Unlock Privacy: Cape Launches $99/Month Beta Mobile Plan, Partners with Proton, and Secures $30M Funding!
In today’s digital landscape, mobile networks are increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, with notorious hacking groups like Salt Typhoon targeting telecommunications carriers. To combat these issues, the innovative mobile carrier startup Cape has developed a unique service that prioritizes user privacy and security. Unlike traditional carriers, Cape does not collect any personal data, offering a cookie-free browsing experience on its website. Recently, Cape announced significant advancements in its mission to provide a secure mobile service.
Introducing Cape’s Revolutionary Mobile Service
Based in Washington, DC, Cape was founded by a former head of Palantir’s national security division and a veteran of the U.S. Army’s special forces. The company has launched an open beta of its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service, which is available through a subscription plan priced at $99 per month. Additionally, Cape has established a partnership with Proton, a leading provider of encrypted email, VPN, and cloud services. The startup has successfully raised $30 million in equity and debt funding to support its initiatives.
Funding Breakdown and Market Position
The recent funding includes:
- $15 million in equity as part of its Series B round, with contributions from A*, Costanoa, Point72, and XYZ Ventures.
- $15 million in debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank.
This latest investment brings the total equity raised in Cape’s Series B to $55 million, following a previous $40 million announcement in April 2024, led by Andreessen Horowitz.
The Growing Demand for Privacy in Mobile Services
As geopolitical tensions rise, startups focused on military, defense, and security services are gaining attention. Cape’s offerings reflect this trend, providing a consumer-focused solution amid broader discussions about privacy and security. While the primary service is designed for everyday users, Cape has previously launched the Obscura phone, priced at $1,500, targeting military and government personnel facing significant threats.
CEO John Doyle noted that the rapid uptake of their closed beta, which filled within four hours, highlights a growing consumer desire for privacy. The new plan caters to those who wish to regain control over their digital identity without the investment required for specialized devices like the Obscura phone.
Key Features of Cape’s Mobile Plan
Cape’s mobile service includes:
- Unlimited voice minutes, texts, and data (with WiFi calling coming soon)
- Encrypted voicemail for enhanced security
- Protection against SIM swapping through cryptographic measures
- Advanced signaling protection to guard against telephony-related threats
Future Plans and Market Opportunities
General availability for Cape’s mobile plan is expected later this year. Currently, the service has fewer than 1,000 users in its closed beta phase, along with a small number of Obscura phone owners. Cape operates on the UScellular network and aims to introduce roaming services for international users and expand its MVNO offerings abroad.
Europe presents a significant market for privacy-focused services, as evidenced by the popularity of applications like Signal. Cape is capitalizing on this trend by partnering with like-minded companies, beginning with Proton. Customers who sign up for Cape’s service can add six months of Proton’s premium offerings for just $1, enabling access to encrypted cloud storage, VPN, and secure email services.
According to Doyle, this partnership reflects Cape’s commitment to providing robust privacy solutions and positions them as a credible player in the burgeoning field of secure telecommunications.
For more information about Cape’s innovative mobile solutions, visit their website or check out related articles on TechCrunch.
