Meta’s release of WhatsApp Business app (WAB) is creating a rival search engine to Google, keeping users within the app. WhatsApp is the most used chat app in the UK and has supplanted many other kinds of messaging due to its efficient use of data over even the thinnest of mobile networks. The WhatsApp Business Directory feature, launched in November 2021, spells a problem for Google, as businesses may need to also have a “shop window” inside WhatsApp, creating a unique ID for the WhatsApp Business app. To address this pain point, UK startup YourBusinessNumber set out to offer a unique internal tool to verify the UID by WhatsApp Business and make the connection between a small business owner’s personal number and its new WAB number. This is now sold in 50+ countries, including the US, and is planning to move into Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Germany. The startup raised almost £1 million from seed investors, including Edward Woodward and England football legend Gary Lineker.
YourBusinessNumber, a UK startup that addresses the pain point of creating a unique ID for the WhatsApp Business app, has raised almost £1 million in seed funding. The startup launched in June 2021 and is now selling in 50+ countries, including the US, and planning to expand into Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Germany. The platform allows businesses to receive OTP/SMS and calls and offers a Team solution, enabling employees to attend to WAB messages without revealing their phone number. Growing areas for YBN include Estate Agents, Recruitment, and Hospitality industries. The startup has developed its unique internal tools to verify the UID by WhatsApp Business and make the connection between a small business owner’s personal number and its new WAB number. Co-founder George Lineker said the startup is the fastest, easiest, and priced solution in the market and is growing at 30% MoM.
YourBusinessNumber has little to stop its growth, and its far lower fees would appear to give it a competitive advantage. While networks may charge £25-100 per month for traditional commercial contracts, YourBusinessNumber strips out data, minutes, texts, and use of apps or VOIP, offering just the UID. The startup’s unique internal tools are used to check whether the customer is verified, allowing it to get the most people verified on WhatsApp business. YourBusinessNumber recently raised £450,000, taking its total raise to almost £1 million. Seed investors include Edward Woodward (Ex Man UTD) and England football legend Gary Lineker (father of George).
WhatsApp Business app (WAB) is creating a rival search engine to Google, which may trouble U.S. businesses less due to the popularity of iMessage. However, in Europe and many parts of the world, WhatsApp has supplanted many other kinds of messaging due to its efficient use of data over even the thinnest of mobile networks. With the WhatsApp Business Directory feature, businesses may need to also have a “shop window” inside WhatsApp, which could pose a problem for Google. YourBusinessNumber offers a unique internal tool to address this pain point by verifying the UID by WhatsApp Business and making the connection between a small business owner’s personal number and its new WAB number. The startup is now selling in 50+ countries, including the US, and planning to expand into Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Germany.
YourBusinessNumber’s innovative solution to address the pain point of creating a unique ID for the WhatsApp Business app has the potential to disrupt traditional commercial contracts charged by networks, as the startup.
