23 Jan 2023
Investcorp Technology Partners (“ITP”), a leading global technology investor, today announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Zift Channel Solutions Inc. (“Zift” or the “Company”), a leading provider of Partner Relationship Management (“PRM”) and Through-Channel Marketing Automation (“TCMA”) software. ITP led the investment round, which, including additional growth funding ITP is injecting into the business, results in a total deal value over $70 million. Existing Zift investors Arrowroot, Oxx, SMM, and AshGrove Capital will remain involved with the Company.
Founded in 2006, Zift helps companies from all sectors better manage their indirect go-to-market strategies. Through its ZiftONE software, Zift’s platform aligns channel marketing, channel sales, and channel operations. Based on nearly two decades of experience, ZiftONE’s comprehensive PRM and TCMA capabilities enable the management of marketing and lead generation all the way through to sales, giving customers both a consistent view of their entire funnel and the tools they need to drive channel revenue and success. With ZiftONE’s onboarding and partner enablement features, partner management becomes simplified beyond the funnel, offering the only platform that delivers partner relationship management and through-channel marketing automation in one dedicated platform. ZiftONE’s customers consist of national and international brands with renowned channel programmes. Its customers are served from three offices: Cary, North Carolina; Oxford, UK; and Hoboken, New Jersey.
ITP’s investment will help accelerate Zift’s go-to-market strategy, continue expansion into international markets, and further support the Company’s growth. ITP has established a market-leading position of investing in lower mid-market technology companies with a specific focus on Software, Data / Analytics, Cyber Security, and Fintech. The investment in Zift represents the second investment from ITP’s global fund, Investcorp Technology Partners V.
Gilbert Kamieniecky, Head of ITP, said: “Our investment in Zift aligns with ITP’s mission to support high-growth companies with proven products and end markets. Zift’s solutions help to solve an increasingly complex issue for marketing and sales-driven businesses, making relationship management simpler for companies across industries. We’re excited to be partnering with Zift and helping the Zift team take the business to the next level.”
Julian Bennet, Managing Director, ITP, said: “Investcorp Technology Partners is pleased to be investing in Zift. Gordon Rapkin and the Zift Solutions team have shown a tried and tested method for partner relationship management, revolutionising the way companies can manage their marketing data. We look forward to working with Zift on their further growth, both in the United States and in markets worldwide.”
Gordon Rapkin, Chief Executive Officer, Zift Solutions, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Investcorp Technology Partners as we enter this next stage of growth. Investcorp demonstrated a strong understanding of our business and the potential of the markets we serve. They are the right partner to support our international expansion given their global expertise. We look forward to working with Investcorp to continue our growth journey and capitalise on the fast-growing channel technology sector, as well as on the value it provides in helping organisations scale their own growth.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory requirements and expected to close at the end of January.