Ambassador, a Seattle-based startup, helps brands acquire customers through conversational commerce software that facilitates customer referral and rewards programs. The company has over 200 customers, including large brands such as Verizon, H&R Block, and Kaplan, and generates around $3 million in annual recurring revenue. Investors in Ambassador include former leaders from Zipwhip, a business messaging startup that was acquired by Twilio for $850 million. These investors, including Hank Skorny, John Larson, James Lapic, and Ravi Angadi, bring their expertise to help fuel the growth of Ambassador.
John Larson, a co-founder of Zipwhip, has also taken an operating role at Ambassador. He believes that the startup is well-positioned to capitalize on the AI boom and the latest messaging technology trends. Larson highlights Ambassador’s customer-led growth model, where referrals play a central role in the company’s offerings. He envisions Ambassador leading the industry with its three-sided marketplace, empowering customers to share positive experiences of products or brands and be rewarded like true influencers. Larson’s leadership, combined with the experience of other former Zipwhip leaders, positions Ambassador for success in the competitive market of conversational commerce.
Geoff McDonald, CEO of Ambassador, acquired the company from Intrado in 2021. McDonald, who previously co-founded and led Seattle startup Element Data, has shifted his focus to Ambassador. He is currently finalizing a $4.5 million convertible note for the company, with backing from Seattle investors such as Paul Stahura, Geoff Entress, and Archibald Cox, Jr. To date, Ambassador has raised a total of $9.5 million, including the new convertible note. McDonald’s leadership and the support of experienced investors provide a strong foundation for Ambassador’s growth and success in the industry.
The addition of former Zipwhip leaders to Ambassador’s team brings valuable expertise in business messaging and technology. James Lapic, co-founder and former CTO at Zipwhip, serves as an investor and technical advisor for Ambassador. Ravi Angadi, former chief product officer at Zipwhip, has taken on the role of interim chief product officer at Ambassador. With their deep knowledge and experience in the industry, these leaders are expected to contribute significantly to Ambassador’s growth and innovation in the field of conversational commerce.
Ambassador’s focus on helping brands build better relationships with customers and drive more spending through referral and rewards programs sets it apart in the market. The company’s strong customer-led growth model and emphasis on leveraging the latest technology trends, such as AI and messaging technology, demonstrate its commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry. With an experienced leadership team and the support of key investors, Ambassador is well-positioned for continued success and growth as it expands its customer base and offerings in the competitive landscape of conversational commerce.
