Image by Carmel DeAmicis from Figma Blog
Initially built by Ivan Zhao and Simon Last in 2013 to enable non-technical users to create web and mobile apps, Notion has transformed design, productivity, and how we build. They tried to make a “LEGO” or an IKEA “DIY” system using blocks and databases to build apps: no code and no major technical skills required.
Since its launch in 2013 as a simple web app builder, Notion faced numerous technical issues. They looked to Kyoto, Japan, to further develop their product at a hacker house, a building where the founders and early employees worked intensively on development. After rebuilding Notion four times, they released Notion 2.0 on Product Hunt, where they saw initial growth to over 1,000 users. In 2024, they surpassed 100 million users.
From 1,000 users to over 100 million, and now with more than four million monthly active paid users, Notion attracts students, founders, and innovators worldwide. The largest concentration of users is in the United States (22%), the United Kingdom (7%), and India (5%). With more than 80% of users outside the United States, the platform appeals to a broad demographic, primarily students, young professionals, and creators aged 17-35.
Financially, Notion has experienced exponential growth. Its 2025 revenue is projected at around $70 million, up from $3 million in 2019, and its valuation, according to venture capital investors, is well over $10 billion. The subscription-based business model, including Notion AI, ensures recurring revenue. At the same time, their $350 million in global funding has enabled expansion, product enhancements, and the hiring of professionals to help grow Notion. The company’s workforce has grown to over 600 employees in 2024, supporting the development, design, scaling, and adoption of AI models.
Beyond transforming how users stay productive and build products, Notion has expanded its horizons with the introduction of Notion Calendar and Notion Mail. Notion Calendar allows users to visualize their daily tasks and events, synced with their Notion Pages, databases, and Notion Mail. Notion Mail integrates Gmail with smarter structuring, labeling, and AI-powered capabilities. The ability to do everything available in Gmail, with added productivity features, without leaving Notion supports Notion’s integration model, where productivity, communication, and planning coexist.
Despite competitors such as Evernote, OneNote, and Apple Notes, Notion maintains an edge with its combination of note-taking, project management, AI features, and integrated tools like Calendar and Mail. The template ecosystem, analytics feature, and no-code workflows allow users to create their own templates and sell them on the marketplace. Creators have monetized the templates they made, and some have reported earnings exceeding $1 million.
In summary, Notion has grown from a simple block-based web app builder into a global, block-based productivity powerhouse. The rapid adoption, robust financial growth, and integration of diverse tools demonstrate a transformative impact on how individuals and teams connect and build.
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