headless cms storyblok raises $8.5m series a funding round led by mubadala capital
Storyblok Secures $8.5 Million in Series A Funding
Storyblok, a headless content management system (CMS) designed for both developers and marketers, has successfully closed an $8.5 million Series A funding round.
This investment was spearheaded by Mubadala Capital, with continued support from existing investors firstminute capital and 3VC.
Platform Adoption and Client Base
Founded in Austria, Storyblok’s platform is utilized by a diverse range of organizations.
Notable clients include Pizza Hut, Adidas, UPC, Greggs, and Decathlon.
Beyond enterprise clients, the CMS is also popular among a large community of individual developers.
Currently, Storyblok powers over 60,000 projects, demonstrating significant market penetration.
Differentiating Features of the CMS
Storyblok distinguishes itself through its provision of “highly customizable content blocks and visual editing tools.”
This contrasts with other headless CMS solutions that, while developer-friendly, can present challenges for content editors.
Addressing the Evolving Marketing Landscape
Dominik Angerer, co-founder and CEO of Storyblok, emphasized the current shifts within the marketing sector.
He stated that fragmented channels and evolving consumer behavior, accelerated by the Coronavirus pandemic, complicate maintaining consistent brand messaging.
While headless CMS technology offers solutions, many platforms prioritize developers, hindering accessibility for non-technical users.
Storyblok aims to bridge this gap by catering to the needs of both editors and developers, fostering its unique market position and driving growth.
Investor Perspective
Fatou Bintou Sagnang, director at Mubadala Capital, highlighted Storyblok’s differentiated product within a competitive market.
She noted the platform’s appeal to both small and large enterprises, with organic traction serving as evidence of strong customer satisfaction.
Competitive Landscape
Storyblok operates within a competitive field, facing rivals such as Contentstack, Contentful, Sitecore, Adobe Experience Manager, and Prismic.
The Challenge of Usability in Headless CMS
Angerer explained that while many headless CMS platforms integrate well with existing systems, usability can be a significant issue for marketers and editors.
Often, these users require assistance from IT or development teams for even minor changes, negating the time and cost savings promised by headless CMS technology.
Storyblok’s design specifically addresses this challenge, aiming to empower content creators without relying on constant developer support.
Mike Butcher
Mike Butcher: A Profile of a Leading Tech Voice
Mike Butcher, M.B.E., is a highly respected figure in the technology landscape. Previously serving as Editor-at-large for TechCrunch, his journalistic background includes contributions to prominent UK newspapers and magazines.
Recognition and Influence
Wired UK has recognized Butcher as one of the most influential individuals shaping European technology. This acknowledgement underscores his significant impact on the sector.
Speaking Engagements and Interviews
Butcher is a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious events like the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and DLD. He has conducted interviews with a diverse range of prominent figures.
Among those he has interviewed are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, actor Kevin Spacey, model Lily Cole, Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, alongside numerous other technology executives and celebrities.
Broadcasting and Advisory Roles
As a frequent broadcaster, Mike Butcher regularly appears on major news networks. These include BBC News, Sky News, CNBC, Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg.
His expertise extends to policy advising, having consulted with UK Prime Ministers and the Mayor of London regarding technology startup initiatives. He also served as a judge on the UK edition of The Apprentice.
Awards and Founding Ventures
GQ magazine once listed him among the 100 Most Connected Men in the UK, highlighting his extensive network. Butcher is also the co-founder of several notable organizations.
- TheEuropas.com: A platform showcasing the Top 100 European startups.
- Techfugees.com: A non-profit organization.
- TechVets.co: Another non-profit initiative.
- Startup Coalition: Focused on supporting startups.
In 2016, Mike Butcher was awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. This honor recognized his contributions to both the UK technology industry and the field of journalism.