EPFL spin-off Nexthink becomes the latest Swiss unicorn

Thanks to a new financing round of $180 million, the Lausanne-based publisher of enterprise IT asset management software Nexthink is now valued at $1.1 billion.

Nexthink, a leader in driving the digital employee experience (DEX), announced the completion of a new $180 million Series D financing round led by the Permira Growth Opportunities investment fund and its historical investors, Highland Europe and Index Ventures.

With this new financing, the company reaches $1.1 billion valuation, making it the latest unicorn in Western Switzerland, following in the footsteps of Mindmaze. The fresh capital will contribute to the technological development of the platform and accelerate Nexthink’s international expansion, especially in the United States.

“The development of remote working has considerably reinforced the need for companies to optimize the digital experience of their employees, as the vast majority of business interactions are now virtual,” said Pedro Bados, CEO and co-founder of Nexthink, in a press release.

An EPFL spin-off boasting outstanding growth

Nexthink also announced the appointment of Bruce Chizen, former CEO of Adobe, and Operating Partner at Permira Growth Opportunities, to its board of directors.

“Nexthink has experienced exceptional growth over the past few years,” said Chizen. “With the accelerated development of remote or hybrid Digital Workplaces, the digital experience is becoming strategic in companies and a key element in satisfying teams.”

Based in Prilly, in the French-speaking canton of Vaud, EPFL spin-off Nexthink currently employs around 700 people worldwide and plans to reach 900 by the end of 2021. The company intends to massively recruit new talent, primarily in Europe, India and the United States.