MessageBird Acquires 24sessions: Expanding Omnichannel Capabilities with Video

MessageBird Expands Capabilities Through Strategic Acquisitions

MessageBird, a leading omnichannel cloud communications platform recently assessed at a $3 billion valuation, is actively pursuing a strategy of growth via mergers and acquisitions. Building on last year’s purchase of Pusher, a provider of real-time web technologies, the company has announced the acquisition of 24sessions, a “video-first” customer engagement platform, and Hull, a customer data platform.

Financial Details of the Acquisitions

While the specific financial terms of these two latest deals remain undisclosed, MessageBird’s founder and CEO, Robert Vis, revealed that the combined cost of all three acquisitions – including Pusher – totals approximately $100 million. It is already public knowledge that the acquisition of Pusher was valued at $35 million. Furthermore, it’s understood that investors in both 24sessions and Hull have fully exited following these transactions.

From Competitor to Omnichannel Leader

Initially positioned as a European alternative to U.S.-based Twilio, offering a cloud communications platform encompassing voice, video, and text via APIs, MessageBird has since redefined itself as an “Omnichannel Platform-as-a-Service” (OPaaS).

This strategic shift aims to simplify the process for businesses, both large and small, to connect with their customers across any preferred communication channel.

Expanding Channel Support

The platform natively supports a wide array of channels, including WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, Twitter, Line, Telegram, SMS, email, and voice. This allows customers to initiate interactions online and seamlessly transition to more convenient channels, such as their preferred mobile messaging application.

This approach reflects Robert Vis’s core belief that the future of customer engagement lies in a truly omnichannel experience.

The Addition of Video Capabilities

The acquisition of 24sessions introduces video as a key communication channel. Vis emphasizes the growing importance of video in replicating in-person interactions digitally.

However, he stresses the necessity of a video solution that prioritizes compliance and security, particularly within highly regulated sectors like financial services and healthcare. Notably, 24sessions is a web-based platform, eliminating the need for users to download a separate application.

Statements from Leadership

“Integrating a secure, customizable, and reliable video platform into MessageBird’s offerings represents a significant step forward in our strategic evolution,” stated Vis. “Our existing suite of services includes SMS, voice, email, OTT, social, live chat, and push. Adding 24sessions’ video capabilities provides one of the most comprehensive omnichannel solutions available, reinforcing our commitment to end-to-end control and exceptional customer experiences.”

Rutger Teunissen, CEO of 24sessions, added, “Joining forces with MessageBird accelerates our mission to enhance personal customer contact and deliver a seamless digital experience while preserving the human element. Video is increasingly becoming an integral, instant, intelligent, and integrated component of the omnichannel customer journey.”

Enhancing Customer Understanding with Data

Efficient customer communication extends beyond channel selection and workflow automation; it also necessitates a deeper understanding of the customer and the context of their inquiries. This is where the acquisition of Hull, with operations in France and the U.S., becomes crucial.

Hull: A Customer Data Platform

Hull functions as a customer data platform (CDP), and its team and technology will be leveraged to establish an “in-depth analytics layer” connecting MessageBird’s omnichannel platform with its workflow solutions.

“Our goal is to empower clients to engage in effortless conversations with customers, which requires understanding their preferences and communication habits,” explained Vis. “To achieve this, our platform must be capable of collecting, unifying, and enriching data from product, marketing, and sales sources, and synchronizing it across workflows.”

Impact on MessageBird’s Workforce

The acquisitions will bring 45 employees from 24sessions and 14 from Hull into the MessageBird organization. This expansion increases MessageBird’s total headcount to nearly 500 employees across its nine global hubs.