Way2SMS pivots to news aggregation and curation app Way2

HYDERABAD: Way2SMS, the world's largest online peer-to-peer messaging platform with 45-million strong user base, has pivoted its business model to provide curated news content in 400 characters. Founded by Raju Vanapala in 2006, the company has re-branded itself as Way2 as data based free chat platforms dominate the market.

The company will continue its messaging service in addition to the aggregated news feeds through its app ‘Way2’ across English and eight Indian languages.

“We have received 50 lakh downloads so far and will leverage our user base from Way2SMS to reach the Tier 2 and 3 cities with our language specific content. We have invested Rs 12 crore in building the app from the parent company,” said founder and chief executive officer Raju Vanapala who also co-founded LearnSocial, an instructor-led online learning platform for mid-career professionals in 2014.

With a team-strength of 85 across content curators and technology, the company relies manual translation and editing. The service competes with existing apps such as NewsHunt and News In Shorts.

The parent company of Way2SMS continues to operate brands including Way2SMS, 160by2 and Way2. The company was acquired by NEA and Headland Asia backed online messaging portal ValueFirst in 2012, followed by a reverse acquisition a year later.