Contxto – Brazilian communication startup OmniChat announced this week that it’s raised a seed investment. While the exact amount wasn’t disclosed, we do know it’s somewhere between R$1 million (almost US$240,000) and R$2 million (about US$478,000).
These funds shall be directed towards tripling its billing in 2020.
Hating phone calls
In Latin America most never use the phone messaging application built into their device. We actually rely on our handy-dandy WhatsApp app. But that’s because we hate feeling forced into phone conversations with others.
“WhatsApp has become a phone replacement. People prefer to interact with businesses in this way, without interrupting what they are doing. Communication is also richer, with the possibility of including photos, images, and links,” said Flávio Negrão, OmniChat’s Co-founder.
This little habit shared among millions of Brazilians fueled the rise of OmniChat—renowned for its messaging Application Programming Interface or API—in 2016.
Messaging API
The startup from Curitiba develops APIs that connect a business’ communication tools to its customer’s WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. That way, a person doesn’t have to download a third-party communication app they don’t actually want on their phone. They just use their favs.
As a result, a company’s clientele gets a more seamless chat experience.
In addition, the Brazilian startup also creates payment solutions, like slips. OmniChat also developed chatbots for that FAQ stuff that so often plagues a company’s inbox.
Related article: Santander Mexico and Whatsapp announce pilot for in-app wire transfers
Users be warned
This week we also learned that even the Jeff Bezos is capable of having his phone hacked. This means if it can happen to him, it can happen to any of us.
Consequently, and as a rule of thumb, always keep your phone password protected. You know with something that isn’t 12345.
Likewise, be wary of strange emails, photos or attachments you receive through this app, email or other communication application.
And as a side note… who else is relieved Facebook has decided not to display ads on WhatsApp?
Thank goodness, it’s my one publicity-free haven.
Related articles: Tech and startups in Brazil!
-ML
