Squarespace, the popular website building and hosting platform, has raised $300 million in a funding round led by Dragoneer Investment Group and Tiger Global Management. The funding round also included participation from D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and Spruce House. With this new funding, Squarespace is now valued at $10 billion, making it one of the most valuable privately held companies in the tech industry.
The Rise of Squarespace
Squarespace was founded in 2003 by Anthony Casalena, who was a college student at the time. The platform started as a way for Casalena to build his own website, but it quickly grew into a full-fledged business. Today, Squarespace has over 2 million users and is known for its user-friendly interface and sleek design templates.
One of the reasons for Squarespace’s success is its focus on design. The platform offers a wide range of customizable templates that allow users to create professional-looking websites without any coding experience. This has made Squarespace a popular choice for small businesses, artists, and creatives who want to showcase their work online.
The Future of Squarespace
With this new funding, Squarespace plans to expand its product offerings and invest in new technology. The company has already launched a new email marketing tool and plans to introduce more e-commerce features in the near future. Squarespace also plans to hire more employees and expand its presence in international markets.
In addition to its product expansion, Squarespace is also focused on sustainability. The company has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources and reducing waste in its operations.
The Impact of Azevedo’s Valuation
Azevedo, a Brazilian entrepreneur and investor, has been a vocal supporter of Squarespace and its founder Anthony Casalena. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Azevedo praised Squarespace’s design and user experience, calling it “one of the most beautiful products on the internet.”
Azevedo’s valuation of Squarespace at $10 billion is significant for several reasons. First, it puts Squarespace in the same league as other tech giants like Uber and Airbnb, which are also valued at $10 billion or more. This shows that Squarespace has established itself as a major player in the tech industry.
Second, Azevedo’s investment is a vote of confidence in Squarespace’s future growth potential. With this new funding, Squarespace has the resources to continue expanding its product offerings and reach new markets. This could lead to even more growth in the coming years.
Conclusion
Squarespace’s $300 million funding round and $10 billion valuation are a testament to the company’s success and potential for future growth. With its focus on design, user experience, and sustainability, Squarespace has established itself as a leader in the website building and hosting industry. With this new funding, Squarespace is poised to continue expanding its product offerings and reach new markets, cementing its position as one of the most valuable privately held companies in the tech industry.