As the B2B SaaS landscape evolved from simple to more complex models, so did the demand for efficient subscription management and invoicing—a necessity for growth in a sector built on recurring revenue. Recognizing this need, Niclas Lilja and Fredrik Spira founded Younium in 2017 to deliver a robust cloud solution capable of managing complex subscriptions and intricate financial operations.
At the 2024 Entrepreneurship Award ceremony, hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, Younium was recognized for its consistent growth and ability to address the complexities of modern subscription management.
Reflecting on this achievement, Niclas Lilja, CEO at Younium, shared, “Winning the Entrepreneurship Award is a testament to the incredible dedication of our team and the trust of our customers.”
Explore Younium’s journey—from their vision to simplify subscription management to their global expansion and customer-first philosophy, which have positioned them as the trusted partner for SaaS companies navigating the intricacies of recurring revenue models.
Growth Amidst Economic Uncertainty
Since its inception, Younium has achieved remarkable growth, cementing its position as a leader in subscription management. In the Dutch market alone, Younium’s progress has been particularly noteworthy, reporting doubled turnover YoY 2021-2023. Speaking about why the Netherlands was chosen as Younium’s hub and the key factors driving success in the market, Niclas Lilja explains:
In 2023, the technology industry faced significant challenges, reflecting broader economic pressures from high interest rates, persistent inflation, and widespread uncertainty. But despite these headwinds, Younium reported an impressive recurring revenue of €4.8 million, accompanied by a 60% growth rate. This success was driven by new client acquisitions spanning 15 countries, a testament to Younium’s resilience and its ability to deliver consistent value even during turbulent times.
Younium’s impressive growth, even amid economic uncertainty, can be attributed to a two-pronged approach focusing on both streamlined sales processes and a robust marketing strategy.
On the sales front, Younium has prioritized shortening sales cycles, enabling potential customers to quickly grasp the value of its solutions. By simplifying the evaluation process and reducing barriers to adoption, Younium has ensured that prospects can make informed decisions more efficiently. This focus on agility has not only accelerated deal closures but also strengthened relationships with customers by demonstrating a commitment to their time and needs.
Meanwhile, Younium’s marketing strategy has played a pivotal role in amplifying its reach and solidifying its brand presence. A key achievement has been a remarkable 50% increase in LinkedIn visibility over the past year, driven by engaging thought leadership content and practical insights tailored to its target audience. This, together with an on-site presence at local Dutch events and communities, has allowed Younium to foster meaningful connections with industry leaders, attract new clients, and build trust within the competitive SaaS market.
Emelie Linheden, Vice President of Marketing at Younium, explains the company’s approach to balancing its global aspirations with a strong local presence,
at Younium
Smarter SaaS Finance: Driving Growth with AI Innovation
Younium’s commitment to quality and adaptability has been a cornerstone of its success and a key highlight recognized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. By tackling the complexities of subscription-based businesses with precision, Younium has established itself as a trusted partner for B2B SaaS companies aiming to optimize financial operations and scale effectively.
As technology rapidly evolves, reshaping customer needs and expectations, Younium has quickly adapted by prioritizing innovation. The finance sector, which has traditionally lagged behind other areas like HR and marketing in adopting AI, is now facing a surge in demand for AI-powered solutions that drive efficiency. This shift, combined with the challenge of managing a scattered tech stack, has created a pressing need for unified platforms. In response, Younium launched its first AI-powered features in November 2024, integrating its robust data structure with advanced LLMs.
Moreover, Younium recognizes that not all companies follow the same growth path. Different business models require different approaches, and the solution to driving scalable growth lies in having a platform that can adapt to multiple growth motions.
For Lilja, it has been a top priority not to choose one pain point over another. Instead, the company has remained committed to addressing market needs without compromise.
“Modern companies don’t want rigid systems or a myriad of niched add-ons. Instead, they need a platform that supports multiple growth motions, that can accommodate changing requirements over time. Our solution empowers businesses to optimize their subscription and financial workflows, supporting diverse growth paths without the complexity of multiple tools or fragmented tech stacks. It streamlines operations, enhances workflows, and provides actionable insights to drive smarter, faster decisions and scalable growth”.
Global Expansion and Innovation at the Forefront
Looking ahead, Younium’s future is defined by global expansion and innovation.
Having established a strong European foundation with offices in Sweden, Amsterdam, and Malmö, Younium began expanding into North America in 2023. This move capitalized on the growing U.S. SaaS market and the increasing demand for sophisticated subscription management solutions.
Under the leadership of Lilja, a dedicated local team was formed to strengthen Younium’s presence in this competitive landscape.
“We had always planned to establish a larger presence in the U.S.”, Lilja shared.
“Many of our existing customers are based there, and we wanted a location closer to them, with employees in their time zone, to better serve them alongside our European customers. With excellent access to talent on the East Coast and the vibrant tech ecosystem of New York just around the corner, we found Philadelphia to be an ideal centre point for our operations in the U.S.”
In March 2024, the company secured an additional €2.7 million in funding, led by existing shareholders and Partinc Capital, which has become Younium’s largest stakeholder alongside its founders. This funding provides the momentum needed to accelerate Younium’s next phase of growth, solidifying its North American presence and further European expansion, with the UK and Ireland as key focus markets in its plans for 2025.
As Younium looks to the future, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver a seamless subscription management experience for every B2B business—turning complexity into clarity and fueling the next era of subscription innovation.
