Comments on: BT Has Acquired Ribbit For $55 Million To Build GrandCentral Competitor, Say Ribbit Execs To Friends http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:38:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Alfabetic » Blog Archive » BT Adquiere Ribbit por $105 Millones http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2484764 Alfabetic » Blog Archive » BT Adquiere Ribbit por $105 Millones Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:39:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2484764 [...] por $105 millones en efectivo. El 9 de Julio reportamos que algunos de los ejecutivos de Ribbit estaban contándole a sus amigos que la negociación se estaba haciendo simultáneamente, negándolo a la prensa.  Una cosa que [...] [...] por $105 millones en efectivo. El 9 de Julio reportamos que algunos de los ejecutivos de Ribbit estaban contándole a sus amigos que la negociación se estaba haciendo simultáneamente, negándolo a la prensa.  Una cosa que [...]

]]> By: Richard Tucker http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2433336 Richard Tucker Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:54:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2433336 may be interesting to note BT already offers a GrandCentral type service, through RingCentral... http://www.ringcentral.bt.com/ may be interesting to note BT already offers a GrandCentral type service, through RingCentral… http://www.ringcentral.bt.com/

]]> By: BT Acquires Ribbit For $105 Million | NewsMeToday http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2424127 BT Acquires Ribbit For $105 Million | NewsMeToday Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:57:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2424127 [...] it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million in cash. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...] [...] it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million in cash. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...]

]]> By: BT Acquires Flex Mobile company For $105 Million | Marcio Rosa Website http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2423411 BT Acquires Flex Mobile company For $105 Million | Marcio Rosa Website Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:13:30 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2423411 [...] it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million in cash. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...] [...] it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million in cash. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...]

]]> By: BT Acquires Ribbit For $105 Million http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2423181 BT Acquires Ribbit For $105 Million Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2423181 [...] that it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...] [...] that it has acquired Silicon Valley based Ribbit for $105 million. On July 9 we reported that Ribbit executives were telling friends the deal was done while simultaneously denying it to the press. One thing we got wrong was the [...]

]]> By: Meritage Funds » Blog Archive » Exposing Communication Services http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2410557 Meritage Funds » Blog Archive » Exposing Communication Services Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:22:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2410557 [...] may all have been triggered by the rumor that BT is purchasing Ribbit for $55 million. Ribbit developed its own VoIP softswitch, not a novel concept in and of itself as [...] [...] may all have been triggered by the rumor that BT is purchasing Ribbit for $55 million. Ribbit developed its own VoIP softswitch, not a novel concept in and of itself as [...]

]]> By: TechCrunch Pitch! in London - The Wrap http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2410177 TechCrunch Pitch! in London - The Wrap Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:15:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2410177 [...] PhoneFromHere.com creates web call me button widgets for use on websites, blogs, social networking sites, etc. that enable visitors to call others while protecting privacy. It has a cool iGoogle ‘Phone Home’ widget so you can use your laptop, headset and internet connection to place calls. PhoneFromHere doesn’t use SIP but an opensource solution to get through firewalls more easily. PhoneFromHere’s pitch is that it web sites can increase traffic and stickiness by delivering live voice chat. Users are not required to download any software, surrender personal information, or even use a phone. PhoneFromHere likened themselves to Ribbit, which BT bought for $55m. [...] [...] PhoneFromHere.com creates web call me button widgets for use on websites, blogs, social networking sites, etc. that enable visitors to call others while protecting privacy. It has a cool iGoogle ‘Phone Home’ widget so you can use your laptop, headset and internet connection to place calls. PhoneFromHere doesn’t use SIP but an opensource solution to get through firewalls more easily. PhoneFromHere’s pitch is that it web sites can increase traffic and stickiness by delivering live voice chat. Users are not required to download any software, surrender personal information, or even use a phone. PhoneFromHere likened themselves to Ribbit, which BT bought for $55m. [...]

]]> By: Is There Money in Voice APIs? - GigaOM http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2409819 Is There Money in Voice APIs? - GigaOM Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:30:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2409819 [...] If Jaduka’s experience is any indication, however, I don’t expect Ribbit will last too much longer without a complete change of strategy. Ribbit might have 4,000 developers, but how many of them are actually making applications on which Ribbit is able to share revenue? I don’t put a lot of stock in the rumor that BT has purchased Ribbit for $55 million. [...] [...] If Jaduka’s experience is any indication, however, I don’t expect Ribbit will last too much longer without a complete change of strategy. Ribbit might have 4,000 developers, but how many of them are actually making applications on which Ribbit is able to share revenue? I don’t put a lot of stock in the rumor that BT has purchased Ribbit for $55 million. [...]

]]> By: People Over Process » links for 2008-07-13 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2407215 People Over Process » links for 2008-07-13 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:38:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2407215 [...] BT Has Acquired Ribbit For $55 Million To Build GrandCentral Competitor, Say Ribbit Execs To Friends (tags: ribbit bt rumors m&a telephony google grandcentral) [...] [...] BT Has Acquired Ribbit For $55 Million To Build GrandCentral Competitor, Say Ribbit Execs To Friends (tags: ribbit bt rumors m&a telephony google grandcentral) [...]

]]> By: Lee http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2404686 Lee Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:02:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2404686 Ribbit was promoted at the Emerging Communications (eComm) conference last March for a reason (www.eCommMedia.com) Ribbit was promoted at the Emerging Communications (eComm) conference last March for a reason (www.eCommMedia.com)

]]> By: Jahangir Raina http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2404545 Jahangir Raina Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:38:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2404545 BT has over 10k Voice 2.0 developers in its Web21C program. Ribbit has only 4k. http://www.ilocus.com/2008/07/now_why_would_bt_need_ribbit.html BT has over 10k Voice 2.0 developers in its Web21C program. Ribbit has only 4k.
http://www.ilocus.com/2008/07/.....ibbit.html

]]> By: más movimientos en móvil » Rodrigo Miranda http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2404363 más movimientos en móvil » Rodrigo Miranda Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:46:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2404363 [...] est semana, Ribbit ha sido adquirida por BT, por la friolera de 55M$. Más sobre la noticia en TechCrunch. Con enfoque para desarrollar Voice 2.0 applications usando una plataforma propietaria con API [...] [...] est semana, Ribbit ha sido adquirida por BT, por la friolera de 55M$. Más sobre la noticia en TechCrunch. Con enfoque para desarrollar Voice 2.0 applications usando una plataforma propietaria con API [...]

]]> By: Amos Wilmer http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403380 Amos Wilmer Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:45:11 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403380 I also heard about the Google/jajah deal. My pal predicted this union three months ago and is looking very smug right now... I also heard about the Google/jajah deal. My pal predicted this union three months ago and is looking very smug right now…

]]> By: Jason http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403345 Jason Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:14:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403345 Good point Alex. Ribbit is small-fry compared to Jajah. Google has the money and Jajah is a perfect fit. One more thing you missed though – the Sequoia connection. Good point Alex. Ribbit is small-fry compared to Jajah. Google has the money and Jajah is a perfect fit. One more thing you missed though – the Sequoia connection.

]]> By: Alex http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403270 Alex Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:10:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403270 This is an interesting story, but in reality misses the bigger picture. The bigger story here is Google buying Jajah. If my sources are right Google has tabled an offer for Jajah which has several more zeros on the end than this deal and will be wrapped up shortly. As an investment banker I don’t usually put much stock in simple rumors, but this has come from several sources and also makes much more sense to me. Google has Grand Central, but this is more a SMB play, has acquired a wireless spectrum, and of course Android in the wings. At the same time Jajah claims more than 10million customers, a strong VoiP backend (which Google is missing), an apparently healthy cash flow and a sting of industry partnerships adding tens of millions more people onto its network. Plus Jahah has built an phone advertising solution, which Google would no doubt love to get its hands on. This is an interesting story, but in reality misses the bigger picture. The bigger story here is Google buying Jajah. If my sources are right Google has tabled an offer for Jajah which has several more zeros on the end than this deal and will be wrapped up shortly.

As an investment banker I don’t usually put much stock in simple rumors, but this has come from several sources and also makes much more sense to me. Google has Grand Central, but this is more a SMB play, has acquired a wireless spectrum, and of course Android in the wings. At the same time Jajah claims more than 10million customers, a strong VoiP backend (which Google is missing), an apparently healthy cash flow and a sting of industry partnerships adding tens of millions more people onto its network. Plus Jahah has built an phone advertising solution, which Google would no doubt love to get its hands on.

]]> By: nathhh http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403134 nathhh Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:21:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403134 Grand central should work, but it s a lot of money Nath http://www.themostpowerfulcompany.com Grand central should work, but it s a lot of money

Nath
http://www.themostpowerfulcompany.com

]]> By: Ribbit acquired by British Telecom | Web 2 Voice http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403126 Ribbit acquired by British Telecom | Web 2 Voice Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:11:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403126 [...] not particularly clear why BT is making this move, particularly for such a premium.  TechCruch thinks it’s about building a competitor to GrandCentral.  GrandCentral was bought by Google, [...] [...] not particularly clear why BT is making this move, particularly for such a premium.  TechCruch thinks it’s about building a competitor to GrandCentral.  GrandCentral was bought by Google, [...]

]]> By: Whitfield http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2403092 Whitfield Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:45:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2403092 @ Joss, @ Avner Too soon to call "Dodgeball" on GrandCentral Maybe as the service and product as you know it, but the IP and technology assets those will definitely be integrated into the Google user experience. "Voicemail" is a protected label in Gmail FYI. I have also seen wire frames and screen shots at Google, pointing in the opposite direction of your argument. Be patient and shame on Google for neglecting and wreaking havoc on the GrandCentral service and users. @ Joss, @ Avner

Too soon to call “Dodgeball” on GrandCentral

Maybe as the service and product as you know it, but the IP and technology assets those will definitely be integrated into the Google user experience.

“Voicemail” is a protected label in Gmail FYI. I have also seen wire frames and screen shots at Google, pointing in the opposite direction of your argument.

Be patient and shame on Google for neglecting and wreaking havoc on the GrandCentral service and users.

]]> By: Avner http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402966 Avner Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:52:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402966 @dualsub2006 well, maybe I don't. Perhaps you could be kind enough to shed some light? No? I'm just voicing a frustated user's opinion, to which I'm entitled to. I've been patient, too. If you don't like that- then, well..I don't know; Do whatever you do when you go around writing really informative replies to what a user of a certain service should be 'talking about'. @ Joss- yeah, thats exactly what I was talking about. @dualsub2006

well, maybe I don’t. Perhaps you could be kind enough to shed some light? No? I’m just voicing a frustated user’s opinion, to which I’m entitled to. I’ve been patient, too.

If you don’t like that- then, well..I don’t know; Do whatever you do when you go around writing really informative replies to what a user of a certain service should be ‘talking about’.

@ Joss- yeah, thats exactly what I was talking about.

]]> By: Chopchurch http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402913 Chopchurch Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:11:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402913 I'd rather have Google work according to their own timetable than your own. It'll be done when its done. I’d rather have Google work according to their own timetable than your own. It’ll be done when its done.

]]> By: quux http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402886 quux Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:48:54 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402886 Maybe this will light a fire under Grandcentral. To do something. Anything. But show us some action! Maybe this will light a fire under Grandcentral.

To do something. Anything. But show us some action!

]]> By: Jason Kolb http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402869 Jason Kolb Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:35:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402869 Hehe... sounds like somebody couldn't handle being under NDA. It is DAMN hard not to tell people when something like this happens, totally killed me not being able to blog about it too :) Hehe… sounds like somebody couldn’t handle being under NDA. It is DAMN hard not to tell people when something like this happens, totally killed me not being able to blog about it too :)

]]> By: Joss http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402854 Joss Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:17:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402854 @Avner agreed, remember Dodgeball ? @Avner agreed, remember Dodgeball ?

]]> By: Ribbit Aquired by British Telecom : The Thomas Howe Company http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402838 Ribbit Aquired by British Telecom : The Thomas Howe Company Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:59:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402838 [...] TechCrunch reports today that BT has acquired Ribbit for $55 million to build GrandCentral competitor. The article states that the company has denied the rumors, but wouldn’t comment on wether or not the merger discussions were occuring or not. Given that Ribbit recently raised $13 million dollars, it’s interesting that they exited so early, and if the more than three times valuation seemed to be enough of a win for the investors and management. In any event, good job to all involved. [...] [...] TechCrunch reports today that BT has acquired Ribbit for $55 million to build GrandCentral competitor. The article states that the company has denied the rumors, but wouldn’t comment on wether or not the merger discussions were occuring or not. Given that Ribbit recently raised $13 million dollars, it’s interesting that they exited so early, and if the more than three times valuation seemed to be enough of a win for the investors and management. In any event, good job to all involved. [...]

]]> By: dualsub2006 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/07/09/bt-has-acquired-ribbit-for-55-million-to-build-grandcentral-competitor-say-ribbit-execs-to-friends/#comment-2402836 dualsub2006 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:55:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/?p=19753#comment-2402836 @Avner - You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Nuff said. @Avner - You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Nuff said.

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