Singapore-based Privyr raises $6 mn from MassMutual Ventures, others

By Kaushiki Chatterjee

  • 31 May 2022
Credit: 123RF.com

Privyr Pte Ltd, which operates the mobile customer relationship management app Privyr, on Tuesday said it has raised $6 million (around Rs 46 crore) in its series A funding round led by MassMutual Ventures and Vulcan Capital. 

The Singapore-based startup plans to deploy the fresh capital to expand its product capabilities, increase market penetration and scale its team from less than 10 employees to over 40 within a year. 

Other investors who took part in this funding round also include Wavemaker Partners, bestselling author Nir Eyal, and former Facebook executive Gwendolyn Regina

“India’s digital transformation during the pandemic has accelerated the move toward online customer interactions, which now happen mostly through WhatsApp. We strongly believe that customers still want human relationships, but adding a chatbot in between you and your client removes that connection. With Privyr, we provide an easier and more efficient way for businesses to personalise engagements and manage customer relationships from their phones," said Aaron Lim, co-founder and chief executive officer, Privyr. 

Launched in 2018, Privyr helps consumer-facing salespeople and businesses contact and convert leads into clients, from their phones. Their mobile app works with popular chat apps like WhatsApp, SMS, iMessage, emails, and phone calls, as well as lead sources such as Facebook Lead Ads, TikTok Lead Generation, Google ads, and website contact forms. 

According to the startup's statement, Privyr is used by over 45,000 sales professionals across more than 75 countries around the world, who have received and engaged with 20 million leads through the platform. 

Earlier, the startup raised $900,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore) from Wavemaker Partners, and Entrepreneur First, among other angel investors. 

“There’s incredible demand for simple, mobile-based solutions targeted at individuals and SMEs – particularly in developing markets where sales primarily happen on mobile and WhatsApp,” said Anvesh Ramineni, Managing Director at MassMutual Ventures

“Privyr’s solution addresses a massive pain point in the sales process and the fact that the company has come this far with zero sales or marketing staff is a testament to the widespread appeal of such a product," Ramineni added.