Skiff Raises $3.7M Seed Funding - Encrypted Docs Alternative

Skiff: A Privacy-Focused Alternative to Google Docs

Consider a scenario where Google Docs offered complete end-to-end encryption, ensuring even Google couldn't access your files. This concept is the core principle behind Skiff.

Real-Time Collaboration with Enhanced Privacy

Skiff functions as a document editor, mirroring the familiar interface of Google Docs. It enables real-time writing, editing, and collaboration with colleagues, but with a fundamental emphasis on privacy.

Due to its foundation in end-to-end encryption, Skiff itself lacks access to user documents. Access is exclusively granted to users and those specifically invited to collaborate.

Recent Funding and Key Investors

The innovative approach of Skiff has garnered significant investor interest. Andrew Milich, CEO, and Jason Ginsberg, CTO, recently announced a $3.7 million seed funding round led by Sequoia Capital.

This investment comes just over a year after the company’s founding in March 2020. Notable participants in the funding round include Alphabet chairman John Hennessy, former Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang, and Eventbrite co-founders Julia and Kevin Hartz.

Plans for Growth and Platform Development

According to Milich and Ginsberg, the seed funding will be allocated towards expanding the team and further developing the Skiff platform.

Underlying Technology and Encryption

The technology underpinning Skiff shares similarities with end-to-end encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Signal. “We’re leveraging this technology not for message transmission, but for the exchange of document fragments, which are then assembled into a collaborative workspace,” Milich explained.

Building Trust Through Transparency

The co-founders recognize that storing sensitive data in the cloud necessitates a high degree of user trust, especially for a relatively new company.

To address this, Skiff has published a detailed whitepaper outlining its technology and has begun open-sourcing portions of its code. This allows for public scrutiny of the platform’s functionality. Furthermore, Skiff has undergone at least one comprehensive security audit and benefits from advisors associated with the Signal Foundation and Trail of Bits.

Growing User Base and Positive Reception

The approach appears to be resonating with users. Since its soft launch via an invite-only program, Skiff has attracted thousands of daily users, including journalists, research scientists, and human rights lawyers. An additional 8,000 users are currently on the waitlist.

Focus on Privacy-Conscious Users

“We are particularly encouraged by the engagement from everyday individuals who prioritize privacy,” stated Ginsberg. “There’s a substantial community of privacy advocates who are seeking products built with their concerns in mind and have become disillusioned with larger corporations.”

He added, “Their adoption of Skiff stems from genuine enthusiasm for our vision and the potential of end-to-end encryption.”