Competitors like WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams took over during the pandemic. The founders moved on to new ventures, leaving Skype's future uncertain.
Skype's early success stemmed from its innovative use of Voice Over IP technology, allowing users to make and receive calls over the internet.
eBay's acquisition of Skype in 2005 raised doubts about the potential synergies between the two companies, leading to the eventual sale to Silver Lake in 2009.
Microsoft's purchase of Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion was expected to usher in a new era, but challenges and competition hindered its growth.
The rise of WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams during the pandemic led to a decline in Skype's popularity, as users favored these alternatives for communication.
Skype's founders, Ahti Heinla, Janus Friis, Niklas Zennström, and Jaan Tallinn, pursued new ventures after their successful stint with Skype.
Only time will tell if Skype can reclaim its past glory or whether it will gradually fade into the annals of communication history.