Odoo is a comprehensive business management software suite that includes modules for customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce, billing, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse operations, project management, inventory management, and more.
The story of Odoo began in 2005 in Belgium, when Fabien Pinckaers set out with a vision to revolutionize enterprise management through open-source software. His initial creation was a platform called TinyERP. Just three years later, in 2008, it was rebranded to OpenERP as the software evolved and began gaining traction.
By 2010, the company had grown rapidly, boasting over 100 employees. In recognition of its exponential growth, OpenERP received the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award in 2013, after recording a remarkable 1,549% growth over five years — making it the fastest-growing company in Belgium at the time.
In 2014, the company underwent a significant transformation, rebranding from OpenERP to Odoo. The change reflected a broader vision that extended beyond traditional ERP systems. Interestingly, the name "Odoo" was partly inspired by a playful observation that the most successful tech companies of the time had multiple "O"s in their names.
Odoo's upward trajectory continued. In 2015, Inc. Magazine ranked Odoo among the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in Europe. The company attracted major attention in 2019 by raising $90 million in investment to further accelerate its development.
By 2021, Odoo had surpassed 5 million users worldwide and announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 employees. Its growth remained strong through 2023, when it reported a 33% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching €282 million, with a workforce exceeding 2,200 employees. Despite its rapid expansion, the company has remained profitable. CEO Fabien Pinckaers emphasized ongoing efforts to improve user onboarding and operational efficiency.
Odoo has received numerous industry awards. Under the OpenERP name, it earned recognition such as the Trends Gazelle Award, Deloitte Technology Fast 50, and the InfoWorld BOSSIE Award in 2013. After rebranding, Odoo won the BOSSIE Award for Best Open Source Software three years in a row — in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Today, Odoo offers over 30 integrated applications through its Enterprise platform including tools for ERP, accounting, inventory, CRM, manufacturing, marketing, HR, eCommerce, websites, and point of sale. Its open-source community is equally vibrant, with around 20,000 active members contributing more than 16,000 apps, helping to address a wide range of business needs across industries.
Sources:
How I Grew From 1 To 250 Employees In A Few Years | LinkedIn
Image: Luwadlin Bosman (@luwadlinbosman) | Communauté photos Unsplash
Finance and administration expert with a strong background in accounting.
