Doodle is an online scheduling tool designed to simplify the process of organizing meetings and events. It allows users to propose multiple dates and times, enabling participants to vote on their preferred options. This eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails, making scheduling more efficient. Doodle integrates seamlessly with popular calendar applications like Google Calendar and Outlook, ensuring that events are automatically synced and conflicts are avoided. The platform is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps, making it convenient for users to manage their schedules on the go. Doodle serves a wide range of industries, from freelancers and small businesses to large enterprises.
Doodle was founded in 2007 by Michael Näf and Paul E. Sevinç, students from ETH Zürich, who aimed to create a solution for the cumbersome process of scheduling meetings. The company quickly gained traction, especially in academic circles, and was incorporated as Doodle AG in Switzerland in 2008. By 2011, Swiss media giant TX Group (formerly Tamedia) acquired a minority stake, and by 2014, it had acquired a majority stake, helping Doodle expand globally. The company has since grown significantly, reaching over 30 million monthly users by 2022 and establishing offices in Zürich, Berlin, Belgrade, Atlanta, and New York City.
Doodle has seen substantial investment over the years. In 2022, the company raised $54 million in its first funding round, led by Seven Seven Six, with participation from 10T Holdings, Acrew Capital, and FTX Ventures. This funding round valued Doodle at $704 million. The investment is aimed at scaling Doodle's growth strategy and monetizing its intellectual property globally through ventures in the music, culture, and entertainment industries.
Doodle offers a range of features designed to streamline scheduling:
In 2016, Doodle acquired Meekan, an Israeli chatbot company specializing in AI and natural language processing for scheduling. This acquisition allowed Doodle to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its platform. Meekan was later shut down in 2019, but its technology continues to influence Doodle's product offerings.
Doodle has continuously evolved its product to meet user needs. Recent additions include:
Doodle emphasizes a collaborative and innovative work environment. The company values user feedback and continuously seeks to improve its products based on customer needs. Doodle's culture is built around making scheduling as simple and efficient as possible, reflecting its origins as a tool designed to eliminate the hassle of back-and-forth emails.
Doodle serves a diverse user base, including individuals, small businesses, large enterprises, and educational institutions. The platform is used in over 200 countries, with significant uptake driven by word-of-mouth communication. Doodle's user community is engaged and active, contributing to the platform's continuous improvement through feedback and feature requests. The company aims to reach 500 million users in the coming years, highlighting its ambitious growth plans.
