Last Updated on October 14, 2013 by New-Startups Team
The conferencing industry is dominated by tech-giants that have become an integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosphere. This is because they provide solutions that not only refine the efficiency of international communications, but also improve peer to peer conversations at all levels.
However, these solutions can be expensive to integrate, especially for those companies who want implementation on per room basis. This is the reason why new startups like Pexip and Acano have been formed – to provide low-cost conferencing solutions.
New startups in the video conferencing industry
Pexip is basically a cloud based conferencing software solution, which is unprecedented for video conferencing. In combination with audio conferencing solutions, it’s looking to provide the best quality communication at enterprise level. The video solution complements a quality audio solution provider, facilitating company-wide communications.
The startup’s platform can be quickly deployed remotely at two or more virtual machines, something which is unprecedented within generic hardware formats. Pexip also has a mobile app, which allows users to view who is on the call list and share presentations, files, texts etc.
Acano on the other hand has introduced a platform that unites previously incompatible audio, video and web tech for virtual communication. The company is also making a major addition to the video conferencing industry with its “coSpaces” program. The idea is to bring together multiple technologies within a single “virtual room”.
The unprecedented advantage is that there is no pre-scheduling required. Another benefit is that users on any device (smartphone, tablet, computer, video system etc.) would have the same audio/video experience. Seamless switching also provides mobility to use multiple devices and functions while on a call.
While Acano’s core competence lies in its technology, Pexip’s strong point is its flexibility with respect to scale. The experience is scalable across different countries and easily managed through a simple user interface. Consistency within the interface is one common benefit between Acano and Pexip.
Both these startups would be using Video Guidance as their strategic conferencing channel partner.
Serving as a success model of startup fund raising
Startups rely on funds when it comes to business growth, and video conferencing companies are setting a good example. Recently, Zoom, a cloud based video conferencing startup, managed to raise $6.5 million. This indicates the interest of investors in such initiatives and the benefits they will receive from business growth.
FuzeBox, which started back in 2009, recently raised $26 million in funding. The startup has been known for its extensive features and is expected to use the funding to build new “freemium” business models.
The best fund raising example comes in the form of the Blue Jeans Network, which managed to raise $50 million. With 2,000 businesses on its client list and as many as 3 million participants, it is a model success story among video conferencing and tech startups.
The growth of video conferencing startup companies at decent rates would allow them to become major stakeholders within the IT industry. The formation of Pexip and Acano and the monetary successes of Blue Jeans indicate that startups are going to give a tough time to market giants like Cisco Systems and Polycom. These new initiatives may also diversify the market in terms of technology stakes by breaking single hegemony enterprises.
