Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · Leusden, 32 Leusderend, Netherlands
Talk360 is a technology company.
Talk360 develops a communication platform centered on its international calling app, enabling affordable and reliable phone calls to any mobile or landline phone globally, regardless of internet connectivity for the receiver. The service focuses on bridging the communication gap for individuals in areas with limited internet access or smartphone penetration, by allowing calls to offline numbers and supporting diverse local payment methods. The company also co-launched NjiaPay, a payment platform consolidating African payment methods.
The company was founded in 2016 by Hans Osnabrugge, Dean Hiine, and Jorne Schamp. Their initial insight stemmed from recognizing that a significant portion of the global population lacks internet access, making traditional digital communication solutions inaccessible or expensive. They observed that existing free calling apps require both parties to have stable internet and smartphones, leaving many underserved. This led to the creation of a solution that removes these barriers.
Talk360 serves individuals across over 190 countries, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities and the African diaspora, connecting them to family and friends. The company’s vision is to foster global connectivity by providing an accessible, affordable, and easy-to-use service. It aims to create shared value by offering localized solutions and continually expanding its reach, ultimately empowering more communities to stay connected to home.
Talk360 has raised $7.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Talk360 has raised $7.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Talk360 has raised $7.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $3.0M Seed Extension in October 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2022 | $3M Seed Plus | IAN Lessem | Coen Jonker, Tjaart VAN DER Waalt, Allan Gray E Squared Ventures, E4E Africa, Endeavor, Kalon Venture Partners | Announced |
| May 1, 2022 | $4M Seed | Havaic | Andreessen Horowitz, Atlantica Ventures, Dutch Founders Fund, EQT Ventures, Koolen And Partners, L'Attitude Ventures, Gabriel DE Montessus, JIM Marshall, Robert Kraal, Gaston Aussems, Marnix VAN DER Ploeg, 4DI Capital | Announced |
Talk360 has raised $7.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Talk360's investors include Ian Lessem, Coen Jonker, Tjaart van der Waalt, Allan Gray E-Squared Ventures, E4E Africa, Endeavor, Kalon Venture Partners, HAVAIC, Andreessen Horowitz, Atlantica Ventures, Dutch Founders Fund, EQT Ventures.
Talk360 is a technology company that builds an international voice calling mobile application designed to provide affordable, reliable, and accessible communication to underserved communities worldwide, especially in regions with limited internet connectivity. The app enables users to make low-cost calls to any mobile or landline phone globally without requiring the receiver to have internet access or the app installed. Talk360 primarily serves individuals who need to stay connected across borders, with a strong focus on Africa, where it has become the leading international calling app, connecting millions of users and expanding its presence in markets including South Africa, Nigeria, India, and the Netherlands[1][2][3].
Founded in 2016 by South African venture builder Dean Hiine and Dutch entrepreneurs Hans Osnabrugge and Jorne Schamp, Talk360 emerged from a mission to bridge communication gaps for underserved populations. The founders combined their expertise to create a user-friendly app that mimics the simplicity of a regular phone call while offering global reach at affordable rates. Early traction included rapid user adoption across Africa and other regions, leading to over 4.9 million people connected by 2024. A pivotal moment was the launch of NjiaPay, a spin-off fintech platform addressing fragmented payment ecosystems in Africa, which originated from Talk360’s own payment challenges and now supports cross-border transactions and local currency payments[1][3].
Talk360 rides the global trend of digital inclusion and affordable connectivity, addressing the persistent challenge of underserved communities lacking reliable internet or affordable international communication options. The timing is critical as mobile penetration grows in emerging markets, but internet access remains uneven. By enabling calls to offline phones, Talk360 leverages existing telecom infrastructure to bridge digital divides. Market forces such as increasing diaspora populations, globalization, and demand for cross-border communication favor Talk360’s growth. Its fintech spin-off, NjiaPay, further integrates telecom and financial services, influencing the broader African tech ecosystem by simplifying payments and enabling access to international services[1][3].
Looking ahead, Talk360 is positioned to expand its footprint by deepening its presence in Africa and other emerging markets while enhancing its payment platform to facilitate broader digital commerce. Trends such as increasing smartphone adoption, mobile-first financial services, and demand for seamless global connectivity will shape its trajectory. The company’s influence may evolve from a pure telecom app to a comprehensive connectivity and payment platform, further bridging gaps in communication and commerce for underserved populations. This aligns with its mission to connect lives and create shared value, reinforcing its role as a purpose-driven scaleup impacting millions globally[1][3].