** Shares of software development firm Freshworks rise 4.4% to $17.5
** Brokerage Oppenheimer upgrades FRSH to "outperform" from "perform"
** Oppenheimer says Freshworks is looking to "turn things around and a thematic play on an improving small and medium-sized business marketing"
** In our view, improving the sales efficiency and showing durable AI revenue monetization are keys to the future growth story for Freshworks — brokerage
** FRSH had fallen 31% in 2024
(Reporting by Juby Anna Babu in Mexico City)
((Juby.Babu@thomsonreuters.com))