Google Inc. has acquired a mobile startup called Bump, which allows users to share data by bumping devices together.
Google continues its shopping spree and this time it is a data sharing app called Bump. The app allows users to share contacts, photos and files from one phone to another by gently tapping both the devices together. The app, launched in 2008, simplified the transfer process between two devices and gained popularity for its ability to transfer files between an iPhone and other devices.
Despite its unique functionality and raising $20 million from high-profile venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, Bump was not able to get a strong foothold in the competitive market. A source aware of the deal revealed that Google paid at least $30 million or as much as $60 million for the mobile start-up, according to AllThingsD.
"Our mission at Bump has always been to build the simplest tools for sharing the information you care about with other people and devices," David Lieb, Bump CEO and cofounder, said in a blog post. "We strive to create experiences that feel like magic, enabled behind the scene with innovations in math, data processing, and algorithms. So we couldn't be more thrilled to join Google, a company that shares our belief that the application of computing to difficult problems can fundamentally change the way that we interact with one another and the world."
Bump Technologies reinvented the app with several new features including business cards exchange, a social network and a file-sharing service. In July last year, Bump introduced Flock, a group-photo sharing app.
Bump is continuing business as usual and has expressed plans to release more updates in the future. Users can download the app on their Android or iOS smartphones for free.
Google did not reveal financial details of the deal nor its future plans for the latest acquisition. But considering its history, it may be long before Google brings a new app or service that will integrate the Bump technology or use the app itself. Google's acquisition of WIMM Labs last year was confirmed in August because of its interest in developing wearable tech gadgets.
