Amsterdam-based tech firm bird to exit Netherlands, shift to global hubs
Tech company Bird, formerly known as MessageBird, is leaving the Netherlands and restructuring its operations across six global hubs, CEO Robert Vis announced. The move marks a major shift for the firm, which generated 207 million euros in revenue last year and reported an EBITDA of 83 million euros.
Bird, which specializes in AI-powered business communication solutions, will transition from a remote-first model to an office-based approach. The company will consolidate its presence in key locations, including New York, San Francisco, Austin, Singapore, Dubai, Lithuania, Istanbul, and Thailand. The Netherlands office will be scaled down as part of the shift.
“After 14 years of proud Dutch heritage and operations in the Netherlands, we're embarking on an exciting new chapter,” Vis wrote on LinkedIn. “Bird is strategically consolidating our operations to six key global destinations while moving to office presence in these locations.”
Bird’s AI-powered “Business in a Box” product has seen rapid global adoption, with the company facilitating over 5 trillion customer interactions annually via email and SMS. Vis stated that the new operating model is designed to enhance efficiency, promote in-person collaboration, and strengthen its global network.
The company’s new hubs will be strategically located across multiple continents. In the Americas, Bird will establish headquarters in New York, San Francisco, and Austin. Singapore will serve as the hub for the Asia Pacific region, while Dubai will oversee operations in the Middle East and Africa.
Lithuania has been designated as the company’s financial innovation center, and Istanbul will lead European innovation efforts. Additionally, Bird will open a retreat center in Thailand focused on meditation, rejuvenation, and health for its global workforce.
Bird will offer relocation support and frequent travel between hubs while maintaining a remote workforce for specialized roles. “This isn't just a change in location – it's an evolution in how we operate,” Vis said. “When a customer in New York needs insights from Istanbul or innovation from Singapore, it's not about sending emails across time zones – it's about real people, real connections, and real understanding of the global economy.”
Bird was valued at 3.8 billion euros in 2021 following a 1 billion euros Series C funding round. The company is rumored to be preparing for an IPO, though no official timeline has been announced.
