Slack
Slack emerged from a pivot, transforming internal team communication from disparate tools into a unified, searchable, and persistent platform, ultimately redefining workplace collaboration for millions globally.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2013
- Founder
- Stewart Butterfield
- Origin
- USA
Founders
Story Chapters
Timeline
Pivot from Glitch
After the failure of the online game Glitch, Stewart Butterfield and his team pivot to focus on the internal communication tool developed during the game's production.
Slack is Founded
Slack is officially launched, marking the beginning of its journey from a small startup to a major player in workplace communication.
Freemium Model Introduced
Slack adopts a freemium model, allowing users to access basic features for free while offering premium options, leading to a rapid increase in user adoption.
Slack Becomes a Unicorn
Slack reaches a valuation of over $1 billion, joining the exclusive club of tech 'unicorns' and solidifying its place in the industry.
Global Expansion
Slack expands internationally, opening offices in major cities around the world and becoming a global phenomenon.
1 Million Daily Users
Slack surpasses 1 million daily active users, highlighting its widespread adoption and impact on workplace communication.
Public Listing
Slack goes public via a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing its status as a major player in the tech industry.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates Slack's adoption as remote work becomes the norm, highlighting the platform's importance in digital communication.
Acquisition by Salesforce
Slack is acquired by Salesforce, a move that promises to expand its capabilities and influence in the future of work.
Continued Innovation
Slack continues to innovate, integrating new technologies and adapting to the changing needs of its users, maintaining its position as a leader in workplace communication.
Connected Across The Archives
Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and treaties that share history with this company.

Civilization Archive
(3)Aboriginal Australian Civilizations
Slack's digital communication revolution mirrors the enduring cultural resilience and adaptation seen in Aboriginal Australian Civilizations, highlighting parallel paths of innovation.
American Civilization
Slack's emergence in 2013 reflects the culmination of American civilization's technological and entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in centuries of innovation since independence.
Aztec Civilization
The Aztec Civilization's complex societal structures and trade networks foreshadowed the interconnected dynamics of modern businesses like Slack in the Americas.
Explore Related Archives
Great companies don't emerge in a vacuum. They rise from the foundations of civilizations, the ambitions of rulers, and the aftermath of conflicts. Explore the historical context:
