SAP Backs German Workflow Automation Startup n8n at $5.2B Valuation, Doubling Previous Valuation

SAP SE has taken a significant stake in German workflow automation startup n8n, marking one of the largest venture investments in the European enterprise software space this year. The deal values n8n at $5.2 billion, a substantial increase from the $2.5 billion valuation established after an October 2025 equity raise, reflecting rapid growth in demand for workflow automation tools across enterprise environments.

The partnership goes beyond capital investment. Under the agreement, SAP will embed n8n's automation tools directly into its ecosystem, giving customers access to n8n's visual workflow capabilities alongside SAP's enterprise resource planning and data management solutions. n8n, founded in Berlin, has positioned itself as an open-source-friendly alternative to platforms like Zapier and Microsoft Power Automate, enabling technical teams to connect applications and automate repetitive processes without extensive coding.

The investment signals intensifying competition among major software vendors to capture the growing workflow automation market, particularly as artificial intelligence capabilities reshape how enterprises approach process optimization. For SAP, bringing n8n's tools in-house addresses demand from customers seeking flexible automation options within familiar enterprise software environments. The deal also highlights how European startups are commanding increasingly high valuations as global technology companies seek specialized capabilities to supplement their platforms.