Chris Sawicki
Tempe, AZ (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
reTXT, Inc.
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Startup
Location:
Tempe
Industry:
Technology/Web
Year Founded:
2014
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Business Stage:
Creation/Idea
Entity Type:
"C" Corporation
Description:
Overview ReTXT is an early stage software design, development, and solutions company incorporated in March 2014 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. The Company is entering a dynamic segment of the mobile communication marketplace selling an over- the-top (OTT) downloadable native mobile texting/messaging software application that remakes the texting experience for a global audience. ReTXT does not use SMS and does not depend on the wireless carrier or network operator for signal. The Company has filed three patent applications covering its proprietary protocol.
Marketing-Opportunity IbisWORLD projects U.S. 2014 text messaging revenue around $34 billion. A January 2014 Forbes Magazine tech article presents the findings of App analytics company Flurry who reported a 150% rise in the use of ‘Social and Messaging’ apps. Though inundated with competing apps, market growth in the texting space remains dramatic. As of Q1 2014, MessageMe which launched in March 2013, had 30 million registered users and averaged 82,000 app downloads/day. Viber’s registered user base averaged 92 million/year for 3 years prior to its acquisition, and WhatsApp’s year 1 downloads averaged 290,000/day as it amassed 450 million monthly users before its record-setting $19 billion acquisition. ReTXT’s proprietary application exploits the messaging market by enabling previously sent messages to be updated in both the sender’s and receiver’s applications. This message updating feature is a big market differentiator that will alleviate the pain of the ongoing social media blunders that go viral.
Marketing-Plan ReTXT’s August 2014 launch plan will include some of the methods used by Viber including engaging influencers and social marketers on social media, and continually updating tech writers on the development process. Leveraging its lucrative personal connections with music festival and nightlife venue promoters, ReTXT will gain a significant push with its target audience through live launch parties in large U.S. cities. These parties will prominently display the ReTXT brand and feature tie-in campaigns where ReTXT users can gain access to special discounts. Following the initial pushes, traditional digital advertising will also be used. The Company’s communications partners are TunnelBravo, experts in brand identity and positioning, and Engage PR, a specialist in application launches of many successful companies in Silicon Valley (i.e. Calix,
devicescapeTM, Metaswitch Networks, and Digital Realty). Collectively TunnelBravo and Engage PR will create brand awareness and interest, and drive messaging that validates ReTXT’s technical strengths.