Zulip
Zulip is an open-source team chat designed for asynchronous work. Topic-based threading keeps conversations organized and searchable. Used by open-source projects, universities, and enterprises who value focus over noise.
- Location
- San Francisco, USA
- Raised
- $5M
- Stage
- Series A
- Founded
- 2012
- Category
- Open Source
- Funding
- VC-backed
- Team
- 50-100
Funding figures as of Jul 2025 · not independently verified
Founders of Zulip
- Jessica McKellar
- Tim Abbott
Investors backing Zulip
- Andreessen Horowitz
Frequently asked questions
What does Zulip do?
Zulip is an open-source team chat designed for asynchronous work. Topic-based threading keeps conversations organized and searchable. Used by open-source projects, universities, and enterprises who value focus over noise.
Where is Zulip based?
Zulip is based in San Francisco, USA.
When was Zulip founded?
Zulip was founded in 2012.
How much has Zulip raised?
Zulip has raised $5M in their Series A round as of Jul 2025.
Who founded Zulip?
Zulip was founded by Jessica McKellar, Tim Abbott.
Who has invested in Zulip?
Zulip is backed by Andreessen Horowitz.
How Zulip would pitch themselves
○ Auto-generated01Target customer
Developers + open-source communities + enterprises wanting an OSS-first tool in this category, with optional commercial support.
02Problem they solve
Zulip is an open-source team chat designed for asynchronous work. Topic-based threading keeps conversations organized and searchable. Used by open-source projects, universities, and enterprises who value focus over nois… The category has historically been served by tools that miss the modern workflow this product is built around.
03Key differentiator
Zulip differentiates on organized team chat that does not interrupt you. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, $5M raised — the company has resources + validation to compound this thesis. Founded by Jessica McKellar + team.
04Go-to-market strategy
Series-A scaling stage — building outbound sales motion, hiring first AEs, layering on customer success. Mix of PLG (where the product allows) + direct sales for higher-ACV deals.