Aussie startup, Linktree has today announced its current valuation of $US1.3 billion, making it the latest startup to achieve “unicorn status”, following heavy funding by Index Ventures and Coatue.
The Melbourne-based startup experienced a stellar 2021, increasing its users by 24 million, following previous investment from the likes of AirTree Ventures, Insight Partners, and Greenoaks Capital.
The fact its platform is currently used by some of social media’s biggest names, such as Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson doesn’t hurt either.
In fact, over the previous two years, Linktree’s influencer, small business, and music verticals – on average – grew a whopping 300 per cent each. The platform also drove 1.2 billion clicks to commerce-related websites in 2021 alone.
Following its recent success, Linktree has announced it will now use the new funding to invest in geographical expansion, recruitment, revenue streams, and increasing value for its users through new tools and partnerships.
For those not in-the-know, Linktree is a personalised, link-in-bio platform which allows users, creators, and influencers to catalogue their adjacent pages and platforms, making them easily accessible for followers.
“We are quickly growing beyond the traditional ‘link-in-bio’ company, connecting users’ fragmented online presence and establishing our position as a new sub-sector of the tech industry,” said Alex Zaccaria (featured image, centre), co-founder, and CEO of Linktree.
“This funding will ensure we continue to innovate and develop tools that empower people to grow, curate, and monetise their digital universe, maintaining Linktree as the market leader,”
Index Ventures partner, Danny Rimer, added, “Trust online is more challenging than ever with the massive growth of the creator economy and increased fragmentation of digital identity on platforms across the globe. Over the last year, Linktree quickly emerged as a brand that creators and their audiences trust.”
In anticipation of its next phase of growth, Linktree has welcomed Mike Olson as the company’s first president.
Olson has a distinguished career in the gaming and creator sectors, having held executive growth and operational positions at Twitch, Pandora, LinkedIn, and Microsoft.
Olson – who is based in the US – will now drive market and category leadership for Linktree and their growing team. He will also focus on partnerships, strategy, talent, and building culture across global organisations.
“I’m honored to be joining Linktree at this milestone moment. Over the past few years, the creator economy has grown rapidly and Linktree has led the way through innovations in discovery, engagement, and monetisation – there are so many commercial possibilities with an audience of this size,” said Olson.
Linktree also announced its firm commitment to a positive and equitable workplace culture
“With some of the most progressive and innovative policies – from parental leave, to flexible benefits and volunteer hours – in the world, they’re the case study we point to of how to get it right in a market that’s never been so competitive for talent,”said Airtree Ventures partner, Jackie Vullinghs.
