This document summarizes key information about the workplace communication platform Slack. As of May 2018, Slack had 8 million daily active users, 3 million paid users, and an annual recurring revenue of $200 million, though it was not yet profitable. Its estimated valuation was $8.3 billion. Slack's "secret sauce" includes features like customization for individuals and teams. Competitors include Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts Chat, and Skype for Business, though Slack differentiates itself through greater customization capabilities. The document predicts that Slack may go public in 2019 and continue acquiring other companies.

1. Nevin Mital (nevmital@)
EECS 441 Section 001
September 26th, 2018

2. Problem
Lots of tools Too many messages

3. Product

4. Financials
As of May 2018:
● 8 million DAU, 3 million paid
● Not profitable; Annual recurring
revenue of $200 million
● Estimated $8.3 billion valuation by
Forbes

5. Valuation

6. Business Model

7. History
2002 - 2005 2005 - 2008 2009 - 2012
2014 - Present

8. Secret Sauce
● Character
● Individual Customization
● Team Personalization

9. Competitors
Teams Hangouts Chat
Skype for
Business
Slack
Customization ✘ ✘ ✘ ✔
Calling ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔
Advanced
Search ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
Custom
Integrations ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔

10. Prediction
● Teams is a strong competitor
● IPO in 2019?
● More acquisitions

11. References
● https://www.businessinsider.com/slack-8-million-users-ipo-2018-5
● https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/07/slack-raising/
● https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/slacks-valuation-jumps-past-7b-with-
latest-funding-round
● https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-the-video-game-roots-of-slack-20
16-3
● https://techvibes.com/2015/09/25/a-brief-history-of-slack-2015-09-25
● https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
● https://gsuite.google.com/products/chat/
● https://www.skype.com/en/business/