Johnny is excited! We’d both been approached about the rumor of Twilio buying tyntec since last weekend. We’d both written it off, given market timing, Twilio had hired David Copsey (ex-tyntec), so they have the intellectual property.

But the rumors kept building, clearly David understood the time it would take to copy tyntec, and decided buying would be faster and more disruptive. Deals are based on existing trusted relationships in the messaging world. Just before this podcast, Johnny broke the news on Linkedin.

For Johnny this has been his dream since we began Truth in Telecoms, he’s been pushing for a tyntec / twilio deal on many podcasts. With no movement there, he’s been trying to sell tyntec to anyone who will listen.

He set out why it makes sense. Eddie DeCurtis announced on the podcast a deal with Twilio, as he and David are both ex-tyntec this makes sense. Johnny’s nickname for David Copsey is Secret Agent Man. He left tyntec on good terms, which is apparently rare. David is making a great impression at Twilio, they have a solid international business, but it’s rarely performed as well as the US, hence their work with companies like tyntec in Central and Latin America.

Twilio more or less owns the US. Johnny’s opinion is if Twilio buys tyntec, its game over for its international competitors like Infobip, Sinch, etc. Because they will be able to dominate international, given the investment dollars Twilio has available. From conversations had today, there is some concern on what could happen.

Twilio is a different beast to the past, given the change in leadership and activist investors. Hiring David Copsey gave a chance for Twilio to see what happens when someone who deeply understands the international messaging space delivers. He also understands the time it takes to build all the deals, and the importance of trusted relationships. Back when Johnny was part of the GMS discussions David Copsey was recognised as a key individual in tyntec. Here are a couple of documents Johnny signed with Cipio Partners and Tyntec on that deal.

So what’s Twilio’s strategy? It’s doubled down on the aggregation business with the Syniverse and Zipwhip deals. While international has not delivered as well. At TADSummit we’ve covered the international shenanigans, there’s money to be had. Johnny’s view is a tyntec deal could take Twilio’s stock to $200+.

Johnny highlights the critical issue, does Hannibal Thorsten want this deal? He’s stopped many deals in the past. CEO / founder is tough character. BUT with David Copsey in Twilio, Hannibal’s hand-picked guy, maybe this deal could happen?

Johnny’s advice to the industry to buy tyntec BEFORE Twilio. I doubt clubbing together would work, Infobip could do it, but there is the Hannibal acceptance issue. Twilio just keeps on growing, and has the cash to invest in tyntec to shake up the international messaging business. Johnny makes a strong case for Twilio to buy tyntec.