Close

Close designed its CRM specifically for startups and SMBs who need integrated communication tools—calling, email, and SMS—without the bloat of enterprise software. Their platform handles call transcription, customer data enrichment, and email optimization through AI, letting sales reps focus on conversations instead of administrative tasks. Thousands of growing businesses rely on Close to manage their entire sales workflow from a single interface.

As a fully remote company since 2013, Close operates async-first with flexible hours and minimal meetings. The founders remain hands-on—personally conducting final-round interviews and maintaining flat decision-making structures. Team members work independently across time zones, with the option of a four-day workweek at 80% pay. The entire company gathers annually for an international offsite (Paris in 2025), and every five years, employees earn a fully paid four-week sabbatical.

Close covers 99% of health, dental, and vision premiums, offers a 6% 401k match with immediate vesting, and provides five weeks of PTO that increases with tenure—plus mandatory company-wide winter and summer breaks. Being bootstrapped and profitable means decisions prioritize sustainability over VC-driven growth metrics, and the company donates 1% of revenue to carbon removal through Stripe Climate.