2012
Looking for a Zendesk alternative?
No. 023
DESCRIPTION◆
We made a mockumentary on a grunge band, pissed that Mikkel stole its name—thus making ‘Zendesk alternative’ do our SEO bidding. The band, with boomerang Jake Meltzer, debuted at a holiday party. Mikkel played cowbell. The site is still up.
ZENDESK VALUE: Inclusivity
2012
Loud and proud on Market Street
No. 024
DESCRIPTION◆
In June, Zendesk joined the SF Pride parade, the 42nd annual, for our first time. Thousands thronged Market Street, and the day ended with a 6-hour party at Civic Center. Daddies, drag queens, and Zendesk: the colors of the rainbow.
ZENDESK VALUE: Inclusivity
2013
No, we didn’t win a ‘scrunchie’
No. 025
DESCRIPTION◆
Once a TechCrunch 20 reject, we had 500 employees when we finally made Sexiest Enterprise Startup. Asked post–Crunchies Awards about the key to success, Mikkel said “build beautifully simple applications.” The IPO question? Mikkel demurred.
ZENDESK VALUE: Humblidence
2013
LATAM, represent
No. 026
DESCRIPTION◆
Our first foray into Latin America, the São Paulo, Brazil, office, might be the most colorful of all the Zendesk workplaces. No surprise for a country known for its love of vivid hues.
ZENDESK VALUE: Community
2014
Zendesk goes public
No. 027
DESCRIPTION◆
Tech was getting pummeled. FUD clouded our IPO like Karl the Fog. But Mikkel decided to push ahead. Press circus, $9 initial offering, the symbol $ZEN. Mikkel woke up with a face rash and Matt Hicks bought him makeup. The rest is history.
ZENDESK VALUE: Purpose