Best HubSpot Alternatives: Complete Guide to Find Your Perfect CRM Solution in 2025

When you are looking for the best HubSpot alternatives, you have many excellent options available in the market. HubSpot is undoubtedly a powerful customer relationship management platform, but it may not be the right fit for every business. Whether you are searching for a cheaper alternative to HubSpot, looking for better features for your specific needs, or seeking a free HubSpot alternative, this comprehensive guide will help you explore all the options.

The CRM market has evolved significantly, and today there are numerous platforms comparable to HubSpot, each offering unique strengths and benefits. Some alternatives focus on sales management, while others emphasize marketing automation, customer service, or provide open source solutions. Understanding which HubSpot competitor is best for your business requires examining pricing, features, ease of use, and integration capabilities.

Why Consider HubSpot Alternatives?

Before diving into specific alternatives to HubSpot, let us understand the reasons why businesses explore other options. While HubSpot is a market leader with approximately 37 percent market share in marketing automation, it may not be the ideal solution for every organization.

Common reasons businesses look for HubSpot alternatives include:

  • Budget constraints: HubSpot pricing can escalate quickly as features increase, making it expensive for growing businesses

  • Simplicity needs: Some teams want a simpler, more straightforward CRM without overwhelming features

  • Specific functionality requirements: You might need specialized tools for sales, service, or marketing that other platforms offer better

  • Free or low-cost solutions: New businesses often need free HubSpot alternatives to minimize initial investment

  • Open source flexibility: Organizations needing deep customization prefer open source alternatives

  • Industry-specific solutions: Certain platforms are better tailored for ecommerce, real estate, or other verticals

Top HubSpot Alternatives in 2025

1. Pipedrive: Best for Sales-Focused Teams

Pipedrive stands out as one of the top HubSpot alternatives for small to medium-sized businesses focused primarily on sales. If you are comparing platforms for sales management, Pipedrive offers a more affordable and specialized approach.

Pipedrive Key Features:

  • Visual sales pipeline with drag-and-drop interface

  • Deal tracking and lead management

  • Sales automation workflows

  • Mobile app for on-the-go access

  • Integrations with popular business tools

  • Customizable sales stages and processes

Pricing: Starting at $14 per user per month when billed annually, with a 14-day free trial available. This makes Pipedrive significantly cheaper than HubSpot, particularly for small teams focused on sales.

Pipedrive Pros:

  • User-friendly interface specifically designed for sales teams

  • Simple setup process compared to HubSpot

  • More affordable pricing across all tiers

  • Visual pipeline management is exceptional

  • 24/7 live chat support available

Pipedrive Cons:

  • Limited marketing automation features compared to HubSpot

  • Fewer integrations than HubSpot

  • Does not offer a completely free plan

  • Service hub functionality is limited

Best for: Sales teams that want an affordable, easy-to-use CRM without the complexity and cost of HubSpot's full suite.

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2. Zoho CRM: Most Affordable Alternative with Strong AI

Zoho CRM is widely recognized as one of the best affordable HubSpot alternatives for small businesses and growing companies. With a truly free plan supporting up to three users, Zoho represents an excellent option for organizations just starting with CRM systems.

Zoho CRM Key Features:

  • Free forever plan with core CRM functionality

  • Contact and deal management

  • Zia AI sales assistant for workflow automation

  • Advanced customization options

  • Multi-channel engagement tools

  • Live chat integration

  • Email tracking and automation

  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Pricing: Zoho CRM offers a free plan forever with no time limits. Paid plans start at $14 per user per month for the Standard plan, $25 per user per month for Professional, and higher tiers for Enterprise needs. This positions Zoho as one of the cheapest alternatives to HubSpot.

Zoho CRM Pros:

  • Completely free plan with substantial features

  • Extensive customization options for advanced users

  • Powerful Zia AI for automation and insights

  • Scalable pricing for growing businesses

  • Includes multiple Zoho applications integration

  • No hidden costs or mandatory upgrades

Zoho CRM Cons:

  • Interface can feel less intuitive than HubSpot

  • Learning curve is steeper for new users

  • Some features require higher-tier plans

  • Free plan limited to three users

Best for: Small businesses and startups seeking affordable CRM solutions without sacrificing functionality, or organizations already using other Zoho applications.

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3. Bigin by Zoho CRM: Best for Small Teams

Bigin by Zoho CRM represents Zoho specialized offering specifically designed for small businesses and compact teams. Many users describe Bigin as a simpler, more focused alternative that delivers core CRM features without unnecessary complexity.

Bigin Key Features:

  • Pipeline-centric interface

  • Contact and deal management

  • Built-in telephony features

  • Email integration

  • Workflow automation

  • Customizable dashboards

  • Real-time notifications

  • Mobile app access

Pricing: Starting at just $7 per user per month when billed annually, Bigin offers some of the most affordable CRM pricing available in the market.

Bigin Pros:

  • Implementation time is approximately 30 minutes

  • Extremely intuitive and user-friendly

  • Outstanding value for money

  • Quick learning curve

  • Excellent mobile experience

  • No unnecessary features cluttering the interface

Bigin Cons:

  • Limited advanced features

  • Not suitable for large enterprises

  • Fewer customization options than full Zoho CRM

  • Marketing tools are limited

Best for: Small businesses and startups that need a straightforward, easy-to-use CRM without complex features or a hefty price tag.

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4. ActiveCampaign: Best for Marketing Automation

When you need a HubSpot alternative specifically for marketing automation and email campaigns, ActiveCampaign stands out as an excellent choice. This platform combines CRM functionality with robust marketing automation capabilities.

ActiveCampaign Key Features:

  • Advanced email marketing and campaigns

  • Multi-step marketing automation with branching logic

  • AI-powered predictive sending and content generation

  • Contact and lead management

  • Sales automation and pipeline management

  • SMS and WhatsApp marketing

  • Website tracking and behavioral triggers

  • Advanced analytics and reporting

Pricing: ActiveCampaign offers flexible pricing starting with starter plans around $9-15 per user per month, making it competitive with HubSpot for specific use cases.

ActiveCampaign Pros:

  • Superior marketing automation capabilities

  • Powerful AI tools for campaign optimization

  • Better segmentation options than HubSpot

  • Extensive automation workflow possibilities

  • Strong reporting and analytics

  • Multi-channel marketing support

  • Good customer support

ActiveCampaign Cons:

  • Can have a steep learning curve

  • Pricing escalates quickly with additional features

  • Interface can feel complex initially

  • Does not offer a free plan

Best for: Marketing teams and businesses prioritizing sophisticated email marketing and automation workflows without needing a full all-in-one suite.

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5. Freshsales: Affordable Sales CRM with AI-Powered Features

Freshsales, developed by Freshworks, is increasingly recognized as one of the best HubSpot alternatives for sales teams seeking affordable CRM solutions. The platform combines core CRM functionality with intelligent features at a lower price point.

Freshsales Key Features:

  • AI-powered lead scoring

  • Sales pipeline management

  • Email tracking and automation

  • Appointment scheduling

  • Contact and account management

  • Mobile app for remote sales teams

  • Integration with popular business tools

  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Pricing: Freshsales pricing starts at $9 per user per month for the Growth plan, making it significantly cheaper than HubSpot's entry-level plans. This affordability extends through Professional ($39) and Enterprise ($59) tiers.

Freshsales Pros:

  • More budget-friendly than HubSpot across all tiers

  • User-friendly interface requiring minimal training

  • AI-powered lead scoring helps prioritize prospects

  • Quick implementation process

  • Strong feature set for the price

  • Excellent customer support

Freshsales Cons:

  • Marketing automation features are limited

  • Not a true all-in-one platform like HubSpot

  • Free plan is not available

  • Best suited for sales rather than marketing

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses focused on sales that want affordable, intelligent CRM features without HubSpot pricing or complexity.

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6. EngageBay: Comprehensive All-in-One Alternative

EngageBay functions as one of the most comprehensive HubSpot alternatives, offering CRM, marketing, helpdesk, and sales automation capabilities in one unified platform. Many users describe it as matching HubSpot in features while offering better affordability.

EngageBay Key Features:

  • Contact and lead management

  • Email marketing and campaigns

  • Sales pipeline and deal tracking

  • Help desk and ticketing system

  • Live chat functionality

  • Appointment scheduling

  • Workflow automation

  • Analytics and reporting

Pricing: EngageBay offers a generous free plan supporting up to 250 contacts with core functionality. Paid plans start from affordable entry points, making it one of the best free HubSpot alternatives available.

EngageBay Pros:

  • Comprehensive all-in-one platform comparable to HubSpot

  • Truly free plan with substantial features

  • Lower pricing than HubSpot at all tiers

  • Easy to use and implement

  • Good technical support

  • All features included in your plan (no hidden costs)

EngageBay Cons:

  • Fewer integrations than HubSpot

  • Interface can feel less polished

  • Limited advanced customization options

  • Smaller ecosystem compared to market leaders

Best for: Businesses needing an all-in-one CRM platform with multiple departments but seeking better affordability than HubSpot and HubSpot competitors.

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7. Keap: Best for Small Business Automation

Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) is specifically designed for small businesses seeking advanced automation without overwhelming complexity. This platform combines CRM with comprehensive marketing automation features.

Keap Key Features:

  • Contact and lead management

  • Campaign builder with automation

  • Email marketing and follow-up automation

  • Appointment scheduling and reminders

  • SMS marketing

  • eCommerce integration

  • Landing page builder

  • Sales automation workflows

Pricing: Keap's pricing starts at $159 per month for their core plan, representing a higher entry cost but excellent value for small business automation needs.

Keap Pros:

  • Excellent for small business automation

  • User-friendly interface after initial setup

  • Strong appointment and follow-up automation

  • Good integration with popular business tools

  • SMS marketing built-in

  • Customer-focused approach

Keap Cons:

  • Higher minimum investment than many alternatives

  • Steeper learning curve than HubSpot

  • Setup and customization require more time

  • May be overpowered for very small teams

Best for: Growing small businesses seeking powerful automation features specifically tailored for their needs rather than enterprise functionality.

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8. Insightly: Best for Project-Based CRM

Insightly combines CRM with strong project management capabilities, making it ideal for businesses managing client relationships alongside project delivery. This is one of the most distinctive HubSpot alternatives for organizations requiring both functions.

Insightly Key Features:

  • Contact and account management

  • Opportunity tracking and pipeline

  • Project management features

  • Task and activity tracking

  • Collaboration tools

  • Document management

  • Reporting and analytics

  • Integrations with business apps

Pricing: Insightly offers a free plan for up to two users, with paid plans starting at affordable rates. This makes it accessible for small teams testing the platform.

Insightly Pros:

  • Strong project management integrated with CRM

  • Good for service-based businesses

  • Excellent lead routing capabilities

  • Free plan available

  • Easy to use interface

  • Good value for project-centric teams

Insightly Cons:

  • Not as strong in marketing automation as HubSpot

  • Fewer integrations than some competitors

  • Limited reporting customization

  • Best suited for service rather than product sales

Best for: Service-based businesses, consultancies, and agencies needing integrated CRM and project management without separate tool switching.

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9. Open Source HubSpot Alternatives

For organizations requiring deep customization and preferring open source solutions, several platforms offer excellent HubSpot alternatives:

Odoo: A comprehensive open source ERP system with CRM capabilities. Offers deep customization, cloud and on-premises deployment options, and modularity for scaling as needed.

SuiteCRM: A free, open source alternative based on the legacy SugarCRM platform. Provides core CRM functionality with active community support and customization possibilities.

VTiger: An open source CRM focused on customization for specific business workflows. Offers more flexibility than proprietary solutions but with a steeper learning curve.

Krayin: A modern, open source customer relationship management platform built on Laravel framework, ideal for developers seeking API-first architecture.

Mautic: While primarily a marketing automation platform, Mautic offers open source flexibility for organizations combining CRM with marketing needs.

These open source alternatives are best for businesses with technical resources for implementation and organizations wanting ownership and control over their CRM infrastructure.

10. ClickUp: Best for Teams Needing Project Management

ClickUp represents a unique HubSpot alternative, combining project management capabilities with integrated CRM features. If your team needs to manage both sales pipelines and projects in one workspace, ClickUp offers compelling advantages.

ClickUp Key Features:

  • Customizable CRM with custom fields

  • Pipeline management with custom statuses

  • Project management and task tracking

  • Multiple views (List, Board, Gantt, Timeline)

  • Real-time collaboration and chat

  • Document management (Docs and Whiteboards)

  • Integrations and automation

  • Time tracking and workload management

Pricing: ClickUp offers a free plan with unlimited tasks, unlimited members, and basic CRM features. Paid plans start at $7 per user per month for Unlimited plan, making it extremely affordable.

ClickUp Pros:

  • Highly customizable workspace

  • Free plan is truly generous with unlimited users

  • Excellent for teams needing project and CRM integration

  • Multiple view options for different workflows

  • Strong collaboration features

  • Affordable pricing structure

ClickUp Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve than purpose-built CRM platforms

  • Marketing automation features are limited

  • Interface can feel overwhelming for CRM-only users

  • Not as specialized as dedicated CRM tools

Best for: Teams needing to manage both CRM and projects, or organizations wanting one unified workspace instead of switching between multiple tools.

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HubSpot Service Hub Alternatives

For customer service specifically, several specialized platforms compete effectively with HubSpot Service Hub:

Zendesk: Industry leader for help desk and customer support, offering ticketing, knowledge base, and multichannel support capabilities. Strong in omnichannel support and advanced analytics.

Freshdesk: A more affordable alternative to HubSpot Service Hub with excellent AI integration, shared inbox, and strong automation features. Particularly good for growing support teams.

Help Scout: Specialized in customer support with a clean interface, shared inbox, live chat, and knowledge base. Perfect for teams prioritizing customer experience.

Zoho Desk: Part of the Zoho ecosystem, offering affordable service management with strong customization options and integration with other Zoho applications.

These service-specific alternatives often provide better value and specialization for teams focused primarily on customer support and service delivery.

HubSpot Alternatives for Email Marketing

If you primarily need email marketing functionality, several platforms compete effectively in this space:

ActiveCampaign: Advanced email marketing with AI optimization and superior segmentation capabilities

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue): Budget-friendly email marketing with CRM integration and marketing automation

Mailchimp: Popular email marketing platform with growing automation features

Encharge: Marketing automation platform with behavior-based triggers and advanced segmentation

Constant Contact: User-friendly email marketing with WordPress integration for website builders

These email-focused alternatives often provide better value if you specifically need marketing automation without full CRM functionality.

Comparison Table: HubSpot Alternatives Overview

Platform Starting Price Free Plan Best For G2 Rating
Pipedrive $14/user/month 14-day trial Sales teams 4.5/5
Zoho CRM Free Yes (3 users) SMBs and customization 4.4/5
Bigin $7/user/month 30-day trial Small teams 4.6/5
ActiveCampaign $9+/month No Marketing automation 4.5/5
Freshsales $9/user/month No Sales with AI 4.4/5
EngageBay Free Yes (250 contacts) All-in-one 4.6/5
Keap $159/month No Small business automation 4.2/5
Insightly Free Yes (2 users) Project-based businesses 4.2/5
ClickUp Free Yes (unlimited) Project + CRM teams 4.7/5
Zendesk $19+/month 14-day trial Customer support 4.2/5

Who is HubSpot Biggest Competitor?

When examining HubSpot market position and competition, Salesforce stands as the overall market leader in CRM solutions broadly, but for marketing automation specifically, ActiveCampaign and Pipedrive represent strong competitors in HubSpot market share competition.

HubSpot has achieved approximately 37 percent market share in marketing automation as of August 2023, demonstrating its dominance. However, the competitive landscape shows that different platforms dominate different segments. Salesforce leads enterprise CRM solutions, while Pipedrive specializes in sales pipeline management and Zoho offers the best value proposition for cost-conscious businesses.

The concept of who competes with HubSpot ultimately depends on your specific needs. For budget-conscious SMBs, Zoho CRM and Pipedrive represent the biggest competitors. For all-in-one functionality, ActiveCampaign and Salesforce compete directly. For specific niches like open source solutions, Odoo and SuiteCRM offer alternatives.

Read More: HubSpot vs Salesforce: Which One Fits Small Businesses Better?

Key Differences Between HubSpot and Its Competitors

Feature HubSpot Pipedrive Zoho EngageBay
Free Plan Yes (limited) Trial only Yes (full) Yes (generous)
All-in-one Suite Yes No (sales only) Yes Yes
Ease of Use Very easy Easy Moderate Easy
Price $20+ per user $14+ per user Free to $25+ Free to affordable
Marketing Automation Advanced Limited Good Good
AI Capabilities Good Limited Strong (Zia) Moderate
Customization Moderate Low High Moderate
Best for Growing businesses Sales teams SMBs All-in-one needs

Frequently Asked Questions About HubSpot Alternatives

Which is the best HubSpot alternative overall?

There is no single best alternative because the best choice depends on your specific needs. For sales-focused teams seeking affordability, Pipedrive is ideal. For cost-conscious SMBs wanting all-in-one functionality, Zoho CRM leads. For marketing automation, ActiveCampaign excels. EngageBay offers the best all-in-one value proposition at affordable pricing.

What is the best HubSpot alternative for small business?

The best HubSpot alternatives for small businesses include Zoho CRM (free plan for up to three users), Bigin by Zoho ($7 per user per month), EngageBay (free plan for 250 contacts), and Pipedrive ($14 per user per month). Each offers excellent value and ease of implementation for small teams.

Are there any free HubSpot alternatives?

Yes, several free HubSpot alternatives exist. Zoho CRM offers a truly free plan forever supporting up to three users. EngageBay provides a free plan for up to 250 contacts. Insightly offers a free plan for two users. ClickUp provides a generous free plan with unlimited users and tasks. These free alternatives make quality CRM accessible to new businesses.

What are the best open source HubSpot alternatives?

Best open source HubSpot alternatives include Odoo (comprehensive ERP with CRM), SuiteCRM (based on SugarCRM), VTiger (customizable CRM), Krayin (API-first CRM), and Mautic (marketing automation). These options provide deep customization and data ownership for organizations with technical resources.

Is there a cheaper alternative to HubSpot?

Absolutely. Pipedrive ($14 per user per month), Zoho CRM (free to $25 per user per month), Bigin ($7 per user per month), Freshsales ($9 per user per month), and EngageBay (free to affordable paid plans) are all significantly cheaper than HubSpot. Many offer free plans or trials to evaluate before committing.

What HubSpot alternatives have the best pricing?

Bigin by Zoho offers the lowest pricing at $7 per user per month. Zoho CRM provides the best free plan for three users. Pipedrive starts at $14 per user per month for sales-focused teams. ClickUp offers an extremely generous free plan with unlimited features. EngageBay provides the best free tier with 250 contact capacity.

What are the best HubSpot alternatives for email marketing?

For email marketing specifically, consider ActiveCampaign (advanced marketing automation), Brevo (affordable with growing features), Encharge (behavior-based automation), Mailchimp (popular and accessible), or Constant Contact (WordPress friendly). These platforms specialize in email capabilities more than HubSpot.

What is comparable to HubSpot for enterprise needs?

For enterprise-level CRM, Salesforce stands as the primary option. Other enterprise-suitable alternatives include Zoho CRM (Enterprise and Ultimate tiers), HubSpot Enterprise (if not looking for Salesforce), or Microsoft Dynamics 365. These offer scalability and customization for large organizations with complex needs.

Are HubSpot and Salesforce competitors?

While both are CRM platforms, they compete in different segments primarily. Salesforce leads in enterprise CRM market share, while HubSpot dominates marketing automation segment. For specific use cases, they definitely compete directly, with Salesforce typically serving larger enterprises and HubSpot targeting mid-market and SMB segments.

What platforms are similar to HubSpot for sales management?

Platforms similar to HubSpot for sales include Pipedrive (sales-focused CRM), Salesforce Sales Cloud (enterprise sales), Zoho CRM (comprehensive sales features), Freshsales (AI-powered sales), and Keap (automation-focused). Each brings different strengths to sales-specific needs.

Who are HubSpot competitors in the marketing automation space?

HubSpot competitors in marketing automation include ActiveCampaign (superior email automation), Adobe Marketo Engage, Pardot (Salesforce marketing automation), Klaviyo (ecommerce focus), Brevo, and emerging platforms like Encharge. Each competes on specific strengths.

How to Choose the Right HubSpot Alternative for Your Business

Making the decision between HubSpot and its alternatives requires evaluating several factors:

1. Assess Your Primary Need: Identify whether you need a sales CRM, marketing automation, customer service, or all-in-one functionality. This determines which alternative best serves your purpose.

2. Evaluate Budget Constraints: Consider both upfront and ongoing costs. Free alternatives like Zoho CRM and EngageBay provide lower entry barriers, while affordable paid options like Pipedrive ($14) and Freshsales ($9) offer better features at lower price points than HubSpot ($20+).

3. Consider Team Size and Complexity: Small teams benefit from simple, focused platforms like Pipedrive or Bigin. Growing companies need scalable solutions like Zoho CRM or EngageBay. Large enterprises with complex needs may require Salesforce or Zoho Enterprise tiers.

4. Test Implementation Time: Bigin implements in 30 minutes, Pipedrive in hours, while HubSpot typically requires days or weeks. For businesses needing quick deployment, choose simpler alternatives.

5. Check Integration Needs: Verify that your chosen alternative integrates with tools your team already uses. All major platforms offer integrations, but depth varies.

6. Evaluate Support and Learning: Consider support availability and learning resources. HubSpot and Salesforce offer extensive resources, while alternatives like Zoho and EngageBay provide adequate but sometimes more limited support.

Decision Matrix for HubSpot Alternatives

If You Need Best Alternative Why
Budget solution Zoho CRM or Bigin Free or $7 per user, full features
Sales focus Pipedrive Specialized, affordable, easy-to-use
All-in-one affordable EngageBay Matches HubSpot features at lower cost
Marketing automation ActiveCampaign Superior email and automation tools
Open source flexibility Odoo or SuiteCRM Full customization, data ownership
Project + CRM ClickUp Unique combination, generous free plan
Customer service Zendesk or Freshdesk Specialized help desk solutions
Small team simplicity Keap Automation without overwhelming features

Getting Started with HubSpot Alternatives

To transition smoothly from HubSpot or choose your first CRM alternative, follow these steps:

Step 1: Test your top choices using free plans or trials. Most alternatives offer free access to evaluate before committing.

Step 2: Import your existing contacts and data. Most platforms offer guided import processes to bring HubSpot data to your new CRM.

Step 3: Configure basic settings and workflows. Take time to set up pipelines, fields, and automation matching your business processes.

Step 4: Train your team. Even simple platforms require some user training. Use available resources like knowledge bases, video tutorials, and support documentation.

Step 5: Start small and expand. Begin with core CRM features and gradually enable additional capabilities as your team becomes comfortable.

Conclusion

The best HubSpot alternative for your business depends entirely on your specific needs, budget, team size, and priorities. If you need affordability and ease of use, Zoho CRM and Bigin offer tremendous value. If sales management is your focus, Pipedrive excels at simplicity and cost-effectiveness. If you want an all-in-one alternative at better pricing, EngageBay delivers comparable functionality. For marketing automation, ActiveCampaign leads. For open source flexibility, Odoo and SuiteCRM provide customization possibilities.

The good news is that you have many excellent alternatives to HubSpot, each offering unique strengths. Rather than being locked into one solution, you can test multiple platforms, compare their capabilities to your needs, and make an informed decision.

Explore Your Ideal CRM Today:

Test Zoho CRM free forever with no credit card required: ZohoCRM

Try Pipedrive for sales with a 14-day free trial: Pipedrive

Experience EngageBay all-in-one platform free: EngageBay

Start with Bigin designed for small teams: BiginCRM

Begin with ActiveCampaign for marketing automation: ActiveCampaign

Julie Jung

Julie is a Senior Research Analyst at Shrtu concentrating on sales and marketing software. Prior to joining Shrtu, she worked at a Big 4 accounting firm and at a BI software company where her roles focused on supporting growth and B2B marketing and sales efforts. These experiences have cultivated her passion for learning how technology impacts businesses, and how it delivers results. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

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