Chargebee functions as a premier subscription and recurring billing management platform, specializing in streamlining revenue processes for numerous SaaS-based enterprises. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, the company collaborates with leading payment gateways globally, including but not limited to Stripe, Braintree, and PayPal. Chargebee’s primary focus lies in automating essential functions such as recurring payment collection, invoicing, tax management, accounting, email alerts, SaaS Metrics, and customer relations.
The company’s sophisticated platform seamlessly orchestrates critical workflows for clients, spanning from lead acquisition to ledger maintenance. Leveraging robust connectors such as Salesforce, Xero, Quickbooks, Avalara, and Slack, among others, Chargebee ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach to business operations. With an expansive global presence, Chargebee maintains four official offices, representing a diverse workforce comprising professionals from over 17 nationalities.
Company Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Headquarters | California, USA |
| Sector | Financial Services |
| Founder | Krish Subramanian, Rajaraman Santhanam, Saravanan KP, Thiyagarajan Thiyagu |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Valuation | $3.5 billion |
Chargebee – Industry Overview
The financial services sector holds paramount significance, encompassing a spectrum of monetary-related services and ancillary activities such as lending, payment processing, investments, insurance, fund transfers, among others. These indispensable services find utilization across a broad spectrum, including individuals, organizations, corporations, government entities, and investment institutions.
Projections indicate that the global financial services industry is poised to attain a valuation of $37.34 trillion by 2026, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.6%.
Chargebee : A Pioneering Journey in Subscription Management
Founded in 2011 with its headquarters situated in the vibrant tech hub of San Francisco, Chargebee’s inception is rooted in a pivotal decision made by Krish Subramanian in 2009. At that time, Subramanian, then employed at Cognizant, faced a career-altering choice. Despite being presented with a long-term opportunity to establish an account and team in the United States, a venture that would demand a substantial 5-7 year commitment, he opted for a different path. Instead, Subramanian chose to return to India with the ambition of venturing into entrepreneurship.
Teaming up with his college classmate and co-founder, Rajaraman Santhanam, who was actively engaged in designing a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform at Zoho, the duo shared a long-standing aspiration to embark on their own business journey. The team expanded with the inclusion of Saravanan KP and Thiyagarajan T, both colleagues from Zoho.
Departing from their positions at Zoho, they collectively became the co-founders of Chargebee. In its nascent stage, Chargebee’s operations unfolded in the makeshift setting of a drawing room at one of the co-founders’ homes, marking the humble beginnings that eventually evolved into the establishment of their headquarters in San Francisco.
The journey was arduous, and the founders, Krish Subramanian, Rajaraman Santhanam, Saravanan KP, and Thiyagarajan T, attest that success did not come without relentless effort.
Chargebee : Mission and Vision
Chargebee’s mission is deeply ingrained in its commitment to deliver best-in-class infrastructure for every business it serves. The company articulates its philosophy, stating, “We believe in the elegance of good code, the promise of subscriptions, and the importance of every single customer’s experience.”
Chargebee: Global Expansion and Revenue Optimization
Chargebee boasts a robust global presence, supporting over 100 currencies and serving a vast clientele spanning 227 countries and territories, with a customer base exceeding 6500.
During the unprecedented challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, Chargebee demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity in revenue generation. The company strategically adapted to the shift in consumer behavior as individuals increasingly spent their days in the confines of their homes.
The primary revenue stream for Chargebee emanates from its sophisticated software, designed to streamline the billing processes for subscription-based businesses. The company offers a diverse range of subscription plans tailored to cater to various business needs.
These include the Launch Plan, Rise Plan, Scale Plan, and Enterprise Plan, providing comprehensive solutions for businesses at different stages of growth. Chargebee’s subscription model ensures a steady and predictable income, contributing to its sustained growth and success in the global market.
Chargebee – Funding, and Investors
| DATE | FUND ROUND | AMOUNT | INVESTORS |
| February 1, 2022 | Series H | $250 million | Sequoia Capital India, Tiger Global Management |
| April 20, 2021 | Series G | $125 million | Insight Partners, Sapphire Ventures, Tiger Global Management |
| October 6, 2020 | Series F | $55 million | Insight Partners |
| August 28, 2019 | Series D | $14 million | Steadview Capital |
| March 20, 2018 | Series C | $18 million | Insight Partners |
| March 3, 2015 | Series B | $5 million | Tiger Global Management |
| January 13, 2014 | Series A | $800,000 | Accel |
| October 1, 2012 | Angel Round | $370,000 | – |
| Chargebee Competitors |
| 1. Maxio |
| 2. Recurly |
| 3. Zoho Subscriptions |
| 4. Sage Intacct |
| 5. Chargify |
| 6. Paddle |
| 7. Billsby |
| 8. Stripe Billing |
Chargebee’s Future Plans
In the aftermath of the global pandemic, Chargebee has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a revenue milestone of $115.4 million. Positioned at the forefront, Chargebee is actively spearheading the provision of subscription services to SaaS-based enterprises and e-commerce entities, facilitating effective management of their revenue systems.
While the company has already made significant strides in aiding businesses to enhance profitability, it is poised to elevate its commitment to automation within this sector. Chargebee is dedicated to optimizing commercial revenue processes, aiming to solidify its standing as the preferred choice for clients and to consistently meet and exceed their evolving expectations.
Chargebee’s Award-Winning Encore: Basking in Glory
Chargebee doesn’t just make headlines;
it dominates them! The accolades are pouring in like confetti at a victory parade:
Chargebee claimed the throne in the G2 Winter 2023 report, flaunting its prowess in Subscription billing, Subscription revenue management, Subscription analytics, Subscription management, and Revenue management. It’s not just an award; it’s a royal sweep!
In the ‘Best Small Business Products’ category, Chargebee is the cool kid on the block at number 6. And let’s not forget its sweet spot at number 19 in the ‘Best Software Products of 2021’ list—because being in the top 20 is just how Chargebee rolls.
The Cloud Award Program couldn’t resist the charm, bestowing upon Chargebee the title of Best Payment, Finance, or Billing solution in 2018-2019. It’s not just an award; it’s a timeless ode to financial finesse.
Chargebee’s Award-Winning Encore: Basking in Glory
Chargebee doesn’t just make headlines; it dominates them!
The accolades are pouring in like confetti at a victory parade:
Chargebee claimed the throne in the G2 Winter 2023 report, flaunting its prowess in Subscription billing, Subscription revenue management, Subscription analytics, Subscription management, and Revenue management. It’s not just an award; it’s a royal sweep!
In the ‘Best Small Business Products’ category, Chargebee is the cool kid on the block at number 6. And let’s not forget its sweet spot at number 19 in the ‘Best Software Products of 2021’ list—because being in the top 20 is just how Chargebee rolls.
The Cloud Award Program couldn’t resist the charm, bestowing upon Chargebee the title of Best Payment, Finance, or Billing solution in 2018-2019. It’s not just an award; it’s a timeless ode to financial finesse.
“Chargebee’s Layoff Symphony: A Theatrical Unveiling of Corporate Maneuvers”
Chargebee, the maestro of corporate tap-dancing, orchestrated its first layoff symphony on November 20, 2022, casting a spotlight on 142 employees who found themselves in an unexpected pirouette.
Fast forward to the recent performance on September 11, 2023, and the company decided to bring back the layoff ballet, this time impacting about 10% of its global talent pool. Picture it as a carefully choreographed routine involving 100 to 120 individuals gracefully exiting stage left across various departments. Krishna Subramanian, the company’s CEO and director of this dramatic production, attributed the encore to market shifts, turning economic dynamics into the lead dancer of this melancholic yet business-savvy performance. Step by step, Chargebee waltzes through the corporate dance floor, leaving a trail of pink slips and a lingering question – is this a tragic opera or a strategic tango? Only time will tell.
Conclusion
As Chargebee takes center stage in the intricate world of subscription and recurring billing management, its recent performances, marked by layoffs, introduce a complex layer to its narrative. Beyond the drama of workforce adjustments, Chargebee stands as a prominent player in the financial services sector, contributing to the evolving landscape of global commerce.
The company’s journey, from its humble origins in a drawing room to its establishment in the tech hub of San Francisco, reflects a pioneering spirit fueled by the vision of its founders. Krish Subramanian’s pivotal decision to pursue entrepreneurship, supported by a dedicated team, has propelled Chargebee into a position of industry leadership.
The company’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in its comprehensive suite of services but also in its global expansion, diverse clientele, and impressive financial achievements.
As Chargebee looks ahead, its future plans indicate a continued commitment to innovation and client satisfaction. With a focus on automation and the optimization of commercial revenue processes, the company aims to solidify its position as the preferred choice for businesses seeking efficient subscription management solutions.
The accolades and awards showered upon Chargebee underscore its industry prowess and commitment to excellence. The company’s ability to dominate in categories such as Subscription billing, Subscription revenue management, and Revenue management speaks to its consistent delivery of high-quality services.
