Bird

Bird, formerly known as MessageBird, is a Dutch communications platform-as-a-service (CPaaS) provider that enables businesses to connect with customers across SMS, voice, email, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels through a unified API. Founded in 2011 in Amsterdam by Robert Vis, the company grew rapidly to become one of Europe's most valuable tech startups, raising over one billion euros in funding and reaching a valuation of nearly four billion euros before rebranding to Bird in early 2024.

The platform provides a comprehensive suite of communication APIs and tools, including an SMS gateway, voice calling, WhatsApp Business integration, RCS messaging, email delivery, and chatbot building capabilities. Bird's Flow Builder allows teams to create automated communication workflows without code, while its omnichannel inbox consolidates all customer conversations into a single interface. The company made headlines in 2024 by slashing SMS prices by up to 90 percent compared to competitors, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to US-based CPaaS providers.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, Bird operates data centers within the Netherlands and the broader European Union, ensuring that customer data remains under EU jurisdiction and GDPR protections. The company holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications, reflecting its commitment to enterprise-grade security standards. With over 15,000 customers worldwide and a workforce of more than 500 employees, Bird offers European businesses a powerful, privacy-conscious alternative to Twilio and other US-based communication platforms.