Ring4

Ring4 is a mobile app that provides a second phone line — without needing a second phone.

Specifically, the platform enables users to manage multiple numbers on a single smartphone. Calls and texts are sent and received directly from the Ring4 app.

Because these phone lines operate entirely over data as well as a Wi-Fi connection, Ring4’s numbers can be used all over the world. Ring4 is the only company that has achieved this level of coverage.

The platform was designed for freelancers, a group that comprises 34% of the U.S. workforce. In fact, according to a recent survey from Intuit, a financial software company, that number is projected to surpass 40% by 2020.

In addition, Ring4 is targeted toward participants of what is known as the “sharing economy.” These are systems where goods and services are shared — for example, with Airbnb and Uber, users share homes and cars.

Freelancers and those in the sharing economy want to keep their personal data private. After all, sharing their personal phone number is unsafe, and can expose them to fraud and cyber attacks.

But adding a second business phone line can cost between $40 and $100 per month, and carrying two phones is inconvenient.

Ring4 offers freelancers and members of the sharing economy an easy and affordable option to get a phone number for their business. In addition, it enables small businesses to provide employees with a work number on their personal phone, capturing an emerging trend known as “bring your own device,” or BYOD.

Ring4 numbers are real phone numbers. The company has partnered with telecommunications providers to offer numbers in seven countries. These include the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Ring4 works over Wi-Fi and 3G/4G service, and calls and texts don’t use minutes or text allowances from a user’s mobile carrier plan.

The platform integrates seamlessly with a user’s operating system. This means users receive calls and text messages in the same format as their traditional mobile carrier.

Ring4 offers three different pricing options:

A free version, which includes advertisements and offers...

A pay-per-use option, which enables users to use pre-paid credits to keep the phone line active, make calls, and send texts…

And unlimited monthly plans, which start at $9.99 per line.

Ring4 launched its platform in March 2017. The company has more than 250,000 users, and has enjoyed steady revenue growth.

In 2017, Ring4 was voted “Product of the Day” by ProductHunt, a website enabling users to share new tech-related products. And the platform was nominated for 2017 “Product of the Year.”

In fall 2018, the company plans to launch Ring4 for Android users, and unveil Ring4 v2. The company will raise additional funds from venture capitalists in order to accelerate sales and expand to more countries.

Ring4’s team has significant experience in mobile development. Founder Alex Botteri previously worked at IBM and Tyntec, a mobile company focused on enabling communication between businesses and customers. And lead developer Florian Lecluse previously worked at TextMe, a mobile app for Android phones.

Team Background

Florian Lecluse - Developer

Prior to working at Ring4, Florian served as a team leader for a Facebook-based community of developers.

He spent more than three years as a software engineer and developer for TextMe Inc., a mobile application enabling users to send and receive calls and texts on their smartphone or laptop.

In addition, Florian previously served as a software developer for several European companies, including INEAT Conseil, a consulting company, and AXA, a global insurance company.

He earned an Associate’s degree in IT Management and a Master’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences from the Ecole Privee Des Sciences Informatiques school in France.

Alex Botteri - Founder

Alex has more than a decade of experience specializing in business development.

He spent six years at Tyntec, a mobile company focused on enabling communication between businesses and customers.

In addition, he was a software engineer and a software salesman at IBM.

He previously served as a web developer for Hub One, a telecommunications company in France.

Alex earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Esiee Paris.

Illia Strikhar - UI/UX Designer

Illia is responsible for Ring4’s overall design.

He brings experience designing online products to the company.

Harold Thetiot - Full Stack Engineer

Before joining the team at Ring4, Harold served as a senior software engineer for Kaazing Corporation, a mobile technology company.

He previously served as Chairman of the Board for Sylaps, a telecommunications company focused on video conferencing solutions.

Harold was formerly a senior software engineer for Netflix, as well as a software architect for Netvibes, a social media analytics company.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Lycee Ste Marie du Port.

Co-Investors