Feb 2013