RingCentral started out offering online fax and phone features to small offices. The bigger bet was a whole office phone system that ran over the internet. Instead of buying hardware, a business paid a monthly fee for phone numbers, extensions and voicemail that worked on desk phones, computers and smartphones. When RingCentral filed to go public in 2013, small and midsize companies were moving to cloud services. Phone systems were next.

Two Vlads in Belmont

Vlad Shmunis and Vlad Vendrow started RingCentral in 1999, with headquarters in Belmont, California. Their early service offered online fax and phone features for small offices. The bet was that a full phone system could run over the internet, with no switches or wiring anywhere in the office. The company grew steadily through the 2000s and moved toward larger customers.

Telecom Partners and Remote Work

RingCentral priced at $13 a share in September 2013 and rose on its first day. It grew quickly and formed partnerships with large telecom companies to reach more customers. It also added messaging, video and contact center software. The stock soared in 2020 as remote work spread, then fell back. Founder Vlad Shmunis stepped down as chief executive in 2023. RingCentral remains a public company.

Cover: Evening bell at Mii Temple, Katsushika Hokusai. Art Institute of Chicago, public domain. Chosen for a temple bell at evening (the ring).