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Brevo Becomes the New CRM Unicorn

Paris-based startup Brevo has officially joined the unicorn club, securing a $583 million funding round that values the company at over $1 billion. Known for its innovative customer relationship management solutions, Brevo is positioning itself as a serious competitor to CRM giants like Salesforce and HubSpot. The latest funding will accelerate Brevo’s expansion in Europe and the U.S., a strategic move that could disrupt the CRM market.

Credit: Lisa Miquet / Brevo

From Sendinblue to Brevo: A Strategic Rebrand

Brevo started its journey in 2012 as Sendinblue, a platform focused on email marketing for small businesses. Over the years, the company expanded into the mid-market segment, prompting a rebrand to Brevo to reflect its wider product offerings. This transformation allowed the company to attract a more diverse client base, ranging from small entrepreneurs to major corporations like Carrefour, eBay, and H&M.

A Rapidly Growing Customer Base

With over 600,000 customers worldwide, Brevo is gaining traction at an impressive rate. The company’s growth has been fueled by its flexible CRM solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes. Its ability to provide tools for email marketing, customer engagement, and sales automation has made it a favorite among businesses seeking a user-friendly alternative to more complex platforms.

Breaking into the U.S. Market

Currently, the U.S. accounts for 15% of Brevo’s revenue, making it one of the company’s top three markets alongside France and Germany. However, CEO Armand Thiberge believes there is significant room for growth. “That’s 50% of the global market, so it should be 50% of our revenue,” he told TechCrunch. The fresh funding will support initiatives aimed at boosting Brevo’s footprint in North America, including sales teams, marketing campaigns, and product localization.

Revenue Milestones and Ambitious Goals

Brevo has been on an upward trajectory, surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 2023. In 2025, the company is on track to exceed €200 million in ARR, achieving this milestone ahead of schedule. Looking ahead, Brevo has set its sights on reaching €1 billion in ARR by 2030, signaling a long-term vision for market dominance in the CRM space.

How Brevo Differentiates Itself

Unlike traditional CRM platforms that often target large enterprises, Brevo offers a more accessible and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes. Its tools are designed to streamline marketing, sales, and customer engagement, reducing complexity while enhancing efficiency. This approach appeals to startups and mid-sized businesses that need enterprise-level capabilities without the steep learning curve.

Strategic Use of New Funding

The $583 million equity funding will primarily support Brevo’s U.S. expansion, product development, and international growth initiatives. Investments will include hiring talent in key markets, enhancing AI-driven features, and scaling infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly growing global customer base. By strategically deploying these funds, Brevo aims to level the playing field with established CRM giants.

Competing Against Salesforce and HubSpot

Brevo’s aggressive expansion signals a bold challenge to CRM industry leaders. While Salesforce and HubSpot dominate globally, Brevo is leveraging agility, affordability, and customer-centric features to carve out its niche. By targeting both small businesses and larger enterprises, Brevo hopes to redefine how CRM solutions are delivered and consumed worldwide.

Market Potential and Future Outlook

The CRM market is projected to continue growing, driven by businesses seeking better customer engagement and automation tools. Brevo’s strategic focus on both Europe and the U.S. positions it well to capture significant market share. With strong revenue growth, a large client base, and substantial funding, the company is well-poised to disrupt a market long dominated by established players.

CEO Vision: A Global CRM Leader

Armand Thiberge’s vision for Brevo extends beyond regional success. He envisions a future where Brevo is a top-tier global CRM provider, known for innovation, customer satisfaction, and ease of use. By maintaining its startup agility while scaling globally, Brevo aims to create a compelling alternative for businesses seeking modern CRM solutions.

The Road Ahead for Brevo

As Brevo expands into new markets and invests heavily in product development, the coming years will be critical. Success in the U.S. market could cement its status as a global CRM powerhouse, while continued European growth will strengthen its foundation. With its innovative approach and bold ambitions, Brevo is set to reshape the CRM landscape and challenge industry norms.