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Mast Mobile believes nobody should be carrying around more than one phone.
The recently launched startup is trying to reshuffle communication in the modern workplace by eliminating the need for two separate work and personal devices.
As people are increasingly using their mobile devices in and out of the office, Mast’s solution is simple and cost-effective. The platform gives people one device with separate business and personal numbers, with activity on the personal accounts remaining completely private. The technology will provide businesses with cost savings by eliminating antiquated desk phones. Mast’s software also integrates into Salesforce, allowing employers to better track their sales teams’ calls.
Mast’s software provides an assortment of unique features, all of which eliminate the need for more than one phone. These features include a “Do Not Disturb” mode for either number, making disconnecting from work-related communications easily available. To maintain the highest level of productivity in the workplace, Mast will also replace any damaged or lost phone overnight. Mast employs its technology using the latest iPhones and users can receive a new model every year.
The technology also ensures that users won’t mix their personal and work numbers by applying intelligence that helps determine which number should be used for outbound calls. If a user receives a call, the incoming number will display a “calling your work number” or “calling your personal number” notification.
The company seeks to permanently reduce the modern worker’s mobile inconveniences, as juggling two devices will no longer be an issue. Long gone are the days of forwarding calls between smartphones or carrying two phones to work. With the exponential rise of budding startups, and the subsequent increase in “Bring Your Own Device” workplaces, Mast’s technology aims to be a seamless solution to work-life balance in the hyper-connected age.
Mast works directly with employers, who pay only for the business number. While Mast’s platform offers unlimited personal talk and text, employees will cover additional data on their personal numbers as well as device upgrades.
Mast Mobile was founded in 2013 by a Virgin Mobile execs, David Messenger, Peter Lurie and David Dawson, along with DFJ partner and former Facebook product manager, Bubba Murarka.
Today, Mast announced it received a $7 million round led by FirstMark Capital, along with DFJ,Eniac Ventures, Harrison Metal, HMM Investors, and Initialized Ventures.
"Each individual on the Mast team brings a deep appreciation and knowledge for how to improve mobile productivity in the workplace," said Rick Heitzmann, founder and managing director of FirstMark Capital, in a statement. "With Mast it's a win-win for everyone – mobile phones become a more valuable tool for business use, and employees benefit from having greater privacy and a free personal number."
