Airclic
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software, Mobile information services |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Fate | Acquired by Descartes Systems Group in 2014 |
| Headquarters | Trevose , United States |
Key people | Rick Pontin (CEO as of April 2010) |
| Products | Perform platform (mobile workflow automation) |
Airclic is a company specializing in web-based software and mobile information services, established in 2000. It delivers fully hosted solutions, featuring a mobile application framework centered on workflow processes.
History
Airclic was founded in 2000 with the initial goal of empowering consumers to use mobile devices to scan bar codes found in printed advertisements and posters, facilitating access to information and enabling purchases via its proprietary technology called “Scanlets.” Early collaborations involved companies such as Motorola, Symbol Technologies, Connect Things, and R.R. Donnelly & Sons, focusing on expanding e-commerce and interactive print marketing. A partnership with HometownGrocers.com aimed to allow customers to utilize personal scanners for creating grocery lists and obtaining nutritional details.
After the collapse of the Internet bubble, Airclic redirected its efforts toward automating mobile and field workflows for enterprises, continuing to utilize bar codes and phones equipped with scanners. Between 2004 and 2007, the company’s revenue grew substantially from $1 million to nearly $10 million.
Up until early 2010, Airclic maintained its headquarters in Trevose, Pennsylvania, while also operating a location in Bloomington, Minnesota. Following Rick Pontin’s appointment as CEO in April 2010, the Bloomington branch was closed, consolidating all operations at the main office.
On July 13, 2010, Airclic combined forces with AirVersent, an $8.1 million revenue company based in Owings Mills, Maryland; this merger resulted in a profitable entity generating $22 million annually.
On November 20, 2014, Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) acquired Airclic for $29.7 million.
Funding
Although precise totals are not publicly confirmed, Airclic is reported to have raised over $340 million through various financing rounds:
- March 2000 (Series A): $15 million sourced from Blue Capital Management, Edgewater, private investors, and Forrest, Binkley and Brown
- January 2001 (Series B): $290 million raised from investors including Motorola, Ericsson Business Innovation AB, Symbol Technologies Inc., and a private group led by Goldman Sachs
- June 2005: $2 million provided by Zon Capital Partners
- March 2006: $2.86 million obtained from Motorola, Zon Capital Partners, among others
- February 2007: $12.5 million contributed by JMI Equity, Motorola, and Zon Capital Partners
- June 2010: $17.97 million invested by Crestview Partners, JMI Equity, New Venture Partners, Zon Capital Partners, and insiders
Additionally, in November 2004 Motorola and individual investors made an undisclosed capital injection into Airclic.
Management
Since its formation, Airclic has undergone multiple leadership transitions. In March 2000, David Klatt (formerly of Black & Decker) was named CEO with Patrick Robinson as CFO; co-founder Peter Ritz served as chairman. Later that year, a management team comprising nine executives was established.
Klatt later left to lead Rubbermaid; subsequently Harvey Golub—former CEO of American Express—assumed the chairman role while Phillip Reise, ex-president of American Express consumer card services, was appointed CEO. In January 2001 Suren Gupta joined as head of global operations and information services.
In March 2005 Tim Bradley—previously associated with Cognos and Adaytum—became CEO. Several executives from those organizations joined the leadership team until another executive change took place in early 2010. Rick Pontin was named CEO in April 2010; he had formerly been executive chairman at Tangoe and CEO of TRAQ Wireless.
Products
Airclic's range of products has developed in tandem with its leadership. Presently, the company focuses on the Perform platform, which aims to optimize mobile workflow automation and boost operational productivity.