Element Software
- Founded
- 2017-01-01 in France
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- info@elementwave.com
- Phone
- +353 91 45 0077
Element is a free and open-source instant-messaging client built on the Matrix protocol, providing end-to-end encrypted, decentralised communication for organisations that demand digital sovereignty and security. Founded by the creators of Matrix in 2017, Element enables self-hosted or fully managed deployments, replacing traditional email and proprietary collaboration tools. The platform is used by high-security environments including NATO, the French government (Tchap), and the German armed forces (BwMessenger), as well as the United Nations and the US Department of Defence. With approximately 114 employees and an estimated $12.5 million in annual revenue, Element offers consumer-grade messaging combined with enterprise features such as admin control, auditing, and compliance. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and fosters an ecosystem of third-party integrations. Element positions itself as a secure alternative to mainstream collaboration suites, particularly for sectors that require sovereign data control and resilience.
Detailed Review
Company History
Element was launched in 2017 as the flagship client for the Matrix open-standard communication network, developed by the core team behind Matrix itself. The company is registered as Element Software SARL in France and also operates from the United Kingdom. It has raised over $52 million in funding, led by the co-founders of the Matrix protocol, Matthew Hodgson and Amandine Le Pape.
Business Model
Element offers a free app for individuals and a paid enterprise suite called Element Server Suite, which includes professionalised backend services, advanced access management, and compliance tools. The company generates revenue through self-hosted and managed deployments, as well as through custom forks for government and military clients. Its open-source base allows third-party integrations and federation between different deployments, eliminating vendor lock-in.
Products & Platforms
Element Messenger is the cross-platform end-to-end encrypted messaging app available on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Element Server Suite provides enterprise-grade Matrix backend with admin control, identity management, auditing, and compliance. Synapse is the reference Matrix homeserver, maintained by Element and open-source. Additionally, custom forks such as Tchap (French government), BwMessenger (German Armed Forces), and NI2CE (NATO) are based on Element.
Market Position
Element competes with centralised collaboration platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp, but differentiates itself on sovereignty, security, and interoperability. Its adoption by NATO, the French government, and the US Department of Defence underscores its credibility in high-security environments. The company continues to expand its enterprise feature set and partnership network, particularly with hosting providers to simplify deployment.
Regulatory and Compliance
While not originally designed for the iGaming industry, Element’s secure and auditable communication capabilities make it relevant for B2B compliance and internal collaboration in regulated sectors. The platform supports default end-to-end encryption and decentralised architecture, providing resilience and data ownership.
Recent Developments
Element has focused on enhancing its enterprise offerings, including improved admin controls and compliance features. The company has also pursued partnerships with hosting providers to make self-hosted deployments more accessible. As of September 2025, the company reports 114 employees and an estimated $12.5 million in annual revenue.
Key Products
Element Messenger
Cross-platform end-to-end encrypted messaging and collaboration app for Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Element Server Suite
Enterprise-grade Matrix backend with admin control, identity management, auditing, and compliance features.
Synapse
The reference Matrix homeserver, open-source and maintained by Element.
Tchap
Custom fork of Element used by the French government for secure communications.
BwMessenger
Custom fork of Element used by the German Armed Forces.
NI2CE
Custom fork of Element used by NATO.
Offices & Headcount
114 employees (approx.)