Ooma

Ooma's story began in 2003, initially as Explore Networks, when co-founders Andrew Frame and Michael Cerda envisioned a way to leverage the burgeoning high-speed internet to offer free long-distance calling. This was a time when traditional phone companies still charged significant per-minute fees for such calls. The duo, having previously worked together and sharing a similar outlook on emerging technological opportunities, decided to disrupt the telecommunications landscape. They secured seed funding and assembled a team, setting up their first 'office' in an outbuilding at Cerda's home in Alamo, California. Their initial product, a 'VoIP in a box' device, aimed to use peer-to-peer VoIP technology, a concept somewhat akin to 'Napster for phones,' even bringing on Napster's founders, Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, as advisors early on.

The company officially launched its first-generation Ooma Hub and Ooma Scout devices in 2007, marking its entry into the market. However, Frame stepped down as CEO in 2009, and Eric Stang took the helm, a position he continues to hold. Under Stang's leadership, Ooma shifted its strategy and product focus. The same year, Ooma released the Telo system, a base station for unlimited calling and caller ID, which garnered industry recognition. Recognizing the evolving needs of the market, Ooma expanded its services beyond residential customers. In 2013, the company launched Ooma Office, a cloud-based phone system tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering enterprise-grade features. This marked a significant step in diversifying its revenue streams. Ooma continued to innovate and grow, eventually going public in July 2015 with an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'OOMA'. Over the years, Ooma has further broadened its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including security camera startup Butterfleye, custom business communications provider Voxter, and others, solidifying its position as a comprehensive communications solutions provider for both homes and businesses of all sizes.