8seats messaging startup aims to transform business communication

8seats, a next-generation messaging platform for businesses, has raised A$2 million in seed funding from a consortium of investors including Black Nova,  former Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci, and tech entrepreneurs Mike Priddis and Greg Miller. The funding will enable the homegrown startup to scale its platform and accelerate its go-to-market strategy in preparation for a public launch in 2025, following a successful early-access rollout.

8seats is reshaping workplace communication with an innovative approach that bridges the gap between office-based and desk-less employees. With 41 patent pending claims for its unique interface, the platform is more than just a blend of existing tools; it combines the best aspects of workplace communication tools with the ease and familiarity of consumer messaging apps. 8seats means workers will no longer need to use personal chat apps for work. Employers can also avoid a number of growing risks associated with personal messaging apps being used for work, including data and security breaches, by switching to 8seats. 

Since launching in closed beta, 8seats has processed over 300,000 messages, and it continues to drive productivity by minimising communication inefficiencies and ensuring all employees stay informed. Based on forecasts modelled on a business of 10+ employees,  8seats can save businesses up to 12 weeks of productivity each year by streamlining communications.

"8seats is on a mission to disrupt the norm," said Iain McDonald, Founder and CEO of 8seats. "In a world dominated by legacy platforms, we’re here to give businesses a smarter, simpler way to connect and collaborate across every employee, from the shop floor to the boardroom”

The platform’s innovative and intuitive user interface is accessible across any device, bringing together all employees — whether they are in the office or on the ground — on a single platform. Requiring no learning curve, its AI-driven team members streamline daily communications, helping businesses manage information flow more effectively. Its phone number-based accessibility also means no email or special setup is required, simplifying communication and protecting personal privacy.

Early investors have recognised the untapped market of nearly 12 million deskless workers in Australia and globally more than a billion workers that are currently underserved, and are backing 8seats to fill this gap. 

“8seats has reimagined group messaging with an extremely credible solution that makes it easier for businesses to communicate. We’re excited to be early partners on this journey and see enormous global potential for the company,” said Matt Browne, Managing Partner at Black Nova.

Additional angel investors include TBWA’s President Paul Bradbury, Prezzee’s Tony Karp and Innovation Bay’s Ian Gardiner. Its advisory board includes Jodie Fox, Founder and CEO of Shoes of Prey, John Moore, former Head of Innovation at Bupa, and Michael Buckley, former MD of Accenture Digital.

Following its closed beta release, 8seats is preparing for international expansion into the US, UK and broader Europe. Supported by AWS and Google startup programs, 8seats will announce key partnerships in the coming months as it works to grow its user base and enhance its platform’s offerings.

"This mission is ambitious, and we’re thrilled to have such experienced investors backing us," concluded Iain. "Their support will help us challenge the status quo and deliver a product that better meets the needs of businesses and their employees."

Founded in 2021, 8seats is led by seasoned founder Iain McDonald, who previously built Razorfish Australia—part of the $6 billion aQuantive acquisition by Microsoft and later Publicis Groupe. The 8seats team brings a track record of success in product, UX, finance and operations across high-growth tech companies, including Prezzee, SafetyCulture, Carma, Immutable and Mable.

For more information or to sign up for early access, please visit 8seats.com.

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