In 2017, Respond.io set sail to help businesses keep up with the surging tide of customer messages on apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. Today, it's a $35 million-a-year tech gem, powered by AI agents that handle millions of inquiries daily.

Founded in Hong Kong but now based in Kuala Lumpur, Respond.io has just raised $62.5 million, aiming to buy its way to global supremacy. It’s not just about selling more software; it's about acquiring teams and customers in Europe and North America.

The co-founder and CEO Gerardo Salandra believes their early start will keep them ahead of the AI curve. 'Every day that AI becomes more prominent, we grow faster,' he says, defying fears of ChatGPT usurping his business model.

Respond.io’s secret sauce? A focus on volume over per-seat pricing and a deep library of message data, fuelling its AI engine to power better customer interactions. With a clear eye on the future, Salandra hopes for an IPO someday.