textPlus

textPlus is a technology company.

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Updated: Mar 21, 2026 ·

About

textPlus delivers a mobile communications platform providing free or low-cost texting, calling, and sharing. Its core product enables Wi-Fi-enabled devices to function as mobile phones, bypassing traditional carrier contracts. This service offers an accessible, affordable solution independent of cellular networks, presenting a flexible alternative to standard mobile plans.

The company originated from the insight that a market demand existed for more flexible, economical mobile communication. textPlus developed an application-based service leveraging internet connectivity, circumventing the complexities and costs of traditional telecommunication infrastructure.

textPlus serves individuals seeking cost-effective communication, including those preferring alternatives to conventional mobile plans or relying on Wi-Fi-only devices. The platform empowers global connectivity. The company envisions widespread, affordable communication, aiming to reduce contractual and financial barriers to essential mobile services.

Recent News & Mentions

Mar 1, 2015FundingtextPlus - Venture Round Oct 1, 2012FundingtextPlus - Series D Feb 1, 2011FundingtextPlus - Series C Dec 1, 2009FundingtextPlus - Series B Nov 1, 2007FundingtextPlus - Series A

Financial History

textPlus has raised $53.0M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Venture Round in March 2015.

Total Raised

$53.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Other Investors
Mar 1, 2015	$7.0M Venture Round	Benchmark, Harrison Metal, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff
Oct 1, 2012	$18.0M Series D	Benchmark, Harrison Metal, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff
Feb 1, 2011	$15.0M Series C	Benchmark, Harrison Metal, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff
Dec 1, 2009	$8.0M Series B	Benchmark, Harrison Metal, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff
Nov 1, 2007	$5.0M Series A	Lightspeed Venture Partners, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff

Financial History

textPlus has raised $53.0M across 5 funding rounds.

Total Raised

$53.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

High-Level Overview

textPlus is a telecommunications company offering a free mobile app for SMS and MMS messaging, plus low-cost domestic and international calling, primarily over WiFi or cellular data without contracts.[1][2][5] It targets cost-conscious consumers, including those on devices like iPads or iPods without native calling, serving over 110 million users worldwide by providing an ad-supported alternative to traditional carrier plans with features like group messaging and user search.[2][3][4] The app solves high texting and calling costs, enabling free US/Canada messaging and calls from 2¢/min globally, with recent growth via eSIM integration on blockchain networks for enhanced security.[1][5]

Origin Story

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Marina del Rey, California (also noted as Los Angeles), textPlus emerged to democratize texting for users without mobile phones or facing high fees, starting with VoIP and messaging on iOS, Android, and other devices.[1][2][3] Led by CEO and Founder Scott Lahman, it gained early traction with over 100 million downloads, backed by prominent investors like Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Matrix Partners, GRP Partners, Upfront Ventures, and Raine.[2][3] Pivotal moments include expanding to group messaging, safety features like blocking/reporting, and a 2025 partnership with Karrier One to launch eSIM products using Web3 phone numbers on the Sui Blockchain for decentralized security.[1][4]

Core Differentiators

Cost and Accessibility: Free unlimited SMS/MMS to US/Canada and calls from 2¢/min worldwide, ad-supported with no contracts or sign-up fees, usable on any WiFi/cellular device including non-phone tablets.[1][4][5]
User-Centric Features: Group messaging, user search by username/phone number, and easy blocking/reporting for safety, targeting users 13+ for family or personal communication.[4]
Advanced Security Innovations: Recent eSIM integration with Karrier One converts phone numbers to blockchain-secured digital assets on Sui, enhancing privacy, fraud prevention, and interoperability beyond traditional carriers.[1]
Reliable Cross-Platform Reach: Chart-topping app for iOS, Android, Windows, with 110 million+ global connections, emphasizing speed, ease, and no hardware requirements.[2][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

textPlus rides the wave of decentralized telecom and Web3 integration, disrupting legacy carriers by blending VoIP/messaging with blockchain for secure, portable digital identities amid rising demand for affordable, flexible communication.[1][5] Timing aligns with eSIM adoption and crypto-enabled services, fueled by market forces like high carrier fees, data privacy concerns, and global connectivity needs, positioning it against competitors like Flyp in multi-number management.[1] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering "telco for the 21st century," empowering millions to bypass contracts and enhancing fintech-telecom convergence through partnerships like Karrier One.[1][2]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

textPlus is poised to expand its Web3 eSIM offerings, potentially scaling user-owned phone numbers as digital assets amid blockchain telecom growth. Trends like decentralized identity, 5G/WiFi Calling ubiquity, and ad-revenue optimization will shape its path, evolving influence from budget messaging app to secure global connectivity leader. This builds on its core mission of choice and affordability, redefining mobile comms beyond carrier limits.[1][5]

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has textPlus raised?

textPlus has raised $53.0M in total across 5 funding rounds.

Who are textPlus's investors?

textPlus's investors include Benchmark, Harrison Metal, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix, Menlo Ventures, Marc Benioff.