Israeli anonymous messaging app developer BLINDSPOT lets people say what they really feel, and is creating a big buzz. Perhaps it's the loud, cartoon-style design, the game-like interface, or simply the ability to message people anonymously.
"What would you say to people you know if you were anonymous?" ask Dor Refaeli and Lee Greenberg, co-founders of BLINDSPOT. "Most users want to flirt, play jokes on friends or share secretive information they would otherwise be scared to reveal. There's so much fake comment on social media - it can be like an airbrushed version of life. We want people to have fun, and most of all we want people to be real with one another."
Dor Refaeli is the younger brother of Israel's international supermodel Bar Refaeli.
BLINDSPOT is backed by Shellanoo Group, a fast-growth Israeli technology company specializing in interactive mobile applications and Internet related services. Shellanoo Group closed a $35 million round of funding in March, which quadrupled the share value of the company in less than 10 months. The round was led by multi-billionaire businessman Roman Abramovich, and attracted investment from music stars including Tiesto, Avicii, will.i.am, David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso (of Swedish House Mafia), Nicki Minaj, Benny Andersson (of ABBA), plus super agents Ash Pournouri and Gee Roberson (previously chairman of Geffen Records and now part of Maverick Management). Shellanoo Group chairman O.D. Kobo said, "BLINDSPOT is definitely one of our portfolio's liveliest projects.The idea for BLINDSPOT emerged from a 12-hour hackathon at Shellanoo's headquarters in Israel. When you remove the barrier of identity between people things start to get interesting."
Message recipients can easily block other users and can ask senders to reveal their identity at any time. Any user that is blocked by three people is removed from the app. Any misuse can be raised directly with BLINDSPOT.
BLINDSPOT is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play and since its release earlier this month has been one of the world's most downloaded apps. The question is if it will remain strong when all the buzz and novelty of its launch has died down.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 27, 2015
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