Aspire Software recently held the Inaugural North American Leadership Bootcamp in Montreal. Bringing together 90 leaders from Valsoft’s family of companies, the bootcamp kicked off with presentations and panel discussions that not only set the stage for an exhilarating journey ahead, but also provided valuable insights and inspiration.

Participants engaged in interactive workshops, where they acquired practical skills and participated in thought-provoking breakout sessions that ignited creativity and generated innovative ideas. Subjects covered ranged from growth strategies, talent management practices, and international expansion tactics to pricing concepts, initiatives, and beyond. The entire bootcamp was beneficial to helping our vertical market software companies’ network, drive success, and grow.

Participants were treated to more than just a platform for sharing best practices – they were able to build connections, spend time networking, and got to hear directly from Valsoft and Aspire Software leadership teams.

Words from our leadership team

Sam Youssef and Michael Assi

“The Aspire Leadership Bootcamp provides a unique opportunity to take a break from our daily affairs, come together, reflect on the big picture, and align on our strategy and goals. We are fortunate to have a global network and community of leaders and entrepreneurs that convene twice a year to connect, share knowledge, and exchange best practices.”

Michael Assi – CEO of Aspire Software

“We are unique as a company in that we have many different industries, and this leadership bootcamp gives our companies an opportunity to come together and learn from each other. Our commitment to their success doesn’t end with the acquisition. Entrepreneurship is at the core of Valsoft and by implementing best practices, we foster an environment that molds companies into leaders and helps them reach new markets and geographies, increase market share, and grow customer base.

Sam Youssef – Founder and CEO of Valsoft Corp.

One panel discussion of interest was moderated by Valsoft President, Mounir Hilal, on Driving Organic Growth through Customer Success. During the session he uncovered a valuable lesson: expansion and churn are two sides of the same coin, and investing in customer success is the key to keeping that coin forever in your favor. The panelists went into greater detail of the four pillars of customer success – Adoption, Retention, Expansion, and Advocacy – as the building blocks to ensure your business thrives and your customers remain your strongest allies.

Everyone in attendance got to see the impressive potential of collaboration and will return to their respective businesses ready to infuse the fresh strategies they learned. We can’t wait for the next Bootcamp!

Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what some of the leaders shared:

Duane Hepditch: Chief Operating Officer, Hospitality

Duane Hepditch, Hospitality

What lessons will help you with your job?

The business turnaround stories had a big impact on me. Hearing how other business leaders navigated issues with product development, pricing, and operations were very helpful. The workshops on growing your business through Professional Services or pricing strategies were also helpful.

A positive lesson is that we need to make decisions quicker. Our businesses are changing so quickly that I need to rely on my direct reports for their guidance and input and then make decisive decisions so that I don’t impede their progress or momentum.

What are your key takeaways from the Aspire Leadership Bootcamp?

One of the key takeaways for me is that the Leadership Bootcamp is a safe place for business leaders to speak openly and share successes and failures. We’re all in this together and the support from all levels of management is genuine and gives me the confidence to take risks to achieve and surpass my goals. We have so much talent within our greater organization.

An added bonus was that it helped me get over my fear of public speaking and presenting to my peers.

Alain Bissada: Vice President of Sales, Aspire Software

Alain Bissada, Aspire VP of Sales

What are your key takeaways from the Aspire Leadership Bootcamp?

The most important takeaway for me is that regardless of the challenges we face every day, someone else has already successfully surmounted the same or something very similar. The amount and scale of significant turnarounds the various teams have led is a huge source of inspiration and offers a multitude of ideas to borrow from and implement.

What advice do you have for others who might attend Aspire Leadership Bootcamp?

My advice to anyone attending an Aspire Leadership Bootcamp is to reach out to as many peers across the various portfolio businesses as possible during the event and get familiar with their stories and share the challenges you’re facing. The willingness and desire participants have to help and collaborate is amazing.

John Mitropoulos: Managing Director of Vocantas/Bluebird/RENTALL

john mitropoulos

What have you learned from speaking with other attendees?

I thoroughly enjoyed the Leadership Bootcamp in Montreal.  It was a great balance of user panels, workshops and physical activities that got me out of my seat.  I especially enjoyed working with new people on solving common business problems and I learned a great deal.  The user panels were also extremely informative, and I had a lot of good takeaways from the event.

Looking forward to connecting with the people I met in Montreal.  Thanks for organizing!

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

We are thrilled to share M&I Broadcast Services‘ OmniPlayer solution has now expanded into North America. 

Cogeco Media had decided to partner with M&I and adopt their state-of-the-art OmniPlayer system for their radio automation needs. This game-changing move marks a significant step for both Cogeco and M&I, as it not only enhances Cogeco’s working capabilities, but also allows M&I to expand its reach into new geographies. 

Cogeco chooses M&I’s cutting edge platform for a new radio era 

Cogeco Media, a prominent radio network based in Quebec, had been using their previous solution for over a decade. However, recognizing the need for a more advanced, flexible, and reliable solution, they decided it was time for a change. Enter M&I’s OmniPlayer – a cutting-edge platform that caters to the evolving demands of the radio industry. 

For Cogeco, OmniPlayer represents a fresh start, enabling them to revolutionize their ways of working. This new system brings a host of benefits, including state-of-the-art features, enhanced flexibility, and unmatched reliability. With OmniPlayer, Cogeco can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver an exceptional listening experience to their audience. 

“For our media operations to be as efficient and flexible as possible and to have interoperability of personnel between sites, it was crucial for us to choose one solution and system that serves our mission critical processes when it comes to radio broadcast and that would smoothly integrate to our digital platforms,” says Pascal Gélinas, General Manager of Technology at Cogeco Media. “With OmniPlayer I am convinced we have made a giant leap forward to make this happen and with its capabilities OmniPlayer makes us fit for the future.” 

M&I’s ambition and Aspire’s resources combine to drive global expansion  

This collaboration is a testament to Aspire’s resources paving the way for the expansion of our brands. 

As a Dutch-based company, expanding M&I’s presence into the North American market proves that the team is capable of undertaking large-scale projects overseas. This breakthrough not only paves the way for traction in the North American market but also opens doors in other regions such as Asia and the Middle East. 

M&I’s Omniplayer platform has a market share of over 90% in The Netherlands. While this cutting-edge solution has been exclusive only to European markets, this step in securing Cogeco as a client now signals international expansion is very viable. 

“OmniPlayer has proven its worth and has prospered for many years in Europe, specifically in The Netherlands. After being integrated into Aspire’s portfolio, we became highly motivated to spread OmniPlayer towards other territories,” says Raymond Lamphen, Managing Director of M&I. “I am extremely proud that we earned the trust of Cogeco Media and gained our first customer outside of Europe. It was an extensive process, and I am looking forward to the deployment and operations.” 

“We are excited to welcome Cogeco as a new customer, a prominent leader in the communications and media space,” said Michael Assi, CEO of Aspire Software “Aspire Software’s presence played a pivotal role in bolstering confidence, not only in M&I’s expansion strategy but also in earning Cogeco’s trust. With Aspire’s Montreal headquarters, there was a tangible sense of proximity and reassurance for Cogeco, as they knew they would receive support and service from a local team based in Montreal.” 

Throughout the process, M&I’s Canadian partner and dealer, SonoTechnique, played a pivotal role in building the bridge between M&I and Cogeco, particularly at the outset. Ultimately, it was M&I’s dedicated team in The Netherlands that solidified the partnership, displaying the entrepreneurial spirit that embodies Aspire-operated companies. 

What’s next? 

This monumental collaboration between Cogeco Media and M&I sets the stage for innovation, growth, and improved efficiency. Aspire Software is honoured to be a part of this journey, empowering businesses to embrace cutting-edge technology and achieve remarkable success in the ever-evolving world of radio automation. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter, more dynamic future. We look forward to supporting M&I in any way we can as The Netherlands’ leading radio automation solution grows its presence worldwide.  

About Cogeco Media 

Cogeco Media, a subsidiary of Cogeco inc., is one of the largest radio networks in Quebec. Leaders in their market, Cogeco Media’s stations reach more than 5 million listeners each week. 

About M&I Broadcast Services  

M&I Broadcast Services makes appealing, mission-critical software for the broadcasting industry. With OmniPlayer they have set a new standard in radio automation and playout software. Most regional and nationwide stations in the Netherlands use OmniPlayer to create, manage, edit, play out and broadcast their content, news, and music flawlessly. With Nimbus Newsroom, they’ve created software that will let creators, journalists and editors make, edit, and bring news anytime, anywhere and from any device. 

Aspire Software ventures into Industrial ERP solutions with the integration of JBL Solutions

Aspire is pleased to announce the integration of JBL Solutions (“JBL”), a comprehensive suite of industrial ERP solutions based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, thanks to Valsoft Corp’s latest acquisition.

JBL Solutions has built upon its long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional customer service, continuous innovation in design and product enhancement, and providing a consultative approach to implementation. Their extensive product offering empowers gas and welding professionals to gain valuable insights, manage their purchase orders, trace cylinders, streamline accounting, control inventory, and much more.

“Over the years, Jim and I have been approached by potential buyers, but we were steadfast in our quest for a buyer with an impeccable reputation for caring about employees and customers,” stated Bob Lyles, CEO of JBL. “Our success is a testament to our team and loyal customers. When Valsoft came along, they exceeded our expectations and align perfectly with our vision,” continued Lyles, “making it an exciting prospect to entrust them with our legacy, confident that they will continue to invest in our employees, customers, and products.”

What JBL brings to Aspire

Dedicated to their core mission of enhancing business value, JBL Solutions leverages over four decades of experience to assist in achieving objectives such as future acquisitions, generational wealth transfer, and personal benefit, relying on their extensive knowledge of industry best practices. They prioritize bottom-line growth, addressing inventory challenges and optimizing asset management to prioritize profitability.

Their software streamlines operations and reduces dependence on key personnel and customers, offer innovative tools for improved sales efficiency without expanding teams, and provide essential audit controls to safeguard financial integrity, thus preserving and enhancing a company’s overall value.

“We are excited to enter the Industrial ERP solutions vertical with the acquisition of JBL Solutions. Their desire to continue driving innovative ERP solutions for not only the gases and welding industry, but the distribution and fabrication industries as well, is what makes JBL Solutions a perfect entry into the Industrial ERP vertical,” said Operating Partner at Aspire Software, Kent Howard. “Delivering continuous value for their customers is what has established JBL Solutions as a leader in the industry, and this integration will allow us to continue fostering growth and driving value for our customers.”

About JBL Solutions

JBL Solutions is a trusted name with over 3,000 users across 33 states, Canada, and the Bahamas. These users rely on MIS Accu-Tech, CylTech 2, and AcuTrax software solutions to streamline their operations. In 2015, a collaborative effort between Accu-Tech and Dataweld solidified a shared vision for growth and innovation. Recognizing the similarities between MIS Accu-Tech and Dataweld’s products, JBL Solutions capitalized on their collective experience, resources, and synergies. The company remains committed to delivering exceptional customer service, continuous product improvement, and a consultative approach.

For more information please visit www.jbl-solutions.com

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

For more information please visit www.valsoftcorp.com

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that we have entered the supply chain visibility space with the integration of ICL, a leading provider of solutions for transportation and logistics. Valsoft Corp’s latest acquisition pushes Aspire into an exciting new vertical in our extensive portfolio.

Established by Patrick Donahoe in 1992, ICL is driven by a singular mission: to attain industry recognition as the foremost leader in delivering product visibility and invoice-auditing solutions across the logistics supply chain. The company has proven its success as a valuable partner, helping clients achieve their objectives.

”As we expanded from our core automotive business of supply chain visibility to address the needs of a more diverse range of shippers, we recognized the need to partner with a company with the resources and agility to help ICL move to the next level,” stated Patrick Donahoe. “Valsoft’s culture and operating model are well matched to our organization and provide the conditions needed to accelerate ICL’s growth plans.”

ICL’s presence in the logistics industry

ICL offers a wide range of specialized products and services tailored specifically for the logistics industry. For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) involved in vehicle manufacturing, ICL provides the Vehicle Logistics Management System (VLMS), a cloud-based solution that centralizes and digitizes data from supply chain partners. This comprehensive system streamlines invoice tracking and auditing processes.

Additionally, ICL offers Rubicon VLS, serving as a lead logistics provider, leveraging industry expertise and connections to establish a top-tier network for transporting finished vehicles.

Auto haulers can benefit from the ePOD App, a mobile application that simplifies communication and reporting between haulers and OEMs, eliminating paper-based processes.

For yard managers overseeing vehicle storage and operations, ICL provides YMS Express, which includes software and mobile applications to efficiently manage yard activities.

Lastly, the Rail Shipment Visibility Portal (RSVP) is a software solution catering to rail shippers, allowing them to consolidate data from various railways, providing comprehensive visibility and advanced analytics for their shipments.

“We are excited about the addition of ICL to our portfolio of companies. Thanks to their comprehensive product offerings, ICL has established itself as the leader in automotive logistics, yard vehicle management and rail logistics,” stated Gustavo Vargas, Operating Partner at Aspire Software, the operating division of Valsoft. “The partnership between ICL and Valsoft marks the fusion of innovation and expertise, a partnership that promises to redefine the future of the vehicle logistics industry.”

About ICL

ICL’s history is characterized by relentless innovation and commitment to excellence. ICL consistently reinvests in its software, ensuring its agility and adaptability. ICL’s global presence expanded with the establishment of subsidiaries in Mexico and India. With its diverse portfolio, ICL maintains its position as a leading force in the transportation and logistics industry.

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that Fusion, a comprehensive industrial data analytics hub based in Chicago, Il, has joined our portfolio with Valsoft Corp’s latest acquisition.

Fusion offers organizations a versatile solution for swiftly accessing a wealth of industrial operations data from diverse sources, simplifying experimentation and in-depth analysis. Fusion’s cloud-native Industrial Data Analytics Hub empowers users to creatively harness event and time-series data, unlocking new and impactful possibilities.

The platform effectively eliminates the barriers that have previously impeded the efficient utilization of industrial data. It addresses the spectrum of Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) data across expansive enterprise environments, encompassing multiple sites and systems, all at massive scale.

“The Fusion team is excited to join Valsoft,” said Dave Shook, General Manager of Fusion. “We are looking forward to renewed investment in our product and delivering more value to our customers through integration with Valsoft’s existing products and services.”

The Fusion Platform’s Data-Driven Solution

Fusion’s platform seamlessly integrates with asset hierarchies and data models, enabling businesses to maximize the value of their existing data management investments. This fosters a culture of self-reliance within organizations. Its versatile solution effortlessly collaborates with established Business Intelligence and Analytics tools and includes an engineering-ready trending tool, enhancing adaptability to diverse organizational needs. Additionally, Fusion offers flexible deployment options, accommodating user preferences by supporting Software as a Service (SaaS) hosting in its own cloud environment or through a dedicated cloud infrastructure. It’s a tailored solution designed to meet individual requirements, underscoring Fusion’s unwavering commitment to data-driven success.

“We are excited to add Fusion to our Process & Manufacturing portfolio. Their consistent drive to deliver innovative solutions to industrial data analytics is a perfect fit within Aspire,” said Aspire Software CEO, Michael Assi. “The integration of Fusion reinforces the continued growth in the Operation Technology industry and Fusion is at the forefront with its cutting-edge solution.” 

About Fusion

Fusion takes pride in being a leading industrial data analytics hub, providing organizations with a comprehensive solution for the efficient acquisition and consolidation of granular industrial operations data. Whether the data originates from existing systems or new IoT deployments, its cutting-edge platform enables businesses to seamlessly drive analytics, experimentation, and operationalization initiatives. Fusion excels in automated data quality assurance and normalization, ensuring that data is not only obtained but also transformed into a valuable asset characterized by precision and integrity.

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that DemandBridge (“DB”), a comprehensive eCommerce toolset for seamless brand management and marketing content distribution, has joined our portfolio, with Valsoft Corporation’s latest acquisition.

DemandBridge offers a range of powerful platforms designed to address various business needs. These comprehensive solutions are expertly engineered to tackle individual business challenges by seamlessly connecting robust accounting, operational, and inventory management systems with leading multi-channel brand management and e-commerce portals. Additionally, they feature a web-based procurement solution, developed by industry professionals with an in-depth understanding of the field.

“I am thrilled to announce that DemandBridge has entered a new and exciting chapter by joining the Valsoft/Aspire family,” says Dave Rich, CEO of DemandBridge. “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring the continued growth and success of DemandBridge. With Valsoft’s extensive expertise and resources, we are confident that DemandBridge will not only thrive but also reach new heights in delivering innovative marketing automation solutions to our valued clients.”

End-to-end solution for Marketing Automation

In addition to these platform-specific benefits, DemandBridge provides a wide array of advantages, including cloud-based services for flexibility and scalability, customizable marketing tools through a software-as-a-service model, enhanced data management, advanced integration options, improved reporting capabilities, upgraded sourcing technology for cost savings, and a commitment to agile development with continuous updates driven by user input.

“DemandBridge offers an unmatched end-to-end solution for Marketing Automation” said Gustavo Vargas, Operating Partner at Aspire Software, the operating division of Valsoft. “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and look forward to leveraging the combined expertise and resources to provide transformative solutions for DemandBridge clients. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our growth trajectory, and we are thrilled about the immense opportunities it brings to drive success and create a brighter future for both Aspire and DemandBridge.”

With this latest integration, Aspire Software enters yet another vertical and we look forward to working with the team at DemandBridge.

About DemandBridge

With over 4 million registered users and 10,000 brands spanning various industries, DemandBridge’s platform empowers distributors to comprehensively address their customers’ marketing and sales needs, from traditional hard goods to full digital content distribution. The fully integrated platform streamlines time-consuming marketing tasks through a user-friendly interface that adheres to brand standards, fostering strong customer relationships and positioning providers as trusted partners.

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that the UK business assets of Optima Energy Systems (“Optima”), a market-leading provider of advanced software solutions for managing and analysing energy data, will now be operated under Aspire.

Founded over 30 years ago, Optima Energy Systems boasts an impressive blue-chip customer list, representing some of the world’s largest energy consumers. Their state-of-the-art software and dedication to innovation have positioned Optima at the forefront of the energy data management sector. Valsoft Corp’s acquisition of Optima expands Aspire’s presence in the energy management sector.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Optima team to the Valsoft family,” states Patrick Cusk, a Valsoft Operating Partner. “Optima’s innovative product offering is well placed to continue capturing market share as we transition towards a NetZero world, with the increased ESG reporting requirements that shift entails. This acquisition continues our global expansion in the energy management vertical and we look forward to leveraging that scale to bring greater value to our customers.”

As industries move swiftly towards more sustainable practices and a greater emphasis is placed on energy efficiency, providing precision of energy usage data has emerged as a pivotal factor. Optima’s digital utilities management solution is designed to address these challenges head-on.

“The integration of Optima’s expertise and advanced product suite into the Aspire portfolio signifies a pivotal move in Aspire and Valsoft’s joint commitment to offering top-tier energy management solutions on a global scale,” Michael Assi, CEO of Aspire Software. “This acquisition is set to provide an unparalleled advantage to clients worldwide.”

About Optima

At Optima Technology, our purpose is to power a faster transition to net zero for every business, which is why we’re setting a new benchmark for net zero data accuracy. It allows you to make decisions informed by robust data and formulate policy based on rock-solid foundations.

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that our publishing portfolio has now expanded with Valsoft Corporation’s acquisition of Protecmedia, pioneers in cutting-edge technology for the publishing sector.

This dynamic direction ushers in a new era of strategic evolution and technological advancement for Protecmedia, a trailblazer in providing cutting-edge solutions for the media and publishing sector and Aspire, a global leader known for its decentralized operations structure and sustained growth.

In a landscape where technological innovation is paramount, Protecmedia stands out with its comprehensive range of solutions tailored to the unique needs of the publishing industry. Through a strategic lens, Protecmedia’s offerings span advertising, editorial processes and audience management, catering to every facet of media operations.

Protecmedia’s presence felt in multiple facets of the publishing industry

In the realm of advertising, Protecmedia’s suite of tools optimizes revenue streams by streamlining multi-channel insertion, creative management, recruitment, production, planning, and billing. Editorial processes are revolutionized through state-of-the-art technology, elevating newsroom workflows and supporting digital transformation. Audience Management solutions offer integrated tools that enhance reader experiences, simplify internal processes, and drive efficiency across the board.

One standout innovation, the Media Cloud solution powered by Oracle Cloud Computing technology, empowers media enterprises to manage advertising, publishing, and audience domains with scalability and continuous data availability.

Strategic nature behind Protecmedia and Aspire’s partnership

“Protecmedia has always demonstrated its ability to evolve its business with our customers,” said Alejandro José Lorenzo Edreida, CEO of Protecmedia. “With Valsoft/Aspire we are securing and expanding our business. Our opportunities for growth will multiply with their experience and investment strength. Valsoft’s knowledge and Protecmedia’s understanding of our industry will ensure a bright future for both companies. Protecmedia prides itself in offering the broadest specialized product portfolio for the media industry and will continue to provide valuable solutions to our customers worldwide.”

With a portfolio that serves more than 500 publishers worldwide, Protecmedia has earned the trust of the industry. Now, Protecmedia is placing trust into Aspire to execute a strategy involving expansion and improving development. Their commitment is unwavering as they guide clients through technological development and digital transformation. Every project is a collaborative journey, with Protecmedia’s adaptable approach ensuring tailored solutions that optimize technological efficiency and boost productivity.

Michael Assi, CEO of Aspire Software, the operating division of Valsoft, acknowledged Protecmedia’s strong leadership: “Protecmedia has established itself as a media and publishing leader across European and Latin American markets. Their track record speaks volumes about their dedication to innovation and client satisfaction. They excel in offering scalable services without compromising personalized adaptability.”

About Protecmedia

With over 40 years of collective international experience, the team of 150 professionals has been dedicated to constant innovation, delivering tailored solutions to meet the media’s diverse needs. Operating in 29 countries globally, their presence is solidified through headquarters in key locations, including Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, and Chile.

About Valsoft Corporation

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.

Aspire Software is pleased to announce that we have entered the digital ordering system space, following Valsoft’s latest acquisition of Microdeb. Renowned as an industry leader, Microdeb is at the forefront of offering comprehensive solutions that streamline payment and order transactions through its proprietary closed system.

Microdeb’s diverse clientele, encompassing both private businesses and the public sector, attests to its expertise in optimizing transactional processes. As a standout leader in Sweden, Microdeb’s impressive achievements encompass an extensive installation base, intricately designed customer solutions and an expansive customer portfolio. The company’s payment system generates approximately 150 million transactions annually, underscoring its significant impact on modern transactional landscapes.

Microdeb’s goal with this new integration

Isac Wiksten, CEO of Microdeb, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are excited to join the Valsoft family to continue the story of Microdeb as a market-leading payments service provider for our customers. Partnership with Valsoft will enable us to strengthen our business and grow as a comprehensive solution by combining our industry expertise and network with theirs to invest in and look towards the future.”

In a strategic move, this acquisition propels Microdeb into an even more prominent position within the Swedish and European markets.

With this latest integration, Microdeb becomes the second Aspire company in Sweden. The expansion into these markets, in synergy with Aspire/Valsoft’s vertical market approach, positions Microdeb to enhance its presence and elevate its flagship product to new heights.

“Microdeb has solidified its market leadership in Sweden by offering a complete POS solution tailored to specific market segments such as catering and or canteens,” said Jeffrey Messud, Operating Partner at Aspire Software, a division of Valsoft. “We are truly enthusiastic about welcoming Microdeb to Valsoft and strengthening our POS vertical strategy. Our commitment to investing in product development and delivering exceptional customer support to our existing clients remains unwavering, as we simultaneously expand Microdeb’s footprint.”

About Microdeb

Founded in 1979, Microdeb has its head office in the Lindholmen Science Park in Gothenburg. With 20 dedicated and talented employees in Sweden, Microdeb is a recognised and distinguished industry leader providing solutions to streamline payment and order transactions. With a proprietary closed system, Microdeb serves a wide range of customers in both the private and public sectors.

About Valsoft Corporation 

Valsoft Corporation acquires and develops vertical market software companies through which each business can deliver the best mission-critical solutions for customers in their respective industries or niche. A key tenet of Valsoft’s philosophy is to invest in well-established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers.

About Aspire Software

Nurture. Enhance. Grow. As the operational arm of Valsoft Corp, Aspire operates and manages Valsoft’s global portfolio of wholly owned software companies, providing mission-critical solutions across multiple verticals. By implementing industry best practices, Aspire Software delivers a time-sensitive integration process, and the operation of a decentralized model has allowed it to become a hub for creating rapid growth by reinvesting in its portfolio.