Solavei News

Solavei Shutting Down as of December 4

Npros.com | 11/21/2015

Solavei launched in 2012 and signed up more than 400,000 members during its history. However, in late 2013, the company angered members when it introduced a new rate plan that throttled how much cellular data they could use. In June 2014, Solavei filed for bankruptcy. In March 2015, the company announced plans to merge with Netherlands-based Aspider as it emerged from Chapter 11 proceedings.

Solavei is recommending that its current customers switch to T-Mobile prepaid service. T-Mobile is offering Solavei customers who switch their first month of service free as well as a $10 credit each month until June 2016 if they port-in by December 4, 2015 and continuously remain on a qualifying prepaid plan through June.

Solavei Completes Merger

Press Release | 8/3/2015

Solavei will remain a stand-alone entity based in Seattle. Solavei founder Ryan Wuerch will remain CEO of the company and Patrick Meijer of ASPIDER will become President.

"This is a great day for Solavei," Wuerch said. "The partnership with ASPIDER gives us the opportunity to further enhance our services and add new products to the social commerce network, broadening our ability to rapidly expand the Solavei brand globally. We now can leverage ASPIDER resources to better align our cost structure with our revenue expectations, positioning us for long-term sustainable growth."

In conjunction with the completion of the ASPIDER deal, Solavei's reorganization plan was overwhelmingly approved by creditors and formally confirmed by a federal judge in Seattle.

"Our reorganization has been a great success and we're grateful to all of our partners for their cooperation over the past year," Wuerch said. "Solavei is committed to working together with all of our partners to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world."

Wuerch said the company will continue to pursue expansion in niche demographic markets where the person-to-person social-commerce model is growing rapidly. Solavei has seen success and strong growth in Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico and sees expansion opportunities throughout Latin America and the United States.

ASPIDER will leverage Solavei's social commerce platform within its own range of mobile solutions, throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. Solavei's social commerce platform will create a fully managed mobile-service ecosystem for ASPIDER that includes network wholesale, retail infrastructure and social engagement.

Solavei's members and employees will benefit from the scale of ASPIDER operations as well as their global mobile virtual-enabling platform that provides advanced capabilities, including "in-network" international calling, global roaming, mobile payments, additional products and services and global expansion.

"We are thrilled to expand our services to include Solavei's unique social and referral platforms," said Patrick Meijer. "What's so different about Solavei is it has created an entirely new form of distribution for the market of mobile service, capitalizing on the fast-growing trends of social media, mobile and referral marketing."

Wuerch thanked Solavei employees and members for their commitment throughout the restructuring process.

"Solavei has had a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of our members' lives by helping them save over $120 million and earn over $32 million, which would not be possible without the ambassadors of our brand, employees and members alike. This new partnership allows us to capitalize on Solavei's momentum and take great strides toward achieving our mission of positively impacting millions of people worldwide. I am excited about our future," Wuerch said.

Solavei Announces Merger with ASPIDER

Press Release | 3/28/2015

With over 400,000 people that have become members in the past two years, Solavei will continue to deliver and grow its social commerce network to fulfill its vision of positively impacting millions of people’s lives. With this transaction, the company will continue to operate normally, no services will be interrupted, compensation will be paid on time, and Ryan Wuerch will continue in his role as Chairman & CEO.

Solavei members and employees will benefit from the ASPIDER global mobile virtual enabling platform that provides advanced capabilities, including “in-network” international calling, global roaming, mobile payments, and much more. The merger will also drive cost improvements for Solavei as the company consolidates its overall technology platform, leverages greater buying power of primary mobile service and eliminates third-party solutions.

“This partnership offers tremendous value to both companies,” said Wuerch. “For Solavei, it will provide the opportunity to leverage ASPIDER direct connections with global mobile operators, and technology resources to enhance and expand mobile services for our members, and broaden Solavei’s reach to enable us to rapidly expand the Solavei brand around the world.”

ASPIDER is expected to leverage Solavei’s social commerce platform within its own range of mobile solutions. This Solavei-enhanced platform will create a fully managed mobile-service ecosystem that includes network wholesale, retail infrastructure and social engagement.

“We are thrilled to expand our services to include Solavei’s unique social and referral platforms,” said Patrick Meijer, VP Corporate Development at ASPIDER. “What’s so different about Solavei is it has created an entirely new form of distribution for the market of mobile service, capitalizing on the fast-growing trends of social media, mobile and referral marketing.”

The merger with ASPIDER will complete Solavei’s financial restructuring announced in June 2014. As a result, Solavei expects to grow exponentially as it starts 2015 with a bold, exciting vision for the future.

“This is truly a wonderful opportunity for all of us—members and employees alike,” said Wuerch. “Solavei is going to get even better, and we can all look forward to the many opportunities and benefits this partnership will bring. This is such an amazing day! We are Going Strong in 2015!”

Solavei Files Plan of Reorganization and Announces Merger

Press Release | 3/15/2015

With over 400,000 people that have become members in the past two years, Solavei will continue to deliver and grow its social commerce network to fulfill its vision of positively impacting millions of people’s lives. With this transaction, the company will continue to operate normally, no services will be interrupted, compensation will be paid on time, and Ryan Wuerch will continue in his role as Chairman & CEO.

Solavei members and employees will benefit from the ASPIDER global mobile virtual enabling platform that provides advanced capabilities, including “in-network” international calling, global roaming, mobile payments, and much more. The merger will also drive cost improvements for Solavei as the company consolidates its overall technology platform, leverages greater buying power of primary mobile service and eliminates third-party solutions.

“This partnership offers tremendous value to both companies,” said Wuerch. “For Solavei, it will provide the opportunity to leverage ASPIDER direct connections with global mobile operators, and technology resources to enhance and expand mobile services for our members, and broaden Solavei’s reach to enable us to rapidly expand the Solavei brand around the world.”

ASPIDER is expected to leverage Solavei’s social commerce platform within its own range of mobile solutions. This Solavei-enhanced platform will create a fully managed mobile-service ecosystem that includes network wholesale, retail infrastructure and social engagement.

“We are thrilled to expand our services to include Solavei’s unique social and referral platforms,” said Patrick Meijer, VP Corporate Development at ASPIDER. “What’s so different about Solavei is it has created an entirely new form of distribution for the market of mobile service, capitalizing on the fast-growing trends of social media, mobile and referral marketing.”

The merger with ASPIDER will complete Solavei’s financial restructuring announced in June 2014. As a result, Solavei expects to grow exponentially as it starts 2015 with a bold, exciting vision for the future.

“This is truly a wonderful opportunity for all of us—members and employees alike,” said Wuerch. “Solavei is going to get even better, and we can all look forward to the many opportunities and benefits this partnership will bring. This is such an amazing day! We are Going Strong in 2015!”

Solavei: Court Approves Injunction Against Stream in Trade Secrets Lawsuit

Press Release | 1/31/2015

Seattle-based Solavei sought the injunction to halt Stream and its marketing arm, Ignite, from using trade secrets and other intellectual property in launching a mobile phone service sold through an online direct-marketing platform – exactly the type of social commerce business pioneered and continuously innovated upon by Solavei. Stream's mobile business was set to launch on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at an event in Las Vegas.

"Without benefit of Solavei's confidential information and the guidance and explanation provided during due diligence, Defendants could not launch this new business – particularly not in a matter of months,'' the lawsuit states.

Solavei provides high-quality, low-cost and contract-free mobile phone service in the United States. The company's core business strategy combines social media, referral marketing and mobile service.

Stream is a Texas company involved in the direct marketing of retail electric service. Senior Stream executives named in the lawsuit are Chairman Rob Snyder, CEO Mark "Bouncer'' Schiro and CFO Renee Hornbaker along with top Stream associates who were bound by specific confidentiality agreements.

In May 2013, the companies entered merger discussions under a mutually agreed-upon confidentiality agreement. A letter of intent to combine the companies was signed in November 2013, pending due diligence by both sides.

As the lawsuit states: "It was understood by all that Solavei's confidential information was extremely valuable and it was not to be used or disclosed for any purpose other than consummating a deal between Solavei and Stream.''

From February 2014 to April 2014, Solavei shared its most confidential and proprietary information with Stream, including its technology, social marketing strategies, go-to-market plan and customer lists.

Shortly before the transaction was set to close, Stream terminated the deal.

The lawsuit states: "Three months later, in September 2014, Stream announced its plans to roll out a mobile phone direct marketing business in its own right, within a matter of months.''

As the lawsuit notes, Stream executives have publicly used Solavei's trademark slogan "Powered by Relationships'' to describe their company, in spite of the fact that the slogan is a registered US trademark owned by Solavei. Stream also has been recruiting top Solavei members by spreading false and defamatory information about Solavei.

"That Stream is improperly using Solavei's proprietary and trade secret information to jump start its new business line is self-evident," the lawsuit states. "Stream has announced that its cellular telephone service – ''Mobile by Stream'' – will launch on Jan. 24, 2015. There is no other way Stream could roll out a mobile phone direct marketing business in such a short amount of time. It took Solavei two years to achieve what Stream has done within six months.''

Solavei is seeking an immediate halt to Stream's mobile plans along with monetary damages. The lawsuit alleges misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, tortious interference and conspiracy.

Solavei Files Chapter 11

Press Release | 6/18/2014

Solavei will operate normally during the reorganization process, with all services continuing uninterrupted and member compensation paid according to regular schedules. The company filed its voluntary petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington with the intent of restructuring debt in line with operating income and more accurately align costs and infrastructure needs.

“We believe the actions taken today will give Solavei the flexibility it needs to better serve our significant member base in a high growth and rapidly changing market,” said Solavei CEO Ryan Wuerch. “Solavei members and employees will notice no changes in service or operations as we work with our vendors and investors to refine the social commerce platform and model we pioneered. Solavei will emerge from this process equipped to continue our growth with strong operations, a better cost structure, and opportunity for our members.”

Solavei Wins Red Herring 100 Award

Press Release | 5/25/2014

Since 1996, Red Herring 100 awards have helped investors and strategists identify fast growing and innovative technology companies in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Nominees are subjected to a rigorous review process that examines more than 20 factors such as growth rate, track record of the management team and unique technological innovation. Past winners have included eBay, Skype, LinkedIn, Salesforce.com and Google.

"It's an honor for Solavei to be recognized alongside the most innovative and forward-thinking companies in the world," said Solavei CEO Ryan Wuerch. "Together with our growing base of hundreds of thousands of members, Solavei is poised to change the way people buy everyday services by making the recommendation and reward process a natural part of existing relationships between friends and family. Winning a spot on the Red Herring 100 affirms our vision and energizes our members, employees and investors to continue their important work bringing the benefits and savings of social commerce to more markets."

Solavei Reaches 65000 Members Six Weeks after Launch

Press Release | 11/13/2012

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov 13, 2012 -- Solavei, a contract-free, affordable mobile service provider, announces it already has more than 65,000 members nationwide. Launched on September 21, members are taking advantage of the only mobile phone service offering a $49 per month unlimited voice, text and data plan, along with the unique ability to earn recurring monthly income by signing up other members. To date, Solavei has already paid out more than $1 million in member commissions.

"We have seen a tremendous response since our nationwide launch with new members enrolling all across the United States, including Puerto Rico," said Ryan Wuerch, founder and CEO of Solavei. "Growing 100 percent monthly and paying more than $1 million in commissions in such a short timeframe shows the breadth and scalability of Solavei."

Solavei is shaking up the mobile market by leveraging the power of today's social connectivity through its unique social commerce platform to deliver mobile service. Rather than spending millions of dollars advertising to get its message out and using retail stores to distribute its services, Solavei relies on its members to share the service with their friends and family and directly compensates them for their efforts. The more than 65,000 members using Solavei's contract-free mobile service are essentially serving as moving points of distribution, adding new customers by sharing through word-of-mouth and personal social media connections.

"Solavei helped me save $83 a month on our mobile phone bill. Plus, I began making money by simply sharing Solavei with my friends and in turn, help them save on a service they already use every day," said Erin Wolf, Solavei member. "With four kids in the family, our phones are our primary way of staying connected, and Solavei is not only giving us great phone service but a chance to earn extra income by sharing it with our social connections."

Solavei Launches Nationwide

Press Release | 9/21/2012

The debut of Solavei's flat $49 unlimited mobile phone plan addresses Americans' struggle for affordable wireless service, as recently highlighted in the findings of a new survey1 conducted by market research firm Toluna. Results showed a majority of consumers (63 percent) had concerns about their mobile phone service, led by overall high cost and followed by hidden fees, plan changes, and charges for exceeding data limits.

Answering the demand for a simple and affordable mobile phone solution, Solavei created a comprehensive mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to offer an unlimited service plan to its members at just $49 per month. Consumers have the flexibility to use any compatible unlocked GSM mobile phone, or purchase a new HTC One S, HTC Wildfire or ZTE Origin from Solavei. In addition, consumers can now earn income when they share the mobile phone service with their friends and family through Solavei's social commerce community, which is integrated into the leading social networks.

"Today's connected consumers depend on their mobile phones but struggle with the cost of current mobile service offers in the market," said Ryan Wuerch, founder and CEO of Solavei. "Solavei developed a comprehensive social commerce platform with the tools and resources to leverage the power of relationships using existing social networks to make mobile service more affordable – and even profitable – for our members. In three weeks of Beta testing, we've enrolled more than 25,000 new members and demonstrated the breadth and scalability of our systems."

Solavei empowers consumers to earn a recurring monthly income for an action most Americans already take – suggesting favorite products or services to friends and family. In fact, nearly all consumers (93 percent) have referred a product or service. Consumers have the opportunity to earn by sharing their mobile service experience with others through Solavei's integrated social networking platform.

"Solavei has a unique approach to how it is working with consumers, not treating them as a commodity, but as part of the team,'' said Roger Entner, founder and lead analyst of Recon Analytics. "As a pioneer in the social commerce market, Solavei has an appealing solution for consumers to earn recurring monthly income.''

Beginning today, consumers can go to Solavei.com to check coverage in their area, explore phone options and sign up for service. Through Solavei's social commerce platform and mobile application, members can share the Solavei Mobile Service experience with others and generate income. At its simplest, members can earn $20 per month for every three mobile-service members (called a "Trio") they or someone directly connected to them signs up for mobile service. When members enroll three Trios, the income generated is greater than their monthly plan cost of $49, essentially making their mobile service free and profitable. Members can continue to increase their recurring monthly income as they use their social networks to sign up more people for Solavei Mobile Service, turning their mobile phones into income.

Wuerch founded Solavei in recognition of two significant shifts in consumer behavior: social networking and a desire to find new methods of earning income. With regard to consumer lifestyles, Solavei is meeting consumers where they are in this challenging economy.