AMSTERDAM, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Bird, a leading cloud communications software company and one of the most prominent tech startups in the Netherlands, intends to shift a significant portion of its operations outside of Europe due to regulatory constraints and challenges in recruiting skilled technology professionals.
CEO Robert Vis explained, "We are mostly leaving Europe as it lacks the environment we need to innovate in an AI-first era of technology." He elaborated in a message to Reuters, expressing concern that European regulations could impede true innovation in an AI-driven global economy that is rapidly evolving.
Bird's future activities are set to be primarily divided among New York, Singapore, and Dubai, as outlined by Vis in a LinkedIn post made over the past weekend. Established in Amsterdam in 2011, Bird, previously known as [Name], competes with U.S.-based Twilio in facilitating companies in managing their communications with consumers through various digital channels such as messaging, email, and video apps. The company has created an AI-powered platform that enhances operational efficiency and automation for entire organizations, including technology leaders.
Recently, the European Union introduced the world's first comprehensive regulations concerning the use of artificial intelligence. Concerns were raised from sources like the United States about the potential stifling effect of these regulations on technological advancement.
Vis emphasized that Bird will no longer have a singular operational headquarters. While maintaining an office in Lithuania, the company's tax base will remain in the Netherlands for the time being.
In its latest filing with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, Bird reported a net profit of 17 million euros ($17.80 million) in 2023, generated from sales totaling 555 million euros.
($1 = 0.9552 euros)