Cape launches privacy-focused mobile plan at $99/month

Cape, a mobile carrier startup, has introduced a new $99/month mobile plan focused on privacy. This plan is now in open beta and aims to provide more secure communication by not collecting user data. The company was founded by a former Palantir executive and is based in Washington, DC. Cape has also formed a partnership with Proton, a company known for its secure email and VPN services. Users can pay an additional dollar for six months of Proton's premium services when they sign up for Cape's plan. This collaboration aims to enhance users' digital privacy. The startup has successfully raised $30 million in funding, with $15 million as equity from various investors and another $15 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. This brings its total Series B funding to $55 million, a promising achievement amid increasing interest in security-focused startups. Cape's new plan features unlimited voice, text, and data, although voice over Wi-Fi is expected later. It also offers protection against SIM swapping and advanced security measures against cell network vulnerabilities. General availability of their phone plan is planned for later this year. Cape is currently serving under 1,000 beta users and a few hundred customers of its specialized Obscura phone, which is designed for high-threat individuals. The company sees significant interest in its offerings and plans to expand its services, especially in Europe, where privacy-conscious users are prevalent.