Slack Company Profile (2026)
Company Profile | Team Collaboration | Updated August 2026
Slack: Salesforce-Owned Team Collaboration Platform and Customer 360 Integration
Slack is a cloud-based team collaboration and messaging platform owned by Salesforce. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Slack was acquired by Salesforce for $27.7 billion in July 2021, one of the largest software acquisitions in history. Slack serves 750,000+ businesses with 3,000+ integrated apps, operating as a distinct brand under Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Executive Summary
Slack is a cloud-based team collaboration and messaging platform owned by Salesforce. The company operates as a distinct brand and product under Salesforce's ownership, serving as a core component of Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Slack's approach is based on channels, messaging, file sharing, and integrations with 3,000+ apps. The platform is designed to bring all of a company's people, data, and tools together so entire organizations can collaborate and get work done.
In July 2021, Salesforce completed its acquisition of Slack for approximately $27.7 billion, one of the largest software acquisitions in history. Slack continues to be led by CEO and Co-Founder Stewart Butterfield.
Slack serves 750,000+ businesses that use the platform every day to collaborate and to take action and automate work via more than 3,000 integrated apps. The company has nearly 3,000 employees in 17 offices globally.
Slack's long-term vision is to become the digital headquarters for organizations, enabling seamless collaboration, automation, and integration with Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Company Overview
Slack was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company was acquired by Salesforce in July 2021 for $27.7 billion.
Slack develops cloud-based team collaboration and messaging platforms. The company's products include Slack Connect, Slack Huddles, Canvas, Clips, and enterprise integrations.
The company serves 750,000+ businesses across various industries, including technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, media, and education.
Slack's strategy is focused on deepening Salesforce integration, expanding enterprise features, and growing the app ecosystem.
Company History
Slack was founded in 2013 by Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Cal Henderson, and Serguei Mourachov in Vancouver, Canada. The company started as an internal communication tool for Tiny Speck, a game development company.
Slack launched publicly in 2014 and grew rapidly through viral adoption. The company went public in 2019 via a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
In December 2020, Salesforce announced its intention to acquire Slack for $27.7 billion. The acquisition closed in July 2021, making it one of the largest software acquisitions in history.
Stewart Butterfield continues to lead Slack as CEO under Salesforce's ownership. Slack operates as a distinct brand and product within Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Slack has grown from a simple messaging tool to a comprehensive collaboration platform with 750,000+ businesses and 3,000+ integrated apps.
Leadership
- Stewart Butterfield – CEO and Co-Founder – Leads Slack's business strategy, product vision, and Salesforce integration.
- Robert Frati – Chief Financial Officer – Manages financial strategy and operations under Salesforce.
- Tamar Yehoshua – Chief Product Officer – Oversees product development and innovation.
- Jonathan Prince – Chief Policy and Communications Officer – Manages public policy, communications, and government relations.
Stewart Butterfield serves as CEO and has led Slack from a startup to a Salesforce-owned platform with 750,000+ customers.
Products & Services
Slack Platform
Slack Platform is the core team collaboration and messaging product. It provides channels, direct messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls, and 3,000+ app integrations.
Slack plans include Free (limited features), Pro ($7.25 per user per month, annual billing), Business+ ($12.50 per user per month, annual billing), and Enterprise Grid (custom pricing).
Slack Connect
Slack Connect enables organizations to collaborate with external partners, vendors, and customers in shared channels. It is designed for businesses that need to work with external stakeholders.
Slack Connect is available on Business+ and Enterprise Grid plans.
Slack Huddles
Slack Huddles provides persistent audio and video conversations within channels. It is designed for quick, informal meetings without scheduling.
Huddles are available on all paid plans.
Canvas
Canvas is a collaborative document editing tool within Slack. It enables teams to create, share, and edit documents together in real-time.
Canvas is available on all paid plans.
Clips
Clips enables users to record and share short video messages within Slack. It is designed for asynchronous communication and updates.
Clips are available on all paid plans.
Salesforce Integration
Slack integrates deeply with Salesforce's Customer 360 platform, enabling sales, service, and marketing teams to collaborate within Slack. Features include Salesforce records, notifications, and workflows in Slack channels.
Salesforce integration is available on all paid plans with Salesforce licenses.
Collaboration & Salesforce Strategy
Slack's strategy is to become the digital headquarters for organizations, deeply integrated with Salesforce's Customer 360 platform. The company believes collaboration will transform through channels, automation, and AI.
- Deep Salesforce Customer 360 integration.
- 3,000+ app integrations in Slack App Directory.
- Slack Connect for external collaboration.
- Enterprise features (Slack Huddles, Canvas, Clips).
- 750,000+ businesses using Slack daily.
- Focus on digital headquarters and Customer 360.
Slack's approach is to embed collaboration into Salesforce workflows, helping customers improve productivity and customer relationships.
Business Model
Slack operates as a Salesforce subsidiary selling team collaboration and messaging platforms. Its model includes subscription revenue, enterprise contracts, and Salesforce bundle deals.
The company serves 750,000+ businesses with 3,000+ integrated apps.
Slack is focused on deepening Salesforce integration and expanding enterprise adoption.
Financial and Corporate Profile
| Metric | Figure or description |
|---|---|
| Legal name | Slack Technologies, LLC (a subsidiary of Salesforce, Inc.) |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Cal Henderson, Serguei Mourachov |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Ownership | Subsidiary of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE: CRM) |
| CEO | Stewart Butterfield |
| Acquisition | $27.7 billion by Salesforce (July 2021) |
| Customers | 750,000+ businesses |
| Employees | Nearly 3,000 in 17 offices globally |
| Integrations | 3,000+ apps in Slack App Directory |
Slack's financial performance is driven by subscription revenue, enterprise adoption, and Salesforce integration. The company operates as part of Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Competitive Landscape
Slack competes with other team collaboration, messaging, and productivity companies.
| Competitor group | Examples | Competitive overlap |
|---|---|---|
| Team collaboration | Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Discord | Team messaging, channels, file sharing |
| Productivity suites | Microsoft 365, Google Workspace | Integrated productivity and collaboration tools |
| Enterprise messaging | Zoom Team Chat, Cisco Webex Teams, Mattermost | Enterprise messaging and collaboration |
| Developer collaboration | Discord, GitHub Discussions, GitLab | Developer and technical team collaboration |
Slack's main differentiators are its channel-based collaboration, 3,000+ app integrations, Salesforce Customer 360 integration, and enterprise features. Its challenge is competing with Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace bundles.
Competitive Advantages
- Channel-based collaboration – Organized, searchable conversations.
- 3,000+ app integrations – Extensive Slack App Directory.
- Salesforce Customer 360 – Deep integration with Salesforce CRM.
- Enterprise features – Slack Connect, Huddles, Canvas, Clips.
- Large customer base – 750,000+ businesses.
- Brand recognition – Leading team collaboration platform.
Risks and Challenges
- Competition – Intense competition from Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace.
- Salesforce integration – Executing on deep Customer 360 integration.
- Enterprise sales – Competing with bundled productivity suites.
- Technology risk – Keeping pace with collaboration and AI trends.
- Customer retention – Maintaining high customer satisfaction and reducing churn.
- Parent company strategy – Alignment with Salesforce's broader strategy.
Future Outlook
Slack is positioned to benefit from growing demand for team collaboration and digital headquarters. The company's Salesforce integration and enterprise features are intended to support scaling.
The key question is whether Slack can deepen Salesforce integration and compete with Microsoft Teams. Success could strengthen its position as a collaboration leader.
Slack's long-term opportunity is to become the digital headquarters for organizations, enabling seamless collaboration, automation, and integration with Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
Key Takeaways
- Slack is a team collaboration and messaging platform owned by Salesforce.
- The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
- Slack was acquired by Salesforce for $27.7 billion in July 2021.
- Slack serves 750,000+ businesses with 3,000+ integrated apps.
- Slack operates as a distinct brand under Salesforce's Customer 360 platform.
- Key products include Slack Platform, Connect, Huddles, Canvas, and Clips.
- Slack competes with Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Discord, and others.
- Its advantages include channel-based collaboration, integrations, Salesforce, and enterprise features.
- Its risks include competition, Salesforce integration, enterprise sales, technology, and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Slack do?
Slack provides cloud-based team collaboration and messaging platforms, including channels, messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls, and 3,000+ app integrations.
Is Slack public?
No. Slack is a subsidiary of Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE: CRM), acquired in July 2021 for $27.7 billion.
Who owns Slack?
Slack is owned by Salesforce, Inc., which acquired the company in July 2021.
Who founded Slack?
Slack was founded in 2013 by Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Cal Henderson, and Serguei Mourachov.
Who competes with Slack?
Slack competes with Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Discord, Zoom Team Chat, and other collaboration platforms.
- Slack acquisition by Salesforce and customer information. Salesforce FAQ.
- Slack business profile and Salesforce integration. The ATDB.
Profile compiled August 2026. Financial figures, product timelines, and technology roadmaps may change. This article is intended for editorial and informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.
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