BulkSMS.com
BulkSMS.com is a Cape Town-headquartered SMS gateway platform, operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd, that delivers business messaging to 213 countries via 800+ mobile networks. It serves SMBs, developers, and mid-market enterprises through self-serve web, API, desktop, and CRM-integrated products under a usage-based pricing model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What BulkSMS.com does
BulkSMS.com is a web-based business SMS messaging platform founded in 2000 and operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd under South Africa's Celerity Group, headquartered in Cape Town. The company provides a usage-based, pay-per-message SMS gateway service with direct interconnections to more than 800 mobile networks across 213 countries. Its product suite centers on four core delivery channels — a responsive web application (Web to SMS), a RESTful HTTP-to-SMS API for developers, a Windows desktop client (BulkSMS Text Messenger), and an Integration Gateway for CRM-connected two-way messaging — and is supplemented by add-on modules including incoming long numbers, SMS shortcodes, RCS Business Messaging (delivered via a partnership with Dotgo), scheduled SMS, SMS attachments, mobile landing pages, Mobi-gram visual messaging, sender ID, email-to-SMS, and automatic opt-out processing.
The platform monetizes exclusively on message volume with no subscription or monthly fees; volume discounts and personalized quotes apply above 50,000 messages per month. Distribution is product-led and self-serve: customers register online, access the web app, and integrate via API or pre-built native apps on the HubSpot Marketplace, Salesforce AppExchange, Zoho, ActiveCampaign, Freshdesk, and Zapier marketplaces. Customer evidence indicates a highly fragmented SMB and mid-market base across e-commerce, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, financial services, CRM/marketing automation users, and ISVs/developers, with case studies spanning FlySafair, University of Minnesota, Cosmiq Broadband, SSCBB, Excel Sales & Letting, and Alicante Transfers. Headcount is reported in the 11–50 range, revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the company holds industry memberships with WASPA, MEF, and Trust In Enterprise Messaging alongside a 4/4 ComReg Ireland Conformity Index rating for SMS Sender ID compliance.
BulkSMS.com firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BulkSMS.com
- Legal name
- Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd
- Website
- https://bulksms.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BulkSMS.com is a Cape Town-headquartered SMS gateway platform, operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd, that delivers business messaging to 213 countries via 800+ mobile networks. It serves SMBs, developers, and mid-market enterprises through self-serve web, API, desktop, and CRM-integrated products under a usage-based pricing model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BulkSMS.com industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business SMS Messaging
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- SMS/MMS & Messaging Marketing Services (Text, RCS, WhatsApp/OTT) (MPAAAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marketing Automation, CRM & Lifecycle Messaging (BPAMALAE), Customer Communications Management (CCM) & Transactional Messaging (MPAAAIAL)
Keywords
Where BulkSMS.com is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
BulkSMS.com business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- SMS Message Delivery: Primary revenue stream based on message volume. Customers pay per SMS message sent. No subscription or monthly fees - customers only pay for messages sent. Volume discounts available for bulk purchases. Customized quotes available for high-volume senders (50,000+ messages/month).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Pay-per-message pricing with volume discounts |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Thailand SMS pricing |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | UK SMS pricing |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | USA SMS pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
BulkSMS.com product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BulkSMS.com is a web-based business SMS messaging platform operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd that enables organizations to send and receive SMS messages globally across 213 countries and 800+ mobile networks. The platform offers multiple delivery mechanisms including a responsive web application, a RESTful HTTP API for developers, a desktop SMS software (BulkSMS Text Messenger), and an Integration Gateway for CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, ActiveCampaign, Freshdesk). Revenue is generated on a usage-based pay-per-message model with no subscription or monthly fees.
Product overview
BulkSMS.com is a business SMS messaging platform operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd, offering a comprehensive suite of messaging solutions. The core offering consists of Web to SMS (responsive web app), SMS API (RESTful HTTP API for developers), BulkSMS Text Messenger (desktop software), and the Integration Gateway (CRM integration platform). These core products are complemented by add-on modules including Incoming Long Numbers for two-way messaging, SMS Shortcodes for opt-in campaigns, and RCS Business Messaging for rich media. Additional features include SMS Attachments, SMS Landing Pages, Email to SMS, Two-Way SMS Messaging, Sender ID, Automatic Opt-Out, Scheduled SMS, and Mobi-gram. The platform connects to over 800 mobile networks across more than 200 countries globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Web to SMS Responsive web application that allows users to access their BulkSMS account from any web browser to send, manage, and track SMS communications for business messaging use cases.
- SMS API HTTP-based RESTful API that enables developers and software vendors to integrate SMS sending, delivery reports, attachments, and two-way messaging into their applications, websites, or software platforms.
- BulkSMS Text Messenger Desktop SMS software application for Windows that allows users to manage SMS communications directly from their computer, including the Mobi-gram visual content feature for branded marketing campaigns and digital flyers.
- Integration Gateway Platform offering advanced two-way SMS integration directly with CRM systems and marketing automation tools, supporting batch sends, contact list management, message status tracking, and trigger-based workflow automation.
- Incoming Long Numbers Virtual phone numbers that allow businesses to receive incoming SMS messages directly from customers, enabling two-way communication and customer engagement workflows.
- SMS Shortcodes 5-digit shortcode numbers allowing customers to opt-in to SMS campaigns, enter competitions, or subscribe to alert services, available as dedicated or shared shortcodes with unique keywords.
- RCS Business Messaging
Quantifiable outcome
- 81% RCS read rate and 93% unique user interactions in France pilot campaign
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use BulkSMS.com
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BulkSMS.com technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature10 records
BulkSMS.com partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Dotgo (Gupshup company)coreDotgo partnership enables Celerity's messaging brands (BulkSMS and Kero Chat) to access Dotgo's global RCS network. The RBM Hub powers RCS message delivery across 80+ operators in 25+ countries. This allows customers to transition from traditional SMS to Rich Business Messaging with branded, verified sender experiences and real-time analytics. A pilot campaign in France achieved an 81% read rate and 93% unique user interactions.
- HubSpotcoreBulkSMS Integration Gateway provides SMS capabilities within HubSpot. Users can set up trigger-based automations, send batch messages to contact lists, and access message status and replies directly from HubSpot. Available on HubSpot Marketplace with native app integration option.
- ActiveCampaigncoreBulkSMS Integration Gateway offers advanced SMS capabilities for ActiveCampaign customers. Native app integration available on ActiveCampaign platform. Supports two-way messaging, submission and delivery reports, and personalized message templates.
- ZohocoreBulkSMS Integration Gateway for Zoho offers advanced SMS capabilities including two-way and personalized messaging. Zoho MarketingHub easily integrates with BulkSMS account for sending SMS campaigns and analyzing reports.
- FreshdeskcoreBulkSMS integration for Freshdesk enables SMS messaging directly from Freshdesk support platform. Supports conversation-style chat with ticket requestors, full SMS history tracking, custom templates, auto-tickets, and workflow automations.
- SalesforcecoreBulkSMS App for Salesforce enables SMS-enable workflows from within Salesforce. Supports contact, lead, and case-based workflows, 2-way messaging, bulk sends to custom lists, contact history tracking, and message template creation.
- ZapiercoreBulkSMS app on Zapier connects account with 2000+ applications. Trigger events include message sent, message received, and delivery reports. Send message action available. Enables connections with Google Sheets, Salesforce, Facebook, Slack, Shopify, and other apps.
- ShopifycoreSMS enable Shopify accounts using Zapier integration. Templates available for common use cases without coding required. Allows Shopify merchants to send automated SMS notifications to customers.
- WASPA (Wireless Application Service Provider Association)minorBulkSMS is a member of WASPA, South Africa's regulatory body for SMS messaging. Adheres to WASPA's code of conduct and promotes responsible messaging practices.
- Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF)minorBulkSMS is a member of MEF and signatory to the A2P SMS Code of Conduct. Committed to best data privacy practices and industry standards.
- Trust In Enterprise MessagingminorBulkSMS participates in the Trust In Enterprise Messaging initiative under the Mobile Ecosystem Forum, focused on fraud management and industry trust standards.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BulkSMS.com competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MessageBird (Bird): Direct CPaaS competitor offering SMS, WhatsApp, email and voice APIs globally with strong European presence. Highly comparable in product scope and target customer base to BulkSMS's integration-led, multi-channel approach.
- Infobip: Major CPaaS platform with strong global carrier relationships and SMS, WhatsApp and RCS offerings. Comparable to BulkSMS in its multi-channel gateway focus and enterprise + SMB dual coverage.
- Sinch: Global CPaaS provider specializing in A2P SMS, RCS and messaging APIs following acquisitions of CLX and MessageMedia. Direct overlap with BulkSMS in SMS gateway services and CRM-style integration partnerships.
- Plivo: Cloud communications platform offering SMS APIs, voice and messaging APIs for developers and SMBs. Directly comparable in self-serve, API-first, pay-as-you-go positioning to BulkSMS.
- Clickatell: South Africa-headquartered SMS and WhatsApp Business API provider with strong presence across Africa and emerging markets. Closest geographic and product analog to BulkSMS, including direct integration partners in CRM ecosystems.
- Textlocal (now part of Sinch group): UK-originated SMS gateway and messaging platform serving SMBs and enterprises. Historically a close mid-market competitor to BulkSMS in the UK and European SMB segment, now under Sinch ownership.
Broad incumbents
- Vonage (Ericsson): Now part of Ericsson, Vonage's CPaaS business offers SMS APIs alongside voice and video. Operates broadly in the same communications platform category as BulkSMS but as part of a much larger telecom-led portfolio.
- Twilio: Largest global CPaaS incumbent offering SMS APIs alongside voice, email, video and Verify. Competes with BulkSMS across all segments but with a much broader product portfolio and significantly larger sales and engineering footprint.
Regional players
- Africa's Talking: Africa-focused CPaaS platform providing SMS, USSD, voice and payments APIs across multiple African markets. Comparable as an SMS gateway operator, though its geographic focus is narrower than BulkSMS's 213-country reach.
Emerging players
- Telnyx: Network-owned CPaaS provider offering SMS and voice APIs with private carrier infrastructure. Comparable in targeting developer and SMB segments with usage-based SMS pricing.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
BulkSMS.com social profiles
Digital presenceBulkSMS.com compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
BulkSMS.com financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BulkSMS.com leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
BulkSMS.com funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BulkSMS.com M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BulkSMS.com
What does BulkSMS.com do?
BulkSMS.com is a web-based business SMS messaging platform operated by Celerity Systems (Pty) Ltd that enables organizations to send and receive SMS messages globally across 213 countries and 800+ mobile networks. The platform offers multiple delivery mechanisms including a responsive web application, a RESTful HTTP API for developers, a desktop SMS software (BulkSMS Text Messenger), and an Integration Gateway for CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, ActiveCampaign, Freshdesk). Revenue is generated on a usage-based pay-per-message model with no subscription or monthly fees.
Is BulkSMS.com a public or private company?
BulkSMS.com is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was BulkSMS.com founded?
BulkSMS.com was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BulkSMS.com based?
BulkSMS.com is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does BulkSMS.com make money?
One revenue line is on record: SMS Message Delivery.
Who are BulkSMS.com's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MessageBird (Bird), Infobip, Sinch, Plivo, Clickatell and Textlocal (now part of Sinch group). Broad incumbents are Vonage (Ericsson) and Twilio. Africa's Talking is listed as a regional player. Telnyx is listed as an emerging player.
Does BulkSMS.com have an API?
Yes. BulkSMS offers an HTTP to SMS API which is a RESTful API using simple query parameters via URLs. Programmers can design software to interact and integrate with the BulkSMS service to send SMS messages automatically. If you can put together a web page with a form backed by a scripting language (e.g. PHP), you have what is needed to send automated SMS messages. The API supports sending SMS, receiving delivery reports, adding attachments, and two-way messaging. No subscription or monthly fees apply—users only pay for messages sent. Developer documentation is at www.bulksms.com/developer/json/v1.
What industry is BulkSMS.com in?
BulkSMS.com's product category is Business SMS Messaging. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAAAIAB, SMS/MMS & Messaging Marketing Services (Text, RCS, WhatsApp/OTT), with a secondary code of BPAMALAE, Marketing Automation, CRM & Lifecycle Messaging. Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 7370.