Slack reportedly raising $500mn amidst some interesting bids for sale

Slack reportedly is in advanced talks to raise around $500 million at a valuation of $5 billion. According to a Recode report, the startup is also drawing acquisition interest from several companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Salesforce.

Launched in 2013, Slack is one of the most well-funded startups. The workplace chat system has raised $540 million in total so far, most recently bringing in $200 million in April 2016.

Citing two people familiar with the matter, the report said "the funding talks are advanced enough that investors are committed to the deal, but Slack could still change its mind."

Also, as per a Bloomberg report, Amazon has already approached the company with a price tag of $9 billion. While Amazon and other bidders are yet to make an official move, "all those companies have long been eyeing Slack, which has transformed the enterprise business with its quirky approach to business communications," according to the sources.

However, it is worth noting that, Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield has frequently indicated that he wants to keep the company independent. But if the acquisition reports are accurate, that will signal a change in the company's perspective.

With 5 million daily active users and 1.5 million paying customers, the company is targeting a $1 billion in revenue next year.