Highfive

# High-Level Overview

Highfive was an American video conferencing company that combined cloud-based software with proprietary in-room video conferencing hardware.[1] Founded in 2012 by Shan Sinha (a former Google Drive developer) and Jeremy Roy, the company operated from Redwood City, California, with a mission to "make videoconferencing as commonplace as e-mail in business."[1] The company gained recognition as one of Fortune's "10 Best Small Workplaces in Technology" in 2016 and was named one of Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative companies."[1][3]

Highfive addressed a critical market gap by offering a comprehensive conferencing solution designed for business needs. Sinha identified that while videoconferencing demand was surging—with tens of thousands of video calls regularly made at Google—existing market leaders like Skype were not "secure or robust enough for business needs."[1] By 2016, the company had achieved 341% customer growth and surpassed one million call minutes per week from over 1,400 customers, demonstrating strong product-market fit.[1]

# Origin Story

Highfive was founded in 2012 by Shan Sinha and Jeremy Roy, operating in stealth mode under the name Parlay Labs until its public launch in October 2014.[1] Sinha's background as a Google Drive developer gave him unique insight into enterprise videoconferencing demand. The company raised over $45 million in venture capital by March 2015, attracting prominent investors including Google Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst Partners, and notable figures like Marc Benioff (Salesforce), Drew Houston, and Aaron Levie.[1]

A pivotal moment came in May 2016 when Highfive incorporated Dolby Voice telephone conferencing into its platform, expanding its all-in-one offering.[1] This expansion reflected the company's strategy to build an integrated solution rather than a point product.

# Core Differentiators

• All-in-one platform: Combined intuitive cloud software with purpose-built meeting room hardware, differentiating it from competitors offering only software or hardware solutions.[1][3]

• Enterprise-grade security and reliability: Explicitly designed to address shortcomings in existing solutions, positioning Highfive as a secure alternative for business-critical communications.[1]

• Rapid adoption and scale: Achieved 341% customer growth in 2015 and reached one million call minutes per week, indicating strong product-market fit and user satisfaction.[1]

• Workplace culture: Certified as a Great Place to Work, recently named one of the World's Most Innovative companies by Fast Company, signaling both internal strength and external recognition.[3]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Highfive rode the secular trend toward video-first business communication at a pivotal moment when the workforce was becoming increasingly comfortable with video technologies.[1] The company's timing aligned with the shift toward distributed work and the recognition that videoconferencing would become essential infrastructure rather than a novelty.

By offering an integrated hardware-software solution, Highfive positioned itself in the premium segment of the conferencing market, competing against both specialized software providers and traditional hardware vendors. The company's emphasis on meeting room experiences reflected an understanding that enterprise adoption required seamless, reliable in-room solutions—not just desktop software.

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

Highfive's trajectory was cut short when Dialpad acquired the company in September 2020, integrating its technology into Dialpad Meetings.[1][5] The acquisition reflected broader consolidation in the conferencing market as larger platforms sought to expand their capabilities. Highfive's proprietary hardware and software integration were incorporated into Dialpad's offering, with the original Highfive platform sunsetting in 2022.[5]

The company's legacy demonstrates the viability of premium, integrated conferencing solutions for enterprises, even as the market consolidated around larger players. Highfive's acquisition by Dialpad underscores how successful specialized conferencing companies became acquisition targets for broader communication platforms seeking to enhance their competitive positioning.