German-headquartered social feedback platform eKomi is planning to further build on its presence in New Zealand following its acquisition of fast-scaling local software firm Crossware.
Founded by tech entrepreneur Per Andersen in 2001, Crossware is a homegrown success story with its software used annually on 1.8 billion emails across 80 countries – representing a 10 per cent share of the global email market.
eKomi purchase of the firm is in line with its plans to expand its B2B offering, seeing the Auckland headquartered firm forming as a key part of its plans to expand globally. It sees the email signature platform as a complimentary offering at a time when the usage of electronic signatures and digital witnessing of documents has flourished during the COVID19 pandemic – requiring a more holistic and secure solution for businesses that Crossware provides.
For incoming Crossware Managing Director Troy Adams, one of the most critical elements of this acquisition is to retain the unique ‘Kiwi’ identity of the team as he believes that the New Zealand tech scene is a global leader and wants to tap into the innovative nature of the country.
“We thank Per for his leadership in creating Crossware but also for one of the most vital decisions he made when founding and scaling Crossware – the choice of Auckland as headquarters,” said Mr Adams.
“Per’s incredible vision for Crossware was supported by the New Zealand government through its Callaghan Innovations R&D Growth Grant and we see the country as an integral part of its DNA. This along with the incredible homegrown team of 25 staff, are critical components to the company’s success and that’s why we are committed to growing a global business from our Auckland headquarters.”
eKomi acquired Crossware two weeks ago and is intending to use its Auckland headquarters as one of its major hubs in the APAC region – due to the city’s growing reputation as a tech hub, the country’s R&D Growth Grants and startup-friendly policies.
eKomi, The Feedback Company, is Europe\’s first and largest independent provider of transaction-based customer reviews and product ratings. As a global Google partner with over 200 employees and headquarters in Berlin, eKomi has collected and published more than 100 million reviews for customers.
Its focus is on becoming the first holistic B2B customer experience group that attracted eKomi to Crossware due it being the premier software provider for email signature management with more than a million users in the US, EMEA and APAC.
Crossware is used by approximately 3000 international corporations — including professional services firm BDO Global, Chiquita Brands, French multinational ad agency Havas, Shiseido, Abu Dhabi’s shipping port operator and government departments such as New Zealand’s Ministry of Health and Te Wananga o Aotearoa — are using the software to manage the structure and regulatory compliance of staff emails.
Its software allows customers to manage the content of staff email signatures without the need to manually configure settings across every device.
According to Michael Ambros, CEO and Founder of eKomi, the organisations focus is on following its hybrid strategy of organic growth and buy-and-build through acquisitions in its core market in Europe and globally – with Crossware representing a perfect example of the type of businesses it is targeting.
“eKomi in partnership with its funding partners, Pride Capital Partners and Medici Holdings is actively looking to partner and acquire businesses that have significant upside from both a technology and timing perspective – such as Crossware,” Mr Ambros said.
“Giving businesses access to technologies that can securely provide proof of identity and position, while promoting the company and collecting client data like Crossware is a perfect example of the type of alignment we are seeking. It complements our platform’s ability to collate reviews and distribute these across social media platforms, providing another way our clients can engage businesses and better understand the client journey.”
eKomi’s platform and seal are a strong value add to the customer’s brand
eKomi, The Feedback Company, is Europe\’s first and largest independent provider of transaction-based customer reviews and product ratings. As a global Google partner with over 200 employees and headquarters in Berlin, eKomi has collected and published more than 100 million reviews for customers.
Thousands of businesses use eKomi\’s social commerce technology to gain more trust with their customers. eKomi\’s unique technology enables online businesses to generate seller reviews, customer opinions, product ratings as well as social recommendations and general feedback. Thus, a positive, viral effect can be generated on various social media platforms and websites, which is significantly beneficial for businesses.
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