GoTenna Secures $7.5M to Revolutionize Off-Grid Smartphone Communication
In an era where connectivity is king, GoTenna is redefining communication by enabling off-the-grid texting and GPS functionality—no cell service or Wi-Fi required. The Brooklyn-based startup recently announced a $7.5 million funding round, led by Union Square Ventures, to further its mission of decentralized connectivity.
How GoTenna Works: Bridging the Gap Without Infrastructure
GoTenna’s innovative USB key-sized device leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)—a power-efficient protocol designed for IoT applications. Here’s how it works:
- Pair the device with the GoTenna app on your smartphone (within 20–30 feet).
- Messages are transmitted via long-range radio waves to other GoTenna devices.
- Near-instant delivery: The entire process happens in milliseconds, according to CEO Daniela Perdomo.
Born from Necessity: A Solution for Disasters
Founded in 2012 by siblings Daniela and Jorge Perdomo after Hurricane Sandy, GoTenna was inspired by widespread communication failures.
“Everyone from regular people to first responders was disconnected due to infrastructure collapse,” Perdomo explained. “We wanted to empower smartphones to communicate anywhere, anytime.”
GoTenna’s Product Lineup: From Outdoor Enthusiasts to Military Use
1. GoTenna (Original)
- Price: $149 per pair (sold at Amazon, REI, etc.).
- Use Case: Ideal for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures with a two-way radio range.
2. GoTenna Mesh
- Price: $179 per pair (preorder; ships globally this spring).
- Key Feature: Extends connectivity via mesh networking, enabling peer-to-peer communication worldwide.
3. GoTenna Pro (Military-Grade)
- Price: $499 (launching later this year).
- Advantages:
- Operates on licensed UHF/VHF spectrums.
- 30–40x cheaper than comparable professional radios.
- No specialized training required—integrates seamlessly with smartphones.
Subscription-Free Model with Optional Upgrades
GoTenna doesn’t charge monthly fees, but users can opt for GoTenna Plus ($10/year) for premium features:
- Topographic maps
- Trip statistics
- Automated location sharing with trusted contacts.
Market Adoption and Funding
- Tens of thousands of users, including consumers, U.S. Department of Defense teams, and NGOs.
- Total funding: $17M to date, with grants from Google and the U.S. DoD.
- Investors: Union Square Ventures, Bloomberg Beta, Walden VC, and others.
What’s Next?
The latest funding will accelerate manufacturing, global distribution, and team expansion (currently 23 employees).
Final Thought: In a world increasingly reliant on centralized networks, GoTenna offers a resilient, affordable, and user-friendly alternative for off-grid communication—whether for adventurers, emergency responders, or global humanitarians.
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