n8n is a fair-code, AI-native workflow automation platform founded in 2019 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It combines a visual, node-based editor with the power of JavaScript and Python, allowing teams to connect APIs, databases, SaaS tools, and large language models into robust, production-grade workflows. Unlike many closed, purely no-code tools, n8n offers open source transparency and the option to self-host, giving organizations deep control over data, security, and infrastructure.
The product supports 500+ native integrations and any HTTP-based API, making it a flexible backbone for use cases ranging from lead routing and CRM syncs to IT operations, security orchestration, ETL, and AI agent pipelines. Workflows are modeled as directed graphs of nodes that can trigger on webhooks, schedules, or app events, then branch, merge, transform data, call external services, and incorporate AI decisions. A rich library of templates and community-built nodes accelerates adoption and enables rapid prototyping.
n8n operates under a Sustainable Use License (fair-code), with core source code publicly available while reserving certain commercial rights. The company offers both a fully managed cloud service and self-hosted editions, with Business and Enterprise plans adding capabilities such as SSO, advanced RBAC, Git-based version control, environments, queue-mode scaling, and enterprise-grade security and observability. All commercial plans include unlimited users and workflows, with pricing based on workflow executions rather than per-user seats.
Backed by investors including Sequoia, Felicis, Highland Europe, Accel and NVIDIA’s NVentures, n8n has raised around $240M and grown to hundreds of thousands of users and thousands of enterprise customers worldwide. It is positioned as a powerful, developer-friendly alternative to tools like Zapier and Make, particularly for technical teams that need AI orchestration, deep customization, and the option to run mission-critical automations on their own infrastructure.