Insider, the Turkish Martech Unicorn, Raises $500M in Series E Round

Marketing technology platform Insider has successfully secured $500 million in Series E funding, with General Electric leading the investment round. This significant funding boost brings Insider’s total funding to an impressive $772 million. The company, which achieved unicorn status in 2022 after raising $121 million, followed up with an additional $105 million in 2023, elevating its valuation to $2 billion.

Insider specializes in helping brands deliver personalized customer experiences across various digital channels. Its platform allows enterprise marketers to seamlessly connect customer data across different systems and channels, utilize an AI intent engine to predict customer behavior, and tailor individualized experiences. Hande Çilingir, the co-founder and CEO of Insider, referred to this funding round as the “largest investment ever made by marketing technology companies in Europe.”

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Çilingir stated, “When we founded Insider, we set out to prove to the world that successful software companies can be established worldwide outside of Silicon Valley.” She highlighted that their early investors have realized exits exceeding 1,700-fold multipliers, significantly benefiting the local ecosystem. Furthermore, she emphasized Insider’s role in paving the way for women, youth, and the Turkish entrepreneurial landscape on a global scale, noting that the company holds the highest investment figure among marketing technology companies led by a female founder and CEO, not only in Turkey but globally.

The funding announcement coincided with the 101st anniversary of the Turkish Republic, marking a momentous occasion for the company. Serhat Soyuerel, Insider’s Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, acknowledged this historical significance and reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering progress within Turkey. “Our biggest dream is for many technology entrepreneurs and Insiders to emerge from these lands and for our country to become an entrepreneurship centre,” he expressed. As Turkey’s first software unicorn, Insider aims to become one of the first software companies in Europe to achieve $1 billion in annual revenue. Soyuerel added, “Every success is a new opportunity for us to set bigger goals. We still have a lot to do, and we will continue to work with all our might, with the excitement and dedication of the first day.”

The new investment will empower Insider to execute its ambitious artificial intelligence roadmap. The platform incorporates Generative AI technology to assist marketing and customer experience teams in automating repetitive tasks, thereby enabling faster company growth by allowing teams to focus on high-value work. Çilingir pointed out that Insider is recognized as the first software company to combine predictive AI models with customer experience technologies, positioning it as a leader in the customer experience sector.

As Çilingir stated, “We are on the verge of a period where artificial intelligence will radically change marketing technologies, and we will lead this transformation.” The company’s objectives with the new funding include increasing its investments in AI, scaling its global sales and marketing efforts across 28 countries, significantly investing in research and development, and enhancing its merger and acquisition strategy. 

With these ambitious plans in place, Insider is well-positioned to significantly enhance its influence within the marketing technology landscape. By focusing on the integration of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, the company aims to redefine how brands engage with their customers, creating more effective and personalized experiences. This strategic emphasis on AI not only aligns with current market trends but also sets Insider apart as a pioneer in the field, promising innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of marketers.

As Insider scales its operations globally and invests in research and development, it is likely to attract more clients looking for cutting-edge marketing solutions. The company’s commitment to enhancing its platform through technology advancements could result in greater efficiency for businesses, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Furthermore, as Insider continues to prioritize diversity and empowerment within the tech ecosystem, it may inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, particularly within underrepresented communities. This commitment to fostering inclusivity not only benefits the company but also contributes to a richer, more vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

Overall, Insider’s proactive approach to harnessing technology and promoting diversity positions it as a key player in shaping the future of marketing technology, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry innovation and growth.