VTEX History
VTEX - today's commerce platform of choice for bold CIOs and CEOs - started as a small Brazilian startup founded by two mechanical engineers. Here's a chronological overview of the amazing company's history.
25 years of continued evolution in numbers
VTEX History
25 years of continued evolution in numbers
Geraldo Thomaz
Co-Founder
Mariano Gomide
Co-Founder
2000
Humble Beginnings: VTEX was founded in Brazil as "Vitrine Têxtil"—meaning "Textile Shelf"—by Mariano Gomide de Faria and Geraldo Thomaz. Initially, it served as a B2B procurement platform for the textile industry. However, after encountering pronunciation challenges with international prospects, the company embraced its acronym, "VTEX," which had originally been its logo. This rebranding marked the first step in VTEX’s transformation.
Sacks
VTEX First B2C
1'st B2C
from the +2,400
2001
First Foray into E-commerce: VTEX made its debut in digital commerce by building an online store for the Brazilian cosmetics retailer, Sacks. This project proved to be a pivotal milestone, as Sacks was later acquired by Sephora—and eventually LVMH. This early success signaled VTEX’s potential to redefine the e-commerce landscape.
Walmart
Success case in Brazil
LATAM
In the spotlight
2007
A Game-Changing Moment: VTEX’s breakthrough arrived when it triumphed in a global RFP, outperforming industry giants like IBM, ATG, and Hybris to develop Walmart Brazil’s first e-commerce platform. This success propelled VTEX into the international spotlight—its ability to deliver at a fraction of the cost left the industry asking, Who are these Brazilians achieving extraordinary results? It was clear VTEX had global ambitions.
USD $8M
Revenue
100
Employees
2010-2011
Strategic Mergers for Scale: In 2010, VTEX merged with MiG Web, founded by Marcelo Couto and Gustavo Rios, enhancing execution and accelerating R&D. A year later, it joined forces with WX7 Solutions, founded in 2000 by Alexandre Soncini and Rafael Forte. These mergers not only expanded VTEX’s leadership team but also fortified its technological and operational capabilities. At the time, the company had fewer than 100 employees and operated exclusively in Brazil—yet its foundations for global expansion were already in place.
USD $40M
Riverwood investment
LATAM
Expansion
2012-2014
International Expansion and Strategic Investment: VTEX’s first major funding came in 2012 from Naspers, fueling rapid growth across Latin America, with new offices in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. By 2014, Naspers exited, selling its stake to Riverwood Capital for $40M—an investor that remains committed to VTEX’s vision. (NYSE: VTEX)
USD $35M
Approximate Revenue
VTEX Day
+10,000 people per day
2016
Conquering North America and Europe: By 2016, VTEX had entered the North American and European markets, adopting its now-iconic rebel pink branding. That same year, it transformed VTEX DAY into Latin America’s premier e-commerce event, drawing 10,000 daily attendees. This marked the dawn of VTEX’s global acceleration—driven by a powerful synergy of Product, Brand, Funding, and Talent.
USD $140M
Investment
$61M+
Revenue
2019
Major Investment and Hypergrowth: In 2019, VTEX secured a $140M investment from SoftBank, Gávea Investimentos, and Constellation, amplifying its global footprint. From 2000 to 2019, VTEX had operated with remarkable financial discipline—burning and returning just $7M—essentially bootstrapping its way to success. Fiscal responsibility remains a core tenet of VTEX’s ethos.
CIOs & CEOs
Platform of choice
USD $225M+
Approximate Revenue
2024
VTEX: The Backbone of Connected Commerce. By 2024, VTEX had surpassed $200M in annual revenue, solidifying its dominance in global commerce. Chosen by ambitious CIOs and CEOs, VTEX continues to be the backbone of connected commerce—a vision established in 2016 and one that remains future-proof. The future of retail and brands hinges on a unified commerce ecosystem, and VTEX is leading the charge.
Founders
Geraldo Thomaz
Founder and Co-CEO, Geraldo has overseen VTEX’s technological advancements and product development, ensuring the platform’s continued innovation. Geraldo is a mechanical engineer and passionate about spearfishing.
Mariano Gomide
Founder and Co-CEO Mariano has overseen VTEX’s Growth (Sales & Marketing, Delivery and Support) and international expansion. Mariano is a mechanical engineer and is also passionate about spearfishing. Curious fact: Spearfishing is the sport that united both founders during the period of the Mechanical Engineering University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Late Co-founders
Gustavo Rios
Gustavo leveraged his technology background to support VTEX’s evolution and has been one of the learning developers of VTEX for many years. After years if coding, Gustavo now acts as Principal Solution Architect for flagship global projects. Curious fact: Gustavo is a heavy metal lover and a drums player. He is based in the United States, Fort Lauderdale area.
Marcelo Couto Ferreira
Marcelo played a crucial role in product development and served as Engineering Director until his early (and fair) retirement in 2022. He lives in the Miami area and dedicates his time to his family. Curious fact: Marcelo is a big e-sport player.
Alexandre Soncini
Soncini played a key role in VTEX’s expansion into the Americas, leading its entry into the U.S. market. He continues to work alongside Mariano in the Growth area of the company, focusing on strategy and corporate development. He is also a board member of Loja Integrada and Weni, independent business units owned by VTEX. He is based out of Barcelona. Curious fact: he is a former professional race car driver.
Rafael Forte
Former President of VTEX Brazil, Rafael was instrumental in strengthening the company’s operations and market position in Brazil. He led for many years the professional services area of VTEX and later became the President of VTEX Brazil. Now, Rafael works with Sonini in business and strategic development. Curious fact: Rafael is a bass player and a music lover. He plays with his band every month in a bar in São Paulo, Brazil.
Marcos Pueyrredon
Marcos was a driving force behind VTEX’s early expansion in Latin America, helping establish the company’s regional leadership. Marcos was a cofounder of Latvinia, an e-commerce platform in Argentina, and left the company to join VTEX in 2012. Now, he works with Soncini in business and strategic development. Curious fact: Marcos and his family are an opera lover, really a lover.
Offices
New York
United States
11E 44th St
View in Google Maps
Cologne
Germany
Neumarkt Galerie, Richmodstrasse 6
View in Google Maps
São Paulo
Brazil
Av Brigadeiro Faria Lima 4440
View in Google Maps
These global brands are nailing it with VTEX
44%
conversion rate in customized products
100
days to launch Colgate Pro and expand digital sales operations
VTEX solutions used
50%
of orders made through the bulk order feature
Lower TCO
with a centralized platform
VTEX solutions used
24/7
support to sellers
2,000
active customers in the database
VTEX solutions used
Skip the sales pitch - get real answers
Get in touch directly with a Technical Commerce Solution Engineer
- Get tailored advice for your specific business needs.
- Learn which products are right for you.
- Request a demo.
- Get pricing details.