LinQ Secures $20M Funding to Integrate AI Assistants Seamlessly into Messaging Apps
Sometimes, you may possess an innovative solution without even realizing its potential until the demand surges. That’s precisely what happened with Linq, a Birmingham-based company that initially launched as a digital business card and lead capture tool. Recently, they pivoted to enhance customer communication by moving businesses from traditional SMS to more engaging platforms like iMessage and RCS.
A Shift in Messaging
What sets Linq apart? Well, while Apple’s Messages for Business service allows organizations to connect with customers, many still face the challenge of being identifiable as businesses through generic text formats. Users typically recognize when they are interacting with a business due to the green and gray text bubbles commonly associated with these communications.
Linq’s clients expressed a desire for more authentic exchanges—specifically, to send those coveted blue-bubbled messages. This need inspired the team, comprised of former Shipt executives—Elliott Potter (CEO), Patrick Sullivan (CTO), and Jared Mattsson (president)—to innovate further.
Leveraging iMessage
In February 2025, Linq introduced an API that allowed companies to use iMessage natively for messaging. This upgrade empowered businesses with the full suite of functionalities offered by Apple’s platform, including group chats, emojis, images, and voice notes.
Potter highlighted that within just eight months, Linq’s annual recurring revenue doubled, a remarkable feat built on four years of hard work. But rather than resting on their laurels, they saw a promising new opportunity on the horizon.
Enter AI Communications
The rise of AI agents opened up exciting possibilities, particularly after the launch of Poke, an AI assistant capable of handling various tasks directly within iMessage. Poke’s success caught Linq by surprise, leading to an influx of requests for their messaging API from AI companies eager to build chatbots.
Faced with a critical decision, Linq had to choose between maintaining its steady B2B revenue stream or pivoting to support a burgeoning segment of the AI market. Potter articulated this dilemma beautifully—should they remain a spoke in the wheel, or strive to become the hub?
The Future of Messaging
Potter believes that consumers are experiencing app fatigue. With Linq’s technology, there’s no need for additional apps; everything can happen within a familiar messaging interface. Developers can focus on creating intuitive experiences without the hassle of app development.
“AI is capable enough now,” Potter remarked. “You don’t need a traditional app; you just need a conversational interface that connects with AI and executes tasks.”
This strategic pivot has paid off: Linq reported a 132% growth in its customer base from the previous quarter, with each account expanding on average by 34%. Today, its AI agents reach 134,000 monthly active users and facilitate over 30 million messages monthly, achieving an impressive net revenue retention of 295%.
Funding and Forward Motion
In a significant move to bolster its operations, Linq recently raised $20 million in Series A funding led by TQ Ventures, with contributions from Mucker Capital and several angel investors. This fresh capital will enable Linq to expand its team, develop a robust go-to-market strategy, and further enhance its technology.
Navigating Grand Ambitions
While Linq thrives on Apple’s platform, there’s an inherent risk of reliance, especially considering the unpredictable nature of tech giants. Potter acknowledges this but remains optimistic about the company’s future, which goes beyond mere messaging.
“Our ambition is to enable communication wherever your customers are,” he stated confidently. “Whether it’s Slack, email, or social messaging platforms, our goal is seamless customer interaction.”
In the words of Andrew Marks, co-founding partner of TQ Ventures, “By creating a frictionless experience for AI-to-human communication, Linq is paving the way for an entirely new category of companies.” With their extraordinary vision and execution capabilities, the future certainly looks bright for Linq.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to elevate your business’s communication strategies or tap into the exciting possibilities of AI, now is the perfect time to explore innovative solutions like Linq. Let’s connect, embrace change, and transform the way we interact with technology—because the future of communication is just a message away.
