Article Introduction
With the upsurge of privacy concerns in the digital age, the Signal App, an encrypted messaging app that safeguards user’s data, has seen a significant leap in users worldwide. As potential investors scout for up-and-coming companies to diversify their portfolio, the question arises: Can you invest in Signal App by purchasing its stocks? The frank answer is no. Signal is operated by a non-profit organization known as the Signal Technology Foundation, which doesn’t offer stocks or shares for public investment. However, this should not end your interest in the tech industry. There are alternative ways to invest in the growing technology and communications landscape while also supporting privacy-focused platforms.
Understanding the Signal App and its Business Model
It’s essential for an investor to understand the operational structure of a company before considering investment. Let’s go a bit deeper into what the Signal App is and how it operates.
About Signal App
Launched in February 2014, the Signal App was created by Moxie Marlinspike and Stuart Anderson, who formed Open Whisper Systems. In 2018, the Signal Technology Foundation, a non-profit entity, took over the application’s operation. The primary aim of Signal is to provide an open-source, private, and encrypted platform for users to communicate securely without fear of their data being accessed by unauthorized parties.
Signal App’s Business Model
Unlike other tech startups that rapidly scale to become publicly traded companies, Signal doesn’t operate with the goal of making profits. Instead, it focuses on delivering privacy and security through a superior messaging application. It survives on donations and grants to fund its operations. Since it’s a non-profit entity, there is no potential for the company to go public, hence, one cannot buy stocks in Signal App.
Digital Privacy: A Growing Investment Territory
Though investing directly in Signal App is infeasible, the rising importance of digital privacy opens numerous opportunities for astute investors. Here are some ways to build your portfolio around this emerging trend.
- Investing in publicly-listed tech companies: Several tech conglomerates like Alphabet (Google), Apple, and Microsoft have made notable strides in enhancing user privacy, and they offer stock options for investors.
- Investing in cybersecurity companies: Cybersecurity is at the core of digital privacy, and companies in this field are thriving. Consider investing in publicly-listed cybersecurity companies like NortonLifeLock or FireEye.
- Investing in ESG Funds: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Funds make it their mission to invest in companies dedicated to ethical practices, like data privacy.
A Closer Look at Investment Opportunities
Investing in Tech Companies
| Company | Stock Ticker | Privacy Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Alphabet (Google) | GOOGL | Enhanced security for Google accounts; The Privacy Sandbox initiative for advertisement tracking. |
| Apple | AAPL | Strengthened device encryption; App tracking controls. |
| Microsoft | MSFT | Microsoft 365 privacy controls; GDPR compliance. |
Investing in Cybersecurity Companies
| Company | Stock Ticker | Cybersecurity Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| NortonLifeLock | NLOK | Advanced device security, identity theft protection plans, and a secure VPN for online privacy. |
| FireEye | FEYE | Network, email, and endpoint security; Threat intelligence; Security assessment and consulting services. |
Investing in ESG Funds
| Fund | Ticker | Key Holdings |
|---|---|---|
| iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF | SUSL | Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet |
| Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF | ESGV | Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet |
Conclusion
Investing isn’t merely about owning a stake in a company; it’s about supporting ideas and tech advancements that align with your values. Although you cannot directly invest in Signal App, the landscape of digital privacy presents other promising avenues for investment. By exploring these alternatives, you can contribute to a privacy-focused digital space while bolstering your investment portfolio. Always remember to do your due diligence before investing, as all investments come with risk.
Summary
- Signal is a private, non-profit organization, which means you cannot invest in it or buy its stock.
- This application, known for its end-to-end encrypted messaging, is developed by Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC. Neither of these organizations are publicly traded.
- Signal does not have any plans to go public, as per their current communication, and it was developed with a focus on privacy, without financial profit as the main objective.
- The app makes money through donations and grants, meaning it is not dependent on advertising or data selling, thereby enhancing the privacy of users.
- Despite the increasing popularity and user base of Signal, especially after the recent data privacy concerns related to WhatsApp, there is currently no direct way to invest in the app.
- Investors interested in the tech and communications sector may need to look at other publicly traded companies offering similar services or functionalities, such as Facebook, which owns WhatsApp.