BeInSync

BeInSync, founded in 2004 in Tel Aviv, Israel, by Sharon Carmel and Tal Barnoach, developed a software solution for data synchronization and backup. The company's product allowed users to automatically back up, synchronize, and share data across multiple computers. Its service utilized peer-to-peer technology to enable secure access to files and emails from any location, targeting both individual consumers and small to midsize businesses. A key feature was the ability to access remote files or view shared folders from any web browser without needing the software installed on that machine.

The company successfully raised a total of $8 million over two funding rounds. The first round, a Series A in December 2004, secured $3 million. This was followed by a Series B round in December 2006, which raised an additional $5 million from investors including Kreos Capital, Alta Berkeley, and Aviv Venture Capital.

In March 2008, BeInSync was acquired by Phoenix Technologies, a US-based leader in core systems software, for approximately $25 million. The acquisition was a strategic move for Phoenix to enhance its PC offerings with online data backup and synchronization capabilities. Following the acquisition, the 21-person BeInSync team, including founder Sharon Carmel who became Vice President & Chief Scientist of Synchronization and Continuity Solutions, continued operations in Tel Aviv as part of Phoenix. However, about a year after the acquisition, with Phoenix Technologies facing financial difficulties, the future of the Israeli team became uncertain, and the founders were no longer with the company.

Keywords: data synchronization, online backup, file sharing, remote access, peer-to-peer technology, data storage, BeInSync, Sharon Carmel, Tal Barnoach, Phoenix Technologies, software as a service, file synchronization, cloud backup, data access, information sharing, SMB data solutions, PC data management, acquired startup, Israeli tech