In the ever-evolving world of marketing, one startup is writing a new chapter by turning the chaos of disparate data into a wellspring of opportunity. Hightouch was born from a moment of clarity at Segment—when the technical hurdles of integrating data left many organizations frustrated. Co-founded by a former engineering manager at Segment, Hightouch set out to create a platform that not only simplifies data synchronization but also unlocks actionable insights for sales, marketing, and customer service teams.

Story: From Frustration to Innovation

Tejas Manohar, one of Hightouch’s co-CEOs, recalls the challenges at Segment: “We found that asking customers to funnel their data into a single system was an onerous task. Most data, especially from warehouses, was used only for analytics—not for enhancing customer engagement.” This realization sparked an idea that evolved into Hightouch—a solution that shifts the focus from complex API integrations to harnessing the full potential of cloud data warehouses.

In 2019, as Segment scaled and eventually got acquired by Twilio for $3.2 billion, Tejas and his team, including co-CEO Kashish Gupta and CTO Josh Curl, set out to build a platform that connects data silos directly to the tools marketers and sales teams use every day. Their journey from internal frustration to a bold startup vision laid the groundwork for a transformative approach to marketing technology.

Strategy: Turning Data into a Competitive Edge

Hightouch’s core innovation is its customer data platform (CDP), designed for both technical and non-technical users. With a graphical interface that allows anyone to create SQL queries or build custom data pipelines visually, the platform empowers companies to sync data from warehouses to over 250 integrated tools, including leading CRM and marketing systems.

But Hightouch didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing impact of AI in business, they launched AI Decisioning—a product that takes personalization to the next level. With AI Decisioning, companies can prompt the system with a specific goal, allowing the technology to run thousands of experiments and suggest the optimal campaigns for better customer experiences and higher revenue.

These innovations aren’t just about making processes faster; they’re about transforming the way companies use data to connect with customers, drive growth, and foster a culture of informed decision-making.

Shared Opportunities: Empowering a Collaborative Ecosystem

The success of Hightouch is a testament to the power of shared opportunities. With the recent $80 million Series C round—led by Sapphire Ventures and joined by NVC, Amplify Ventures, ICONIQ Growth, Bain Capital Ventures, and Y Combinator—the startup’s valuation has soared to $1.2 billion, doubling its previous figure from 2023. This funding isn’t just capital; it’s an invitation for the entire ecosystem to innovate together.

Hightouch’s platform democratizes access to advanced data tools, enabling even smaller teams to leverage enterprise-grade insights. By bridging the gap between raw data and actionable marketing strategies, Hightouch creates a collaborative environment where companies can share best practices, learn from one another, and collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing.

For leaders across industries, Hightouch’s journey offers a roadmap: by addressing pain points with smart, scalable technology, companies can create shared opportunities that drive both individual success and broader market transformation.