TextNow

TextNow, founded in 2009 by Derek Ting and Jon Lerner, started as a free texting app to reduce the costs of traditional SMS services. Over the years, it has evolved into a company with 200 employees and serves over 8 million monthly users from its offices in Canada and San Francisco. TextNow operates as a remote-first organization while promoting in-person collaboration through various events. The company offers free wireless service that includes unlimited talk, text, and essential data on a nationwide 5G network, with no contracts or hidden fees. It also provides free texting and calling to select countries and features a patented Elastic Calling Technology that allows seamless switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. TextNow targets cost-conscious consumers looking for affordable communication options, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion within its corporate culture.

Telecommunications Waterloo, Canada Founded 2009 ~200 employees Private · Seed

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Employees
200
-0.5% in the 3 months to Sep 2026
Revenue / employee
$500K
Revenue ~$100M
Total funding
$1M
Last round Seed, Oct 2011
12-month attrition
19.9%
Tech: 21.4%
H1B filings, FY2026
1
Sponsors visas

Headcount trend

TextNow went from 202 employees in Oct 2024 to 200 in Sep 2026. Apr to Sep 2026: 15 people joined, 16 left.

Org structure

Headcount by department

Engineering97
Other33
Operations18
Design12
Finance11
Marketing11
Sales6
Success6

Funding

  • Oct 2011 · Seed · $1M · Menlo Ventures, Freestyle Capital, AFSquare

Salaries at TextNow

All salaries

8 salary profiles in the US

Most reported roles

Pay by level, gender and ethnicity

H-1B sponsorship

H-1B Sponsorship Limited
H-1B Filings by Department
Engineering7

The department split adds up all the years listed above. FY2026 alone: 1 filings.

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TextNow FAQ

How many employees does TextNow have?

TextNow has about 200 employees, down 0.5% over the 3 months to Sep 2026.

Does TextNow sponsor H1B visas?

Yes. TextNow filed 1 H1B (LCA) application in FY2026, according to the latest U.S. Department of Labor disclosures. It was for a Engineering role.

What is TextNow's revenue per employee?

TextNow makes about $500K in revenue per employee, based on $100M annual revenue and 200 employees.

How much does TextNow pay?

6figr has 8 salary profiles for TextNow in the US, with pay broken down by role, level, gender and ethnicity on the TextNow salaries page. See TextNow salaries

How much funding has TextNow raised?

TextNow has raised $1M in total funding; its latest round was Seed in Oct 2011.

Data from Company Prospectus, DOL LCA disclosures, WARN notices and 6figr salary profiles.