Holded

Founded in 2016 by Javi Fondevila and Bernat Ripoll, Holded emerged from the founders' direct experiences with the shortcomings of existing business management software. Fondevila, frustrated by the inadequate tools available while running his retail business, conceived the initial idea. Ripoll, a developer and professional snowboarder, built the first version of the software. The two connected via social media through a shared interest in action sports and launched the Barcelona-based company to create a comprehensive, cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform.

Holded operates on a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, generating recurring revenue through tiered pricing plans tailored for freelancers, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises. The company targets a broad market of SMEs and entrepreneurs, offering a unified platform that consolidates various business operations, thereby reducing the need for multiple, fragmented software solutions. The firm demonstrated significant traction early on, attracting over 10,000 users within its first year, largely through client referrals. This growth trajectory was supported by several funding rounds, totaling $26.5M, with key investments from Nauta Capital, Lakestar, and Elaia. In June 2021, Norwegian software provider Visma acquired Holded for over €120 million, though Holded continues to operate as an independent company with its founders at the helm.

The platform integrates functionalities that span invoicing, accounting, inventory management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), project management, and Human Resources (HR). Key features include customizable invoice creation, automatic bank transaction reconciliation, and compliance with local tax regulations. The inventory management module provides real-time stock tracking, supplier management, and low-stock alerts. For team management, it offers time tracking, payroll processing, and an employee portal for managing documents and absences. The system also integrates with numerous third-party applications like Shopify, PayPal, and Amazon to automate data synchronization. This all-in-one approach is designed to streamline administrative tasks, enhance operational efficiency, and provide business owners with real-time insights for better decision-making.

Keywords: ERP, business management software, SaaS, small and medium enterprises, accounting, invoicing, inventory management, CRM, Visma, cloud-based