Layer Shutting Down All Chat Operations

Layer, a startup that won the TechCrunch Disrupt SF Battlefield in 2013 and raised nearly $30 million in funding, announced its decision to cease all chat operations by October 30, 2019, leaving its customers with a little over three months to transition to another chat service provider. The shutdown, communicated by Shaun VanWeelden, Head of Layer, means that the platform and its associated services will be completely offline after this date, with no hosting or backend service options available. Stream, a chat solution provider, offers a Layer import tool to facilitate a swift migration to their platform, which is noted for its scalability and comprehensive features. In response to the shutdown, Stream provides an automated migration process, various front-end components, and a 25% discount for the first year to former Layer customers, along with custom pricing plans to match their previous Layer usage. This transition poses significant challenges for Layer's current customers, who must act quickly to avoid service disruptions despite having been previously alerted about potential support issues.