← Prelude
Prelude role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
Prelude provides an API that verifies users by SMS/OTP and uses device and network signals to catch fraud at signup.
Who you'd be calling
Engineering leads, product managers, growth leads, and fraud or trust and safety managers at apps and online businesses that onboard users.
Your opener
“Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from Prelude. I'm reaching out because teams like yours often struggle with fake signups and rising SMS verification costs. Is that something you deal with?”
Problems you solve for them
- Fake signups and SMS pumping fraud drive up messaging costs.
- Strict verification checks make real users drop off during signup.
- Texts that never arrive or arrive late mean lost users.
Discovery questions to ask
- How do you verify new users today, and what do you use to send the codes?
- Have you seen fake signups or surprise spikes in your SMS bill?
- How many real users do you think you lose between starting signup and finishing it?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy right now.”
→ Of course. What's a better time this week for 10 minutes?
“We're not interested.”
→ That's fair. Can I ask whether fraud and SMS costs are just not a problem for you, or whether someone else handles that?
“We already use Twilio for this.”
→ Twilio is a solid choice and many teams start there. Have you looked at how much fraud or wasted spend you're seeing, and whether you could cut it?
“Send me an email.”
→ Happy to. Who on your team should I include, whether engineering or growth, so it actually gets read?
Competitors worth knowing
Twilio Verify, Vonage, Sinch
Interview tips for this company
- Learn what an OTP is and what SMS pumping fraud means. You can explain both in plain words.
- You may call both developers and growth people. Practice one version of your pitch for each.
Written from public information about Prelude to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.