As Skype Shuts Down, Phound Steps In With a Smarter, Privacy-First Communication Platform
With Microsoft officially retiring Skype’s consumer services a few days back, millions of users are left wondering what happens to the phone numbers and contact networks they’ve relied on for years. Microsoft is directing users toward Teams, but for many, especially those using Skype for personal or public-facing communication, Teams may not be a suitable replacement.
That’s where Phound comes in. The platform, led by CEO and co-founder Dave Erickson, is positioning itself as a modern, privacy-forward alternative for Skype users seeking continuity, control, and trusted communication. Last year, Erickson told us his company hopes to revolutionize communications.
Erickson explained in a written interview via email, “Microsoft Teams is built for corporate collaboration—but it’s not a true replacement for Skype, especially for personal communication. Phound fills the gap Skype left behind.”
Phound enables users to port their Skype numbers, maintain their caller ID, and manage all communication—voice, video, and messaging—through a unified, secure interface. It also introduces tools that go beyond what Skype ever offered.
“We’re creating a next-gen system of trusted, privacy-first communication,” Erickson said.
Key Differentiators
Phound addresses multiple pain points that Skype users face during the transition:
Number Portability – Users can keep their Skype phone number using Local Number Portability (LNP), preserving personal and professional continuity.
Verified Identity – All callers are authenticated, helping block impersonation attempts and scams.
Persona Management – Users can separate work, personal, and public identities, controlling who can reach them and when.
Spam Blocking & Dynamic Contacts – Phound filters robocalls and phishing attempts, and its contact list updates automatically as users move or change roles.
Unified Communication Hub – Everything is integrated in one place, designed for users—not IT departments.
Erickson added, “Continuity is critical. That’s why we support number portability—so Skype users can bring their number, reputation, and relationships with them.”
Who Phound Serves
The platform is geared toward a broad spectrum of users:
Individuals with personal brands or public-facing identities such as consultants or freelancers
Small and midsize businesses seeking secure communications without the complexity of enterprise tools
Remote and hybrid teams needing verified identity and intelligent contact management
Organizations in regulated sectors like healthcare, legal, and finance where permission-based communication is vital
According to Erickson, “We’re already seeing interest from privacy-conscious users, businesses, and the media.”
Built with AI from the Ground Up
Phound incorporates AI across its platform in meaningful ways. Features include:
Call Transcription and Notetaking – Through its built-in tool, MagnumAI, Phound can transcribe conversations and send summarized notes directly to users inside the app.
Smart Contact Management – AI automatically categorizes and updates contact information, adapting to user preferences and interactions.
Context-Aware Communication – Future enhancements include intelligent persona switching, availability prediction, and AI-powered message prioritization.
vCon Readiness – The platform supports vCon (voice conversation container) technology to enable seamless call recall and analysis.
“AI is embedded in Phound’s DNA and roadmap,” Erickson said. “It’s not just a feature—it’s a foundational capability that shapes how users experience modern communication.”
Simple Migration from Skype
The transition process is designed to be fast and intuitive. Users can export their Skype contact list and use Phound’s onboarding tools to set up their account quickly. Calls to their existing number will continue to reach them, and their caller ID will remain consistent.
Switching to Phound provides users with the best of both worlds: continuity with their existing number and a more intelligent, secure platform for the future.
“As Skype closes its chapter, Phound offers a new one,” Erickson noted. “It’s more than a replacement—it’s an upgrade.”
About Phound
Phound is redefining trust in digital communication by integrating verified identity, persona control, and privacy-first features into a unified platform. Built for individuals and organizations alike, Phound offers a modern communications experience designed to meet the needs of today’s digital-first world.