As mobile networks face increasing cybersecurity threats, privacy is becoming a growing concern for users. One startup, Cape, is stepping up with a bold solution—a privacy-first mobile plan designed to protect users from prying eyes and data collection.
A Mobile Carrier Built for Privacy—No Tracking, No Cookies
Washington, DC-based Cape is reimagining mobile connectivity by eliminating user tracking entirely. The company’s website runs without cookies, and their mobile service is built with privacy at its core. According to Cape, their network doesn’t store or sell user data—a significant shift from traditional carriers.
Cape officially rolled out its open beta, offering a $99 per month privacy-first mobile plan. The plan includes unlimited calls, texts, and data, along with encrypted voicemail. One catch: voice-over-WiFi isn’t live yet but is on the roadmap.
$30M Boost to Expand Privacy-Focused Offerings
Cape’s privacy mission just received a solid financial backing. The company raised $30 million in fresh funding—split evenly between equity and debt.
An additional $15 million in equity extends its Series B round, with support from investors like A*, Costanoa, Point72, and XYZ Ventures. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley Bank provided a $15 million debt facility. Altogether, Cape’s Series B now totals $55 million, after the initial $40 million led by Andreessen Horowitz in April 2024.
While the startup kept its valuation under wraps, it’s clear that investors are betting big on privacy and defense-tech startups, especially amid global geopolitical tensions.
From Elite Users to the General Market—Cape’s Growing Reach
Cape first gained attention with its $1,500 Obscura phone, launched last year specifically for high-risk users like military personnel and government officials. That premium device was designed for “those facing elevated threats.”
But Cape isn’t stopping there. Earlier this year, it launched a consumer-focused beta. The response was overwhelming—all slots were snatched up within four hours.
“We saw incredible demand from everyday users who want more control over their digital identity but aren’t ready to invest in specialized hardware,” said Cape CEO John Doyle. “That interest is exactly why we’re rolling out this open beta now.”
Currently, fewer than 1,000 users are testing the beta plan, alongside a few hundred Obscura device owners.
Cutting-Edge Features: SIM-Swap and SS7 Attack Protection
Beyond its no-data-collection promise, Cape’s mobile plan tackles two critical security risks:
- SIM Swap Protection: The plan uses cryptographic safeguards to prevent attackers from stealing your phone number.
- Advanced Signaling Protection: Cape secures users against SS7 protocol vulnerabilities, a known weak spot that can be exploited for surveillance. The U.S. government recently flagged SS7 attacks as a national security concern, making Cape’s added protection even more relevant.
Expanding Globally: Europe’s Appetite for Privacy
Cape operates on UScellular’s network but has plans to introduce roaming and expand globally. Europe, with its strong focus on digital privacy and growing distrust of Big Tech, presents a promising market.
Privacy-focused services like Signal have already surged to the top of app stores in parts of Europe, signaling demand for alternatives. Cape aims to tap into this trend as it scales.
Strategic Partnership with Proton: Privacy Powerhouses Unite
In a move to sweeten its offer, Cape announced an exclusive partnership with Proton, the Switzerland-based provider of encrypted email, VPN, and cloud services. New Cape subscribers can add six months of Proton Unlimited for just $1.
The Proton deal gives users access to secure email, encrypted cloud storage, and a VPN—further reinforcing Cape’s commitment to privacy. According to Doyle, this is just the beginning of their partnership with Proton.
“We surveyed the market and found Proton is the most credible and technically advanced player in the privacy space,” Doyle added.
General availability for Cape’s privacy-first mobile plan is expected later this year. As demand for privacy-driven services surges, Cape’s timing couldn’t be better. With strong backing and strategic partnerships, it’s well-positioned to reshape how users think about mobile privacy.
