The surge in AI-powered developer tools is transforming how businesses operate, and workflow automation startup n8n is riding that wave. After integrating AI capabilities into its platform in 2022, n8n experienced explosive growth, with revenue multiplying fivefold—and doubling in just the last two months.
Now, fueled by that momentum, the Berlin-based company has raised €55 million ($60 million) in Series B funding, boosting its valuation to around €250 million ($270 million), according to sources close to the company.
n8n, which offers a low-code platform for automating workflows, has now amassed over 3,000 enterprise customers and 200,000 active users. Its user base spans both free and paid subscribers, with the majority coming from the U.S. This new funding will help n8n strengthen its technology and deepen its push into key markets like North America.
Powerhouse Investors Fuel n8n’s Expansion
The funding round was led by Highland Europe, with participation from HV Capital and returning backers Sequoia, Felicis, and Harpoon. Sequoia initially led n8n’s seed round in 2020, while Felicis backed the Series A in 2021.
Founded in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser, n8n gained early traction among developers needing no-code or low-code solutions to connect apps and automate repetitive tasks without complex coding. But the startup’s unique stance on “fair code” also earned it a loyal following.
Unlike traditional open-source models, fair code ensures that creators of open-source software are compensated when their code is used commercially. Oberhauser, a pioneer of this approach, runs a platform dedicated to promoting fair code principles.
AI Integration Becomes the Game-Changer
While n8n’s open-source community and fair code ethics played a vital role in its rise, the real turning point came when it integrated AI and generative AI into its platform. This move positioned n8n alongside competitors like Tines, Workato, and industry giant UiPath—all tapping AI to simplify complex workflows.
Generative AI, in particular, has made automation more intuitive, letting users perform tasks without writing intricate code. Instead, natural language prompts now drive workflows. For example, a user can simply type, “Fetch data from X and email it to Y”, and the platform handles the rest.
“We saw AI coming fast,” Oberhauser shared. “The goal was to reduce the heavy lifting for developers. Now, they don’t need 50 lines of code just to send an email.”
A Flexible, Developer-Friendly AI Platform
n8n’s AI-powered engine is designed to work with various large language models (LLMs), allowing businesses to integrate their preferred models seamlessly. The platform also benefits from an active contributor community on GitHub, where developers share knowledge, offer support, and build workflow templates—many of which n8n makes available as ready-to-use solutions.
Interestingly, the shift to AI wasn’t an overnight success. Adoption was initially slow, with minimal uptake. However, the tides turned last year as global interest in AI-driven coding tools like Poolside, Codeium, and Magic soared—each attracting significant funding.
At the same time, businesses faced mounting pressure to explore practical AI applications. That convergence of demand and market hype sparked n8n’s rapid growth.
Practical AI That’s Winning Over Users and Investors
David Blyghton, General Partner at Highland Europe, emphasized what sets n8n apart: “Everyone is chasing AI, but practical use cases remain elusive. What makes n8n stand out is its design, scalability, and throughput. It’s what enables adoption.”
Today, 75% of n8n’s customers actively use its AI-powered features, reflecting how deeply integrated AI has become in their operations. Oberhauser believes the market has finally caught up. “The value is clear now—making changes has never been easier.”
With fresh capital in hand, n8n is poised to continue its journey as a leader in AI-powered workflow automation, empowering businesses to work smarter, faster, and with fewer technical hurdles.
