Unified Inbox acquires SocialGrow

Source: Unified Inbox.

Singapore-headquartered Unified Inbox, the social communication and collaboration platform, has acquired US-based social networking application company SocialGrow for an undisclosed amount. SocialGrow’s Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder Ken Herron will join Unified Inbox as Head of Marketing.

Key components of SocialGrow, an application that makes it easier for users to better connect with the people they know on different social networks, will be integrated into Unified Inbox’s product offerings. 

“SocialGrow gives us the opportunity to further unify your communications, including collecting and managing contacts from your in- and outboxes. Integrating SocialGrow showcases how we are using unified communications as a platform to encourage developers to create apps that will allow customers to fully customise their inboxes — pixel by pixel if they so choose — to meet their specific needs and preferences,” said Unified Inbox CEO Toby Ruckert.

With experience holding several executive marketing and sales leadership positions and expertise in rapidly growing revenues for multiple early- and mid-stage startup companies, Herron will spearhead Unified Inbox’s global marketing efforts as the company readies its first commercial launches and prepares for global availability in 2015.

Added Nathan Zeldes, President of the Information Overload Research Group (IORG): "This move integrates two streams of information, each previously prone to its own debilitating information overload: email, and the management of social network connectivity. By intelligently automating the second based on what happens in the first, the overall overload and time investment is reduced even while the quality of social relationships is deepened. I love it!"

Dr Darl Kolb, Professor of Connectivity at the University of Auckland Business School’s Graduate School of Management said, “"Social networks and connectivity are really two sides of the same coin. You can’t have a network without connectivity, and connectivity by its very nature creates and sustains networks. Ever since Granovetter’s famous article on the ‘strength of weak ties,’ we have understood the power of reaching out beyond our day-to-day contacts. But, visualising and organising our connections is not easy. As networks become increasingly important, tools to manage them will become increasingly important. To be connected is a powerful thing and to see our connections brings connectivity to life."

Unified Inbox acquired another US firm, SMAK in May, and opened its global headquarters in Singapore in April.