Stay up to date on our entrepreneurs, events, research and more. Check out our January newsletter here.
Founded in 2003, Globant was envisioned from the start as a business that could generate world-class career opportunities for IT professionals while showcasing Latin American talent. Globant has become one of the fastest growing software solutions companies in Latin America, providing clients worldwide with solutions that are design-minded, scalable and efficient. The entrepreneurs have put Argentina on the radar of the global marketplace for offshore IT services, with a portfolio of clients that include Google, LinkedIn, Sabre and Electronic Arts.
The entrepreneurs were selected into the Endeavor network in 2005 with just 120 employees, and have now grown to employ over 3,000 people across 15 countries with the help of Endeavor’s mentorship, strategic guidance and investor connections. In 2008, Globant acquired Openware, an Argentine tech venture founded by Endeavor Entrepreneur Federico Seineldin, marking the first-ever merger between two Endeavor companies. In the same year, Endeavor helped Globant close its first round of venture capital financing led primarily by U.S.-based investors.
When Endeavor Catalyst was formed in 2012, the donor fund co-invested nearly $2 million in Globant as its inaugural investment. Endeavor Board Member and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman subsequently joined Globant’s Board of Advisors, cementing the company’s reputation as a world-class technology firm. In addition, Globant’s most recent financing round in 2013 saw a 20% acquisition by multinational advertising company WPP. The returns from the Endeavor Catalyst investment will ultimately go towards supporting Endeavor’s operations as well as the fund’s work with future entrepreneurs.
With annual revenue growth of over 30% in the past two years, including total revenues of $158 million last year, the IPO highlights Globant’s upward trajectory as the global demand for solutions in mobile, social, big data and cloud computing skyrockets. Globant’s success has demonstrated the importance of supporting entrepreneurs by creating an ecosystem of inspiration, mentorship and investment.
Since joining the network, the Globant team has been highly engaged with Endeavor’s work in Latin America and globally, serving as mentors, ISP panelists and donors. The founders have also attended and spoken at a number of Endeavor-hosted events, including both regional and global galas, retreats and summits. Martín and Guibert also serve as board members in Argentina, with Guibert recently named chairman of the local board. The story of the Globant founders is a testament to Endeavor’s model and the multiplier effect of entrepreneurship as the team becomes role models and investors for future generations of ventures.
“The trust that Endeavor puts in Globant was first shown in 2005 when they selected us as Endeavor Entrepreneurs. That was a key milestone in our history, since they enabled us to learn from some of the most talented and experienced professionals in the world,” said CEO Martín Migoya in a statement. “Endeavor reinforces a great partnership that will help us to take our company to the next level, creating more jobs for talent across the world, more opportunities for our ‘Globers’, and delivering the best software products for our customers.”
Globant is the second Endeavor Entrepreneur company to have an IPO in the U.S. MercadoLibre, founded by Marcos Galperin, Nicolas Szekasy and Hernan Kazah, was also an Argentine venture that successfully went public in 2007 on the NASDAQ market.
Learn more about the IPO news in the company’s press release by clicking here.