I can't see that Slack unifies contacts across all SM platforms...

I can't see that Slack unifies contacts across all SM platforms & email or allows you to post content to SM sites. Maybe it does?? Also predictive in chat purchases? Not sure they offer that either..

Slack looks predominantly business/enterprise vs Thred both consumer & enterprise although Slack appear to be bridging that gap.

Competition isn't a bad thing either. Slack may have a 3 year head start on us but that will mean little if the subtle differences engage users. Better the limited competition here vs the heavily cluttered strictly messaging only apps/platforms out there.

Integration with O365 and exposure to MS distribution network is the perfect launch pad for us to take it up to any competitor in a hurry.

Tough to know the major differences platform to platform until we see Thred up & running though.
Interested to know if anybody here uses Slack & can pitch in.

One thing is for sure though, Slack has seen huge growth & has scaled at pace. Let's do that too.
In October 2014, the company raised $120 million in venture capital with a $1.2 billion valuation at one year old.
In March 2015, Slack signed a deal with investors to raise up to $160 million in a funding round that valued the company at $2.76 billion.
In April 2016, the company announced that it had raised an additional $200 million in funding at a $3.8 billion valuation. From zero to $3.8 billion in 3 years!

We are in a white hot space there's no denying that and if our partnership with MS enables us to compete directly with Slack as David mentioned then it's officially game on. Possible unicorn within 12-18 months from June requote. Has to be if we are going to compete against them. Food for thought anyway.