What is 99designs?
99designs operates as the world's largest on-demand design marketplace, effectively connecting businesses of all sizes with a vast global network of freelance designers. The platform provides a comprehensive suite of design services, encompassing logos, websites, and complete branding packages, designed to address diverse creative challenges across numerous industries. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Oakland, California, 99designs has established a significant international presence with operations spanning Australia, Brazil, Germany, and Japan. Its business model caters to both B2B and B2C markets through its user-friendly web platform and mobile application, streamlining the process of sourcing professional design work while enabling designers to build their portfolios.
How much funding has 99designs raised?
99designs has raised a total of $45M across 2 funding rounds:
Series A
$35M
Series B
$10M
Series A (2011): $35M with participation from Anthony Casalena, Gigwalk, Stewart Butterfield, and Accel
Series B (2015): $10M led by Recruit Strategic Partners and Accel Partners
Key Investors in 99designs
Gigwalk
Gigwalk is a brand intelligence platform that assists businesses in collecting data to identify and resolve channel execution issues, offering services like retail audits and mystery shopping. They cater to a diverse clientele from small brands to Fortune 500 companies, enabling real-time reporting and strategic decision-making.
Recruit Strategic Partners
Recruit Strategic Partners is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, a subsidiary of Recruit in Japan, investing in innovative U.S. companies and co-investing with leading venture capital firms.
Accel Partners
Accel is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in companies across various stages of growth, known for its support of technology startups and its global network.
What's next for 99designs?
The recent major strategic investment in 99designs signals a pivotal moment for the company, likely enabling accelerated expansion of its service offerings and further penetration into global markets. This capital infusion is expected to fuel advancements in its technology platform, enhance its community of freelance designers, and potentially explore new verticals within the creative economy. As 99designs continues its growth trajectory, strategic partnerships and technological innovation will be key to maintaining its leadership position in the on-demand design landscape.
See full 99designs company page
