MessageBird Acquires Pusher for $35M - Expanding Communications Platform

MessageBird, a cloud communications platform recently assessed at a $3 billion valuation after a Series C funding round in October, has completed the acquisition of Pusher, a London-based firm specializing in real-time web technologies.

The transaction was valued at $35 million, and includes the integration of Pusher’s co-founder and CEO, Max Williams, along with the entire 25-member Pusher team into the Amsterdam-based MessageBird organization. (Pusher previously reported a team of 60 to TechCrunch in 2018, indicating workforce reductions in recent years.)

The Pusher product line will continue to be available to its current user base, while Pusher’s technology, particularly its focus on in-app notifications and a developer-focused API and SDKs centered around “push” functionality, will enhance MessageBird’s existing communication platform. MessageBird’s platform is already well-established in SMS and messaging channels like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Line and WeChat. Specifically, Pusher contributes capabilities such as in-app messaging, push notifications, and location tracking.

According to MessageBird, this acquisition will introduce a wider range of tools and features, enabling its customers to connect with their audience through an even greater variety of communication methods.

Established in 2011, Pusher was created to simplify the process for developers seeking to integrate real-time features into their websites and applications. Initially, this was achieved through a versatile real-time API and associated cloud infrastructure, allowing developers to easily implement features like rich push notifications, live content updates, and various real-time collaboration and communication tools.

More recently, the company expanded its offerings to include solutions tailored to specific real-time functionalities. Chatkit, an API and SDK designed to streamline the addition of chat features to apps or services, was among the first of these. This was subsequently broadened to encompass charts and location tracking/mapping features. Pusher’s clientele includes prominent companies such as GitHub, Mailchimp, CodeShip and The Financial Times.

Originally positioned as a European alternative to U.S.-based Twilio – offering a cloud communications platform supporting voice, video, and text through an API – MessageBird has since evolved into an “Omnichannel Platform-as-a-Service” (OPaaS). This strategic shift aims to provide businesses of all sizes with the ability to communicate with customers across their preferred channels.

The platform natively supports WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, Twitter, Line, Telegram, SMS, email, and voice. Customers can initiate interactions online and seamlessly transition to a more convenient channel, such as a preferred mobile messaging application, maintaining continuity throughout the process. This approach reflects the vision of MessageBird’s founder and CEO, Robert Vis, who believes the future of customer engagement lies in omnichannel interactions.

Consequently, the acquisition of Pusher appears to be a strategically sound decision. The geographical proximity of London and Amsterdam, coupled with similar time zones, and MessageBird’s transition to a remote-first work model, facilitate integration. Furthermore, the combination presents a balance of product synergy and complementary capabilities.

During a conversation with MessageBird CEO and founder Robert Vis, he highlighted the value of Pusher’s technology and team, emphasizing the importance of acquired startups finding a supportive environment where they can thrive. He also underscored the necessity of a robust “push” API and product suite for MessageBird to achieve its omnichannel ambitions, leading to the decision to acquire rather than develop this functionality internally.

Vis also indicated that further mergers and acquisitions are anticipated within the omnichannel and messaging platform sector, not only from MessageBird as it progresses toward a potential IPO, but also from its competitors.