Vyng

Vyng, Inc. operates a next-generation phone platform that replaces standard caller IDs with video content, aiming to create a more expressive and engaging communication experience. Founded in 2014 by Paul Kats, Jeffrey Chernick, and Sohrab Pirayesh, the company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The initial concept was sparked when Chernick used a voice memo as a ringtone, leading the founders to explore the potential of leveraging video content to personalize phone calls. Kats serves as the CEO, while Chernick has also co-founded RideAmigos.

The company's core product is a free, Android-only mobile application that allows users to select a video that plays on the recipient's lock screen when they make a call, provided the recipient also has the app installed. Users can choose videos from a curated library, which includes content from partners like Jukin Media and Yoola, or upload their own custom clips. This platform primarily targets consumers in emerging markets, such as India, where smartphone adoption is high and there's a strong demand for personalization. Vyng's growth has been significantly driven by word-of-mouth, with a large percentage of users discovering the app through referrals or seeing it in action.

Vyng's business model appears to capitalize on brand partnerships and potential advertising opportunities presented during the video selection process. The company has secured significant funding to support its growth, raising a total of $12 million over four rounds from investors including March Capital, Omidyar Network, and a partner at Google Ventures. Key funding milestones include a $4 million Series A round in December 2018 and a subsequent $5 million Series A round in April 2022. After years of development, which resulted in 19 U.S. patents, Vyng was acquired by DigitalReef, a global mobile marketing technology company, in November 2022. This acquisition integrates Vyng's lock screen technology into DigitalReef's ecosystem, enabling brands and publishers to reach a large user base at the first point of contact on a mobile device. Keywords: video caller ID, mobile communication platform, custom ringtones, lock screen content, Android app, call visualization, mobile personalization, DigitalReef, Paul Kats, Jeffrey Chernick, March Capital, Omidyar Network, emerging markets mobile, ad-supported app, dialer replacement, visual communication, mobile user engagement, contextual communication, patented mobile technology