Toptal

Toptal is an online freelance marketplace that launched in 2010 and initially focused on connecting freelance software developers and engineers with corporate clients. Known for its stringent vetting process, Toptal claims it provides users with the top 3% of talent in the world. Toptal’s applicants go through multiple rounds of assessments including language and personality tests, skill review, live screening, and a test project. 

In June 2024, Toptal launched “Toptal Marketing”, a new addition to its suite of digital services, to provide on-demand marketing talent and services to businesses. The company also acquired Growth Collective in the same month, which acts as a freelancer marketing platform that connects businesses with top freelance experts in digital marketing, SEO, content creation, social media strategy, and more.  Following the acquisitions, the company laid off 70% of its engineering team in October 2024.

In June 2021, Toptal filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of New York against Andela and its employees. Toptal accuses Andela of cloning its business model. Adding another twist to the plot is the fact that Andela’s employees previously worked at Toptal. Andela’s employees were accused of violating confidentiality, non-compete, and non-solicitation agreements with Toptal. Furthermore, it accused Andela of poaching its platform talent, clients, and top personnel.

Toptal generates revenue via a USD 79 monthly subscription from clients, charged if they decide to proceed with a talent search. The company reportedly generated USD 200 million in annual revenue as of 2018.

Key customers and partnerships

As of December 2023, Toptal served over 25,000+ clients via its ~64,000 freelancer network. Notable clients included Kraft Heinz, Bridgestone and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.