| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications and immaterial changes have been made to prior-period financial statements to conform to the current-period presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reported period. We evaluate estimates based on historical and anticipated results, trends, and various other assumptions. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations in our revenue arrangements, expected period of benefit for deferred contract costs, the valuation of common stock and stock-based compensation, the allocation of overhead costs between cost of revenue and operating expenses, the estimated useful lives of intangible and depreciable assets, the incremental borrowing rate, the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and other tax estimates including our ability to utilize net operating losses. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, and makes adjustments as facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects, including the uncertainty surrounding rapidly changing market and economic conditions from the outbreak of COVID-19 or other significant macroeconomic events, cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from those estimates and many of our estimates and assumptions have required increased judgement and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. Basic and Diluted Net Loss attributable to Braze, Inc. Common Stockholders per Share Basic and diluted net loss attributable to Braze, Inc. common stockholders per share is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. Under the two-class method, net loss is attributed to common stockholders and participating securities based on their participation rights. Prior to our IPO, we considered all series of our convertible preferred stock to be participating securities. Under the two-class method, the net loss attributable to Braze, Inc. common stockholders is not allocated to the convertible preferred stock as the holders of our convertible preferred stock do not have a contractual obligation to share in our losses. Basic loss attributable to Braze, Inc. per common stockholder’s share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of Braze, Inc. common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to Braze, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of Braze, Inc. common stock together with the number of additional shares of Braze Inc. common stock that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares of Braze Inc. common stock had been issued. Since we were in a loss position for the periods presented, basic net loss per share attributable to Braze, Inc. common stockholders is the same as diluted net loss per share attributable to Braze, Inc. common stockholders since the effects of potentially dilutive securities are antidilutive. Segment Reporting Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is the CODM. The CODM reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of making operating decisions, allocating resources, and evaluating financial performance. As such, we have one operating segment, which is the business of cloud-based customer engagement platform subscriptions. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The guidance describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date Level 2 – Inputs are observable, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data for the related assets or liabilities The categorization of a financial instrument within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our financial instruments include cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current assets and liabilities. At January 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current assets and liabilities approximated fair values because of their short-term nature. Foreign Currency The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured to the functional currency at the exchange rate on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured at period-end using the period-end exchange rate. Gains and losses resulting from remeasurement are recorded in other income (expense), net, on the consolidated statements of operations. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the period, retained earnings and other equity items are translated at historical rates, and revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period. The gain or loss resulting from the process of translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars is reflected as foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations when realized. Cash and cash equivalents represent cash and highly liquid investments with original contractual maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts, interest-bearing money market accounts, and overnight short-term repurchase agreements that are stated at fair value. As of January 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $4.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of deposits were restricted due to multiple letters of credit related to our leased and subleased properties. These deposits were classified as current and noncurrent based on the related underlying lease term. The following table provides a reconciliation of the cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of January 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands): January 31, 2023 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 68,587 $ 478,937 Restricted cash, noncurrent 4,036 4,036 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 72,623 $ 482,973 Accounts Receivable, Net and Credit Losses Accounts receivable consists of customer obligations due under normal trade terms and are recorded at amounts billed and unbilled to customers, net of allowance for any potential uncollectible accounts. Unbilled amounts are included in trade accounts receivable, net, which generally arise from our contractual right to bill our customers in advance of services on the contract effective date. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. We maintain an allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable, net which is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable, net and changes in this allowance are recorded as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. We assess collectability by reviewing accounts receivable on a collective basis when similar characteristics exist and on an individual basis when we identify specific customers with known disputes or collectability issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, we consider historical collectability based on past due status and make judgements about the creditworthiness of customers based on ongoing credit evaluations. A receivable is considered past due if we have not received payment based on agreed-upon terms. We also consider customer-specific information, current market conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions to inform adjustments to historical loss data. No material write-offs of accounts receivable have been recognized in any of the periods presented. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable securities, and accounts receivable. Restricted cash consists of letters of credit related to our leased properties. For cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities, we are exposed to credit risk in the event of default by the financial institutions to the extent of the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) limits. Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities balances are maintained at financial institutions that management believes are of high-credit, quality financial institutions, where deposits, at times, exceed the FDIC limits. Significant customers are those which represent 10% or more of our total revenue for the period, or accounts receivable at the balance sheets dates. For fiscal years ended January 31, 2023 or 2022, no customer accounted for 10% or more of total revenue. For accounts receivable, we are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by customers to the extent of the amounts recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2023 or 2022, no customer accounted for 10% or more of our total accounts receivable balance. Marketable Securities We classify our investments in marketable securities within current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as the investments are available for use, if needed, in current operations as we may sell our marketable securities at any time, without significant penalty, even if they have not yet reached maturity. These investments are carried at fair value, based on quoted market rates when observable or utilizing data points that are observable, such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method and are recognized when realized as a component of Other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. We review our securities on a regular basis to evaluate if any security has experienced an other-than temporary decline in fair value. We consider an available-for-sale security to be impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost basis, our intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we are required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If we believe that an other-than-temporary decline exists in one of the securities, we will write down these investments to fair value. To the extent that the decline in fair value is related to credit losses, such as changes to the rating of the security by third-party rating agencies, and adverse conditions specific to the security, among other factors, the write-down related to credit loss would be recorded in Other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Impairments related to factors other than credit losses are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. As of January 31, 2023, the Company had not recorded any credit impairments. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred. Upon asset retirement or sale, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the consolidated balance sheets, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows: Computer equipment, office equipment, and software 3 years Furniture and fixtures 7 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life of assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, subject to depreciation and amortization, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets or asset groups may not be recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than originally estimated. Recoverability of these assets or asset groups is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of each asset or asset group to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset or asset group is expected to generate over their remaining lives. If the asset or asset group is considered to be impaired, the amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset or asset group. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life. There w ere no material impair ment losses of long-lived assets recognized for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Capitalized Internal-use Software Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred to develop new or additional customer-facing software functionality, on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of property and equipment, net. We capitalize qualifying personnel costs, including stock-based compensation, and consulting costs incurred during the application development stage so long as the project is authorized, it is probable the project will be completed, and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred and included in research and development expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These capitalized costs are amortized over the software’s expected useful life, which is generally three years, within cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive Loss Our comprehensive loss is currently comprised of unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments. Variable Interest Entity A VIE is an entity that either has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To assess whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, we consider all the facts and circumstances including our role in establishing the VIE and our ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the party that makes the most significant decisions affecting the VIE is determined to have the power to direct the activities of the VIE. To assess whether we have the obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE, we consider all of our economic interests, including debt and equity interests, servicing rights and fee arrangements, and any other variable interests in the VIE. If we determine that we are the party with the power to make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE, and we have an obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE, then we consolidate the VIE. We perform ongoing reassessments of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether we have acquired or divested the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. We also reconsider whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs, based on new events, and therefore could be subject to the VIE consolidation framework. Redeemable Non-controlling Interest Redeemable non-controlling interests represent the portion of net income (loss), net, and comprehensive income (loss), net, that is not allocable to us, in situations where we consolidate an equity interest or as the primary beneficiary of a VIE for which there are other owners. The amount of non-controlling interest is comprised of the greater of the amount of such interests at the date of the original acquisition of an equity interest in an investment, plus the other shareholders’ share of changes in equity since the date of the investment or estimated redemption value. The resulting changes in the estimated redemption amount (increases or decreases) are recorded with corresponding adjustments against retained earnings or, in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in-capital. The redeemable non-controlling interest is classified outside of permanent equity as mezzanine equity on the consolidated balance sheets as the redemption option is outside of our control. Revenue Recognition We derive our revenue primarily from subscriptions to our platform, including associated support, and professional services. Our subscriptions do not provide customers with the right to take possession of the software supporting the applications and, as a result, are accounted for as service contracts. Professional services primarily consist of fees for distinct services rendered in training and assisting customers to configure and optimize the use of the platform. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We apply the following five-step model to recognize revenue from contracts with clients: • Identification of the contract or contracts with a customer; • Identification of the performance obligation(s) in the contract; • Determination of the transaction price; • Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and • Recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied. We identify the performance obligations in a contract or multiple contracts with a customer and determine whether they are distinct or distinct within the context of the contract. When there is more than one distinct performance obligation in a contract, we allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis based on standalone selling prices (“SSP”). We have identified two performance obligations within our contracts with our customers: (i) subscription and (ii) professional services and other. All contracts generally contain fixed consideration payable upfront by the customer. Some of our multi-year arrangements may contain fixed fees with escalating pricing structures each year. The nature of our subscription performance obligation remains unchanged each period of the arrangement and therefore may create a contract asset reflecting the difference between the amount of revenue recognized compared to the amount billed. Some of our contracts with customers contain terms, such as service level guarantees, product usage and overage fees, that, along with various potential claims, including breach of warranty, may result in variable consideration. Variable consideration exists when the amount which we expect to receive in a contract is affected by the occurrence or non-occurrence of future events. We develop estimates of variable consideration on the basis of historical information, current trends, and any other specific knowledge about future periods. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. Typically, our contracts do not provide customers with any right of return or refund; however, we may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis when it makes commercial sense. Variable consideration, including as a result of service level guarantees, product usage and overage fees or other potential claims such as breach of warranty, was not material during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022. We allocate the variable consideration related to the product usages and overages to the distinct month during which the related services were performed as those fees relate specifically to providing usage of the platform in the period and represents the consideration we are entitled to for the access to the platform. As a result, the usage and overage fees are included in the transaction price and recognized as revenue in the period in which the fee was generated. To the extent that we grant customers an option to acquire additional products or services, we account for the option as a distinct performance obligation in the contract only if the option provides a material right to the customer that the customer would not receive without entering into the contract. If a material right exists in a contract, revenue allocated to the option is deferred and recognized as revenue only when those future products or services are transferred or when the option expires. Contracts do not typically contain material rights and when they do, the material right has not been significant to our consolidated financial statements. Once the transaction price is determined, the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in a manner depicting the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring the products or services to the customer. This allocation is based on the SSP of the products or services included in the arrangement. Judgment is required to determine the SSP for each performance obligation. We determine SSP based on observable prices for those related goods or services when sold separately, if available. When such observable prices are not available, we determine SSP based on overarching pricing objectives and strategies, taking into consideration market conditions and other factors, including transaction size, product-specific factors, historical sales of the deliverables and costs to deliver the services and applicable margins. Subscription Services Subscription revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term beginning on the commencement date of each contract, which is the date the platform is made available to customers. We have determined that subscriptions to our platform represent a stand-ready obligation to perform over the subscription term. These performance obligations are satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits. Contracts are typically one year in length, but may be up to five years. At the beginning of each subscription term we invoice our customers, typically in annual installments but also quarterly and semi-annually. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue or revenue. We report revenue net of sales tax and other taxes collected from customers to be remitted to government authorities. Professional Services and Other Professional services and other revenue primarily consist of onboarding services and are typically recognized as services are performed since our customers simultaneously receive the benefits of these services as they are performed, which is generally over a period of up to six months from provisioning access to the platform. We invoice our customers for professional services at the outset of the contract. Amounts that have been invoiced for non-cancelable contracts are recorded in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue or revenue. We report revenue net of sales tax and other taxes collected from customers to be remitted to government authorities. Contract Balances Contract Assets A contract asset is the right to consideration for transferred goods or services when the amount is conditioned on something other than the passage of time. These balances are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred Revenue We record deferred revenue when we have an unconditional right to payments in advance of satisfying the performance obligations on our contracts. The balance consists primarily of annual plan subscription services and professional services not yet provided as of the balance sheet date. Deferred revenue that will be recognized during the succeeding twelve-month period is recorded as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred revenue balance does not represent the total contract value of annual or multi-year, non-cancelable agreements. Deferred Contract Costs We capitalize costs of obtaining revenue contracts that are incremental and recoverable. Incremental costs primarily include sales commissions and bonuses for new and renewal revenue contracts and associated payroll tax and fringe benefit costs and are recorded within deferred contract costs on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized amounts are recoverable through future revenue streams under all customer contracts. Contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis up to four years, which reflects the expected period of benefit of the performance obligation and may be longer than the initial contract period. We determined the estimated benefit period having considered both qualitative and quantitative factors, including the length of the subscription terms in our customer contracts and the anticipated life of our technology, among other such factors. Deferred contract costs related to renewals are amortized over the renewal term which is generally one year to three years. Amortization of contract costs are classified within operating expenses based on the function of the underlying employee receiving the benefit in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Deferred contract costs are periodically analyzed for impairment. As of January 31, 2023 and 2022, we have not identified any potential indicators of impairment. Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue consists of expenses related to providing platform access to customers and onboarding services. These costs include payments to third-party cloud infrastructure providers for hosting software solutions and costs associated with application service providers utilized to deliver the platform, allocated personnel-related costs, including salaries, cash-based performance compensation, benefits and stock-based compensation, overhead cost allocations related to facilities and shared IT-related expenses, including depreciation expense and amortization of internal use software. Operating Expenses Operating expenses consist of sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative expenses. Personnel costs are the most significant component of operating expenses and consist of salaries, cash performance-based compensation, employee benefits and stock-based compensation. Operating expenses also include overhead cost allocations. Sales and Marketing Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel costs for sales and marketing organization, costs related to sponsorships, events and advertising, agency costs, travel-related expenses, and allocated overhead costs. Costs associated with our advertising and sales promotions are expensed as incurred. During the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we recognized $20.8 million, $12.2 million, and $8.1 million, respectively, in advertising costs, which included brand and sponsorship costs. Research and Development Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel costs for engineering, service, design, and information technology teams. Additionally, research and development expenses include allocated overhead costs and contractor fees. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized internal-use software development costs are excluded from research and development expenses as they are capitalized as a component of property and equipment, net and amortized to cost of revenue over the software’s expected useful life, which is generally three years. General and Administrative General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel costs for finance, legal, human resources and other administrative functions, as well as outside professional services. In addition, general and administrative expense includes non-personnel costs, such as legal, accounting and other professional fees, software costs, certain tax, license and insurance-related expenses and allocated overhead costs. Stock-Based Compensation We measure and record the expense related to stock-based payment awards based on the fair value of those awards as determined on the date of grant. We recognize stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grant, generally equal to the vesting period, and use the straight-line method to recognize stock-based compensation. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock based awards. We estimate expected forfeitures of stock-based awards at the grant date and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. We estimate our forfeitures rate based on an analysis of our actual historical forfeitures materializing in the previous fiscal years, and revise the estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We routinely evaluate the appropriateness of the forfeiture rate based on actual forfeiture experience, analysis of employee turnover and expectations of future option exercise behavior. We calculate the fa |
