Slack

What it does

Slack is a messaging app for business that connects people to the information they need. It offers channels, direct messaging, file sharing, and integrations with many third-party services. The platform now includes an AI-powered assistant, Slackbot, which can search enterprise data, draft documents, and take actions on behalf of employees. Slack also provides huddles (built-in video calls), workflow automation, and Slack Connect for collaborating with external partners.

Who it is for

Slack is designed for teams of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. It is used by companies like GM, OpenAI, Target, Paramount, Stripe, and IBM. The platform is particularly suited for organizations that need real-time communication, project management, and integration with other business tools. Slack Connect extends its use to external clients and vendors.

Why it matters

Slack centralizes communication and reduces reliance on email. According to the website, 90% of users say Slack helps them stay more connected, and 87% say it helps them collaborate more efficiently. The platform sees 700 million messages sent daily, 4 million Slack Connect users weekly, and 3 million daily workflows. AI features like Slackbot can save users an average of 97 minutes per week. Slack is recognized as a leader in over 303 G2 market reports.

Launch signal

Slack was originally launched in 2013 and has since been acquired by Salesforce. The latest major update is the rebuilt Slackbot AI agent, announced in 2025, which transforms the assistant from a simple notification tool into a fully powered AI agent. This launch positions Slack at the center of the "agentic AI" movement, where software agents work alongside humans.

Brand and naming

The name "Slack" is short, memorable, and suggests a relaxed yet efficient communication style. The brand positions itself as a friendly, approachable platform that makes work feel less formal. The tagline "All your people and AI agents working together" emphasizes collaboration and AI integration. The naming is distinctive and has become synonymous with team messaging.