Skype Acquires GroupMe, Knocks One More Rival Out

Skype's on the acquisition trail again. Shortly after Microsoft announced their intentions to scoop up Skype for many, many billions of dollars, Skype themselves have done some shopping on the open market. GroupMe, a social startup that was gaining huge traction with their group-messaging application on Android and iOS, is now a part of the world's most well-known VoIP calling/messaging app. Many were suggesting that GroupMe was poised to becomes Skype's largest competitor, and now, well, they just swallowed that whole. Probably a smart business move.

GroupMe just launched a year ago, so it's still fresh on the vine, but Skype knows that it better start picking it it hopes to narrow that pool of competition. There's no early world on how soon GroupMe's features will be integrated into Skype, but we're guessing it won't be too long. So, who's next on the shopping list?

Skype Acquires GroupMe

LUXEMBOURG, 21 August 2011 -- Skype today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services that helps users stay in touch and make decisions. GroupMe was founded in 2010 at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon and is headquartered in New York, New York. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Through the acquisition of GroupMe, Skype continues its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. The acquisition of GroupMe complements Skype's leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class text-based communications and innovative features that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties. This, coupled with the acquisition of mobile video provider Qik, which Skype announced earlier this year, augments Skype's role as an innovator in driving unique mobile user experiences.

"Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality," said Tony Bates, Skype's Chief Executive Officer. "The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family," added Bates.

"There is a natural affinity between Skype and GroupMe and our goal is to continue developing tools that make it easier for people to communicate, share, and stay in touch with their close and important ties," said Jared Hecht, GroupMe's Co-Founder. "Integrating GroupMe into the Skype experience is an amazing opportunity for us and accelerates the execution of our vision tenfold," added Steve Martocci, GroupMe's Co-Founder.