Infobip vs Twilio

Central European VCs Debate Bootstrapping, AI, and Exit Strategies

At the Infobip Shift conference in Zadar, Croatia, Central European venture capitalists discussed key startup topics including bootstrapping versus VC funding, the trend of founders seeking larger rounds for prestige, and the pitfalls of 'building for a flip'. Jure Mikuž of South Central Ventures cautioned against raising rounds too small for strategy, while David Clark of Tera Ventures noted that bootsrapping is now easier with AI tools. Réka Hidas of Portfolion emphasized choosing VCs that offer more than capital. On AI, Florian Binswanger of Vercel advised founders to integrate AI deeply into their product rather than adding superficial chatbots, and to use model routers to avoid vendor lock-in. Nina Trejos of Stripe highlighted the importance of adopting usage-based AI pricing early. Infobip's CTO Izabel Jelenić shared lessons on co-founder dynamics. The event highlighted a closing gap between Western and Central European startup ecosystems.

• Infobip Shift conference held in Zadar, Croatia, attended by developers, founders, and VCs from Central Europe.
• Jure Mikuž of South Central Ventures warned against raising rounds too small for strategy and seeking spotlight.
• David Clark of Tera Ventures said there was never a better time for Central European founders to bootstrap, citing AI tools.

Twilio Traffic Optimization Engine Launched

Twilio announces the launch of the Traffic Optimization Engine, a new product to prioritize messages at scale.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Twilio (2026-08-07)

Twilio reported strong financial results for Q2 2026, with total revenue reaching $1.50 billion, representing a 22% year-over-year increase driven by higher usage from existing customers (DBNE of 116%) and new customer additions. Operating income rose significantly to $84.5 million, up 129% year-over-year, despite absorbing a $32.8 million impairment loss on prepaid assets from troubled network service providers. GAAP net income surged to $1.07 billion ($6.68 diluted EPS), primarily fueled by a discrete $944.1 million income tax benefit resulting from the release of valuation allowances on U.S. deferred tax assets after demonstrating sustained cumulative three-year profitability. Twilio generated $352.6 million in non-GAAP free cash flow and repurchased $66.0 million in stock during the quarter.

• Q2 2026 revenue grew 22% YoY to $1.499 billion, supported by a Dollar-Based Net Expansion Rate of 116% and $71.1 million in incremental carrier A2P pass-through fees.
• GAAP operating income expanded to $84.5 million (up from $37.0 million in Q2 2025), while non-GAAP operating income reached $284.6 million (19% non-GAAP operating margin).
• Net income reached $1.067 billion due to the discrete release of a $944.1 million U.S. deferred tax asset valuation allowance based on sustained profitability.

Bird Raises $450M Debt, Cuts Headcount to 120

Bird, the business communications platform formerly known as MessageBird, has raised $450 million in debt financing led by JP Morgan, Capital One, and Citi. The funding includes a $400 million term loan and a $50 million revolving credit facility, with seven banks participating. The proceeds will provide liquidity to existing shareholders, including current and former employees. The company has drastically reduced its headcount from over 1,000 at its peak to 120, driven by automation and a strategic pivot toward AI. Bird is focusing on its AI Agentic Harness platform, which enables AI agents to communicate via SMS, calls, and email. The company reported $165 million in profits last year.

• Bird raised $450 million in debt financing led by JP Morgan, Capital One, and Citi.
• The financing comprises a $400 million term loan and a $50 million revolving credit facility.
• Bird's headcount has been reduced from over 1,000 at its peak to 120 employees.