Tungsten Automation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founders | David Silver, Dean Hough |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California |
Key people | Peter Hantman (CEO) |
| Products | Intelligent automation, cognitive capture, robotic process automation, business process orchestration, data integration, customer communications management, analytics, print management |
| Revenue |  $500 million (2020) |
| Owner | |
Number of employees | 2,200 (2024) |
| Website | www |
Tungsten Automation, previously known as Kofax Inc., is a software provider headquartered in Irvine, California specializing in intelligent automation. Established in 1985 by engineers David Silver and Dean Hough, the firm designs technology solutions that optimize business processes by automating the handling of data and documents.
Between 2017 and 2022, Tungsten Automation functioned as an independent portfolio company under the ownership of private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The enterprise was acquired in 2022 by Clearlake Capital and TA Associates.
History
Originating as Kofax Image Products in 1985, founded by former document processing engineers Silver and Hough from FileNet, the company initially manufactured PC circuit boards dedicated to image processing. Its inaugural products were introduced in 1989, with a focus throughout the 1990s on advancing image processing technologies.
The company made its public market debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange in October 1997. In July 1999, UK-based DICOM Group purchased Kofax for about US$75 million to merge its digital capture technology with DICOM’s European distribution network. This acquisition brought leadership changes: Silver resigned as CEO in 2000 and was replaced by Arnold von Büren from DICOM.
Kofax expanded its capabilities in 2003 by acquiring Mohomine Inc., a firm specializing in automated text classification. Leadership transitions continued with Rob Klatell becoming DICOM’s CEO in 2005, followed by Reynolds Bish taking over as Kofax CEO in 2007. The company rebranded itself as Kofax Inc. in 2008.
A series of strategic acquisitions fueled growth: Atalasoft Inc. (2011), which enhanced document imaging toolkits; Singularity (2011), introducing SaaS-based business process management; Kapow Software (2013), marking entry into robotic process automation; Softpro (2014), broadening e-signature solutions; and Aia Holding (2015), strengthening customer communications management offerings.
In March 2015, Lexmark International acquired Kofax for approximately US$1 billion, integrating it with Perceptive Software to create a unified business content management division. That year, Kofax reported revenues of US$297 million.
Lexmark was subsequently acquired by a consortium led by Apex Technology and PAG Asia Capital in 2016 for US$3.6 billion. In July 2017, Thoma Bravo purchased Lexmark’s Enterprise Software unit—including Kofax—and combined it with ReadSoft to establish an independent company.
Kofax continued its expansion through acquisitions such as Nuance Communications’ Document Imaging Division (2018), adding Power PDF and OmniPage OCR software; Top Image Systems (2019); PSIGEN Software (2021), enhancing document capture and workflow automation; and Printix.net (2021), reinforcing cloud-based print management capabilities.
In July 2022, Clearlake Capital and TA Associates acquired the company from Thoma Bravo. Reflecting its focus on AI-driven workflow automation, the company rebranded as Tungsten Automation in January 2024. Peter Hantman assumed the role of CEO on July 1, 2025.
Products
Tungsten Automation creates advanced automation software tailored for enterprises, focusing on print management, process automation, and document/pdf handling. Its offerings are divided into four main segments: Intelligent Automation Platform; Finance & Accounting; Capture & Print; and Desktop Productivity.
The Intelligent Automation Platform facilitates digital workflow management through several essential components:
- TotalAgility, a low-code development environment that integrates document intelligence, orchestrates processes, and connects systems to optimize business operations.
- RPA, robotic process automation technology that enables no-code automation of intricate, multi-step workflows across various platforms.
- SignDoc, electronic signature software that authenticates digital signatures within document workflows.
Within the Finance & Accounting division, the company provides an Accounts Payable (AP) Automation Platform featuring:
- AP Agility, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance accounts payable processes.
- AP Essentials (previously ReadSoft Online), which automates the extraction and validation of invoice data from multiple formats.
- Invoice Portal, a web-based system for managing electronic invoicing.
In the Capture & Print category, Tungsten Automation offers software solutions supporting print-focused workflows:
- ControlSuite, software for print management, document capture, and security.
- AutoStore, compliant and automated document capture software.
- Capture, a tool that processes content from any location and integrates it seamlessly into business workflows.
The Desktop Productivity segment includes tools for managing documents such as:
- Power PDF, which allows users to create, convert, edit, share, and electronically sign PDF documents.
- PaperPort, designed for scanning, organizing, and handling documents efficiently.
Operations
Based in Irvine, California, Tungsten Automation employs approximately 2,200 people across 32 countries as of 2024. The company focuses its business efforts on niche sectors including healthcare, insurance, transportation & logistics, government, finance & accounting, and business process management. Prominent clients and collaborators include Xerox, HP Inc., Canon Inc., Samsung, Visa Inc., and MUFG Bank (The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi), underscoring its significant presence in global markets.