Prelude’s Journey Begins
In the bustling world of tech startups, it’s not uncommon for new companies to emerge and shake things up. However, few have made as significant an impact as Prelude, a relatively new French startup that has been gaining traction with its innovative approach to SMS verification. Founded by Matias Berny, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in location-sharing apps, Prelude is announcing new funding from Singular and Seedcamp on Wednesday.
A Problem Worth Solving
The idea for Prelude was born out of the challenges faced by Zenly, a popular location-sharing app acquired by Snap (and later shut down). When Matias Berny started looking at the problem of SMS verification codes, he quickly realized that it was more complex than initially thought. Initially, he had expected to fix this issue in a couple of months but ended up spending most of his three-year tenure at Zenly on this very topic.
The Challenges of SMS Verification
One of the main problems with traditional SMS verification is that telecom providers still charge companies for these text messages, even if users don’t incur any personal costs. For companies with massive user bases, this can become an expensive cost center. In fact, in late 2023, Signal Foundation shared its operating budget for its popular messaging app and service, revealing that SMS verification codes alone cost $6 million per year – a staggering amount considering storage, servers, and bandwidth account for only $7 million altogether.
The Patchwork Problem
You might think that this is an issue that has already been fixed. After all, Twilio made it easy to send SMS using programmatic calls a few years ago, followed by other companies offering SMS verification APIs. However, the request for verification codes still goes through several phone carriers and intermediaries across multiple countries, causing delays and failures.
Prelude’s Solution
Berny explained that what they’ve been building at Zenly – and now on a larger scale at Prelude – is essentially the "Skyscanner of phone number verification." By finding the best route to deliver SMS verification codes in real-time, Prelude aims to reduce costs for companies while ensuring that users receive their verification codes quickly and efficiently.
Meet the Founder
Matias Berny, founder of Prelude, has a rich background in location-sharing apps. After founding Zenly, he gained valuable experience in developing innovative solutions to complex problems. With his expertise, Berny is now leading Prelude to revolutionize the SMS verification industry.
The Future of SMS Verification
As Prelude continues to innovate and grow, it’s clear that their impact will be felt across various industries. With their focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and user experience, they’re poised to transform the way companies approach SMS verification. As we move forward into a world where digital communication is increasingly paramount, Prelude is at the forefront of this revolution.
