Hike Messenger launches Hike ID

Homegrown messaging app Hike Messenger today announced the launch of Hike ID, which is a unique identity that removes the need for sharing your phone number.

Pathik Shah, VP Product at Hike, said, "Privacy is at the centre of everything we do at Hike. There has always been a big need from our users for features which enable them to have more control over their relationships online like Hidden Mode and customized privacy controls for profile pictures, timeline posts and status updates. These features have been extremely popular and Hike ID is the logical next step for us to make this value proposition even stronger by enabling easier discovery and control while connecting with others".

Pathik further added, "Hike ID will soon be integrated across all services on Hike for facilitating easy discovery. Everything will have a Hike ID - whether it's people, groups or services. Hike ID will pave the way for brands to come on-board Hike soon."

It's also easy to search for someone with simply their Hike ID, so one no longer needs to go through the cumbersome process of saving a friend's number before being able to send him/her a message, the company said.

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Android users will be able to create and share their "Hike ID," starting next week. The feature will be rolled out for iOS users later.
A hike is planning to add more services like cab bookings, bus, train, movie tickets and pay bills in the first quarter of 2018.

Launched in 2012 the company has over 100 million in January 2016. In August 2016, Hike raised its fourth round of funding of $ 175 million led by Tencent and Foxconn at a valuation of $ 1.4 billion, making it the fastest company in India to attain a valuation of $ 1 billion, having reached the milestone in just 3.7 years. Investors in Hike include Tencent, Foxconn, Tiger Global, Softbank, and Bharti. Apart from these, some of the top tech veterans from the Silicon Valley have also invested in the company and are advisors.

Today, Hike has over 350 employees spread across 2 offices in Delhi and Bangalore.