The landscape of AI-powered workflow automation is evolving rapidly, and n8n, a pioneer in fair-code software, is at the forefront of this transformation. The Berlin-based startup, known for its developer-friendly low-code and no-code automation tools, has secured a $60 million Series B funding round to accelerate growth and expand into new markets like the United States.
The latest funding, led by Highland Europe, also includes contributions from HV Capital, Sequoia, Felicis, and Harpoon—all doubling down on n8n’s vision of integrating AI with workflow automation. Sources close to the company indicate the round values n8n at approximately $270 million (€250 million).
n8n’s Explosive Growth and AI-Driven Pivot
Founded in 2019, n8n quickly gained traction among developer teams seeking seamless automation solutions. The startup initially stood out due to its fair-code licensing model, an evolution of open source that ensures software creators receive compensation when their code is used commercially.
However, its AI-powered workflow automation pivot in 2022 became the real game-changer. The company reports a 5X revenue surge, with revenue doubling in just the past two months. Today, n8n boasts over 3,000 enterprise customers and 200,000 active users—a mix of free, short-term, and long-term subscribers.
Why AI-Powered Workflow Automation Is a Game-Changer
The automation landscape has been rapidly shifting, with competitors like Tines, Workato, and UiPath embracing generative AI to simplify complex workflows. n8n’s approach builds on this trend by allowing users to create powerful workflows using natural language commands.
Jan Oberhauser, founder and CEO of n8n, recognized early on that AI would reshape automation. “We saw this AI wave coming and knew we had to integrate it,” he explained. Instead of writing 50+ lines of code to automate tasks like email notifications or database updates, users can now simply prompt the AI with commands like “Get data from X and send to Y.”
n8n’s AI-powered workflow automation tools integrate seamlessly with multiple large language models (LLMs), allowing companies to customize automation workflows based on their existing AI stack. Additionally, a thriving developer community on GitHub (with over 70,000 stars) continues to refine and expand its automation capabilities.
Investor Confidence in n8n’s Future
The $60 million funding is a testament to n8n’s growing impact in the automation sector. David Blyghton, general partner at Highland Europe, highlighted why investors are bullish:
“Everyone is trying to leverage AI but struggling to find practical use cases. The design, scale, and throughput of n8n allow businesses to adopt AI automation effortlessly.”
Despite initial slow adoption, n8n has now reached a tipping point. 75% of its customers actively use AI-powered automation, a significant shift from previous years when AI adoption was minimal.
Expanding into New Markets and Future Plans
With over half of its user base located in the U.S., n8n is prioritizing expansion into North America while continuing to refine its AI-driven workflow tools. The company plans to increase hiring, develop new automation features, and strengthen its fair-code model to ensure sustainable growth.
As AI continues to reshape industries, n8n’s AI-powered workflow automation tools are positioning themselves as an essential asset for businesses looking to streamline operations and boost efficiency. With strong backing from investors and a rapidly growing user base, n8n is set to play a leading role in the future of automation.