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Brex partners with former competitor Zip, with an eye on reducing cash burn to get to an IPO | TechCrunch

May 20, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Brex has announced a strategic partnership with Zip, a procurement startup, to enhance its enterprise offerings by embedding Brex’s virtual cards into Zip’s platform. This move aims to streamline procurement and payment workflows for enterprises, preventing unauthorized spending and simplifying global operations. Brex, originally focused on startups, has been shifting towards serving enterprise customers and diversifying its revenue streams beyond interchange fees. The partnership with Zip follows a similar collaboration with Navan, reflecting Brex’s strategy of “coopetition” to leverage strengths of other companies and reduce cash burn. Brex’s enterprise revenue grew by 70% in the first quarter, while Zip saw 155% growth in its strategic enterprise segment.

Brex has faced challenges in its rapid expansion, including a significant cash burn, which it has been working to reduce. The company cut nearly 20% of its staff in January 2024 as part of a restructuring effort. Despite these challenges, Brex has raised over $1.5 billion since its inception and aims to reach $500 million in annual net revenue this year. The company is not yet profitable but expects to be by the end of the year. Brex is also considering going public, although it plans to do so when it is fully prepared. The partnerships with Zip and Navan are part of Brex’s strategy to better serve its enterprise customers and improve its financial position.

Key takeaways:

  • Brex has partnered with former competitors Navan and Zip to enhance its enterprise offerings, aiming to streamline procurement and payment workflows.
  • The partnerships are part of Brex's strategy to reduce cash burn and focus on strategic growth, as evidenced by a significant reduction in cash burn and a restructuring that included layoffs.
  • Brex's enterprise revenue grew by 70% in the first quarter, while Zip experienced 155% growth in its strategic enterprise segment, highlighting the success of their collaborative efforts.
  • Brex aims to become profitable by the end of the year and is considering going public, focusing on governance structure and market conditions before proceeding with an IPO.
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