As digital transformation accelerates, artificial intelligence stands at the forefront, revolutionizing industries. AI-powered search and personalization are reshaping customer experiences, increasing business efficiency, and driving revenue growth. Coveo, under the leadership of CEO and Chairman Louis Têtu, is at the cutting edge of this transformation, making AI-driven search, data, and personalization accessible to businesses of all sizes.
“We make search, data, and AI more accessible so that every business, not just tech giants, can provide relevance at scale with the power of AI,” explains Louis. His dedication has positioned Coveo as a leader in AI-driven solutions for commerce, customer service, and workplace applications.
Building a Strong Foundation
Before becoming CEO in 2012, Louis was an early investor in Coveo. Upon taking the helm, he reevaluated the company’s business strategy and spearheaded the development of a multi-tenant cloud offering. With a keen understanding of market trends, he foresaw the shift toward AI and subscription-based models over traditional perpetual licenses.
Coveo’s strategic acquisitions have reinforced its position as an industry leader. In 2019, the company acquired Tooso, an AI-based digital commerce engine, enhancing its e-commerce capabilities. In 2021, Coveo acquired Qubit, a leader in AI-powered personalization for merchandising teams, further cementing its commitment to digital commerce.
Coveo’s influence extends beyond its own innovations, as it collaborates with global tech leaders such as SAP, Salesforce, and Adobe. “Large world-leading technology companies use Coveo to power relevance, but we aren’t stopping there. Our partnerships help expand our innovative capabilities,” says Louis.
With AI now a cornerstone of digital experiences, Coveo focuses on fostering collaboration among its team, partners, and customers to create seamless, personalized experiences. Louis takes great pride in both the company’s research and development efforts—comprising 40% of the workforce—and its customer success team. “We have been immersed in AI for more than a decade, working with some of the largest data stacks in global enterprises. That experience has enabled us to mature rapidly and operate at scale,” he adds.
A Culture of Innovation
Louis believes that a thriving business must cultivate a culture of innovation, grounded in two principles: fostering an environment of open collaboration and ensuring innovation is deeply connected to customer needs. At Coveo, communication barriers and office politics are minimized to allow employees to focus on solving real problems. “Hierarchies can stifle creativity and innovation. Instead, we foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to submit ideas and challenge the status quo,” he explains.
Risk-taking is an essential part of Coveo’s culture. Louis strongly believes that leadership should not dictate what employees think but rather listen to their insights. “The best leaders don’t tell people what to do; they listen, process, and make decisions based on collective knowledge. It’s about fostering an environment of unfiltered conversations,” he adds.
Coveo was founded in 2005 by Laurent Simoneau, Richard Tessier, and Marc Sanfaçon. Since then, it has grown into a global company with offices in Quebec City, Montreal, San Francisco, New York, and London. The Montreal office, which started with just 25 employees in 2017, has since expanded significantly, reflecting Coveo’s steady growth. As of early 2023, the company boasts over 750 employees worldwide.
Recognizing that employees are a key driver of success, Coveo prioritizes work-life balance, transparency, and a culture of recognition. “We believe it’s okay to fail, as long as we fail fast and adapt. When employees share a common purpose beyond just a paycheck, innovation and success naturally follow,” says Louis.
Beyond the workplace, Coveo is committed to social responsibility. The company is part of the 1% Pledge, dedicating one percent of its profit, time, product, and equity to supporting vulnerable communities through knowledge and education. “This commitment has been a powerful way to attract talent, customers, and partners who share the same desire to create a better world,” Louis adds.
People First, Success Follows
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Louis describes it as deeply rewarding. While he has achieved major business milestones such as IPOs, financing, and rapid growth, the relationships he has built along the way are what he values most.
“We have a purpose and an incredible team, creating a culture where people want to belong. My focus every day is on creating value for all stakeholders—starting with our employees. People come first. If your employees aren’t thriving, your business won’t either,” he emphasizes.
Louis balances his professional life with personal time, often retreating with his family to their lake house in Quebec to recharge. As Coveo continues to push the boundaries of AI-powered search and personalization, he remains dedicated to driving innovation while fostering a workplace culture that puts people first.