Tech entrepreneur Adam Lyons has a track record of developing platforms that help people save money on their insurance bills. In 2012, he founded The Zebra, an online platform that helps consumers compare and shop for insurance. The company has raised $246.5 million in funding to date and became a tech unicorn in 2021.
Lyons is following up on the success of The Zebra with his recently launched company REALLY, which secured $18 million in a seed round led by Polychain on Tuesday.
REALLY works similarly to The Zebra, but instead of comparing insurance quotes, it compares phone plan prices and helps shoppers find the best plan that fits their needs. The platform compares plans across 56 carriers, including AT&T, Verizon and Google Fi, among others.
With the fresh funding, REALLY plans to develop a decentralized mobile phone service using blockchain technology. This phone service, called REALLY Wireless, will give consumers access to 5G services and provide them with anonymity. The REALLY Wireless service is set to launch later this year, according to a company statement.
“Smartphones and mobile networks have become indispensable, yet most people don’t love their service provider,” Lyons said in a statement. “We are building a better, more affordable phone service allowing communities to build equity and support their neighbors by using their cell phones. Those interested in putting a mini cell tower in their home or business will also have the opportunity to earn in USD. No other network exists that truly puts the ability to create and power the network in the hands of users like this.”
Lyons said he plans to incorporate new technologies into the REALLY platform to revolutionize the telecom industry.
