Progress Partners Advises on Sale of ThinkVine to Ignite Marketing Analytics

Saas and data solution provider acquires marketing attribution & optimization software leader

New York, NY – October 21, 2016 – Progress Partners, a Boston and New York-based M&A advisory firm, advised on the sale of its client, ThinkVine, a marketing attribution and optimization software business, to Ignite Marketing Analytics (an affiliate of Ignite Technologies), a provider of SaaS and data solutions for enterprises, the companies announced today. Nick MacShane and Davis Rosborough led the Progress deal team.

ThinkVine Corporation, founded by Damon Ragusa, was early to market in 2009 with a technology-led approach to cross-channel forecasting and optimization. This need had been formerly served via a consultative approach, which limited agility and recency. ThinkVine applies technology to deliver capabilities that provide marketing leaders with the clarity and confidence to optimize growth and profit in the short- and long-term.

ThinkVine’s platform enables some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated B2C marketers to use audience-based insights to inform their cross-channel media strategy. Customers include U.S. Bank, Urban Outfitters, and the Cleveland Indians.

Ignite Technologies, Inc., based out of Austin, TX, provides business applications and SaaS solutions for enterprises to improve performance across IT, digital asset management, media distribution, content delivery, as well as data solutions for brand marketers. Since 2000, the company has developed applications, delivered SaaS software and API infrastructure, and provided support, consulting, and packaged program services.

Ignite is a part of the ESW Capital family of companies. Ignite Marketing Analytics’ purchase of ThinkVine marks the 8th addition to the ESW Capital group in the past year, and through ESW Capital, Ignite Technologies plans to acquire 6-8 additional companies in 2017.

Under Ignite, ThinkVine will continue to serve its customers with cross-channel attribution and optimization, and engage with the broader network of customers Ignite Technologies already serves.

“MarTech platforms that deliver more granular outputs, to enable specific actions by marketing teams or their agencies, will continue to win favor within the CMOs and CIOs of major enterprises,” said MacShane of Progress Partners. “Data-driven outcomes are table stakes for guiding and adjusting behavior, and we are excited to work with more entrepreneurs that recognize this future.”

“Progress Partners went above and beyond for ThinkVine, producing a large pool of prospective buyers,” said ThinkVine’s Ragusa. “The team was easy to work with and acted as an extension to our management team, enabling us to focus on operations and growth while Progress catalyzed a wide and deep range of opportunities.”

About ESW Capital, LLC

Based in Austin, Texas, the ESW Capital group (www.eswcapital.com) specifically focuses on buying, transforming, and running mature business software companies. By taking advantage of its unique operating platform, ESW revitalizes its acquisitions for sustainable success while making customer satisfaction a top priority.  ESW and its affiliated companies have been in the enterprise software space since 1988, and the group includes notable brands such as Ignite Technologies, Trilogy, Aurea, and Versata.  For more information, email info@eswcapital.com.

About Progress Partners

Progress Partners is a Boston and New York-based M&A advisory firm working with emerging technology companies within media, marketing, advertising sectors, serving SMB through Enterprise. Progress Partners works with buyers and sellers of high growth companies to complete M&A transactions, raise debt or equity capital, as well as, develop and implement strategic growth plans. The firm’s high standards of excellence, deep industry experience, extensive network, and entrepreneurial background give Progress Partners the ability to build and realize superior value for its clients. For more information please visit: www.progresspartners.com.