Catalyst-backed Pax8 named David Willis, a 28-year Microsoft executive, to the Pax8 Board of Directors. Willis most recently served as the Corporate Vice President for Microsoft’s US One Commercial Partner (OCP) group. Previously, he was Corporate Vice President for the US Small and Mid-Market Solutions and Partners group (US SMS&P).
MSP-focused, born-in-the-cloud distributor Pax8 has acquired Sea-Level Operations in a move the company said will enable it to help its channel partners with coaching and education to improve their operations. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is Pax8’s biggest investment in MSP development to date, said Nick Heddy, chief revenue officer for the Denver-based distributor.
The North Carolina greenhouse is just the latest chapter in BrightFarms’ vision to be the national leader in local produce.
Catalyst portfolio company Pax8, the best place for IT professionals to buy cloud products, announced investment plans into its Canadian Microsoft business, which grew a notable 73% since June of 2020. The company plans to expand in the market and add significant resources to its partners in the region, driving more Microsoft cloud sales enablement and support.
Catalyst portfolio company EDB, a leading contributor to PostgreSQL, marked 2020 with record growth. The company expanded its technology portfolio with the acquisition of UK-based 2ndQuadrant, establishing it as the largest dedicated provider of PostgreSQL products and solutions worldwide.
BrightFarms has secured more than $100 million in debt and new equity capital to support robust expansion plans. The Series E round of funding was led by Cox Enterprises, which now owns a majority stake in the company, and includes a follow-on investment from growth equity firm Catalyst Investors. BrightFarms will use the funds to invest in its current farms and retail programs and expand its network of regional indoor farms across the U.S.
Catalyst-backed BrightFarms, a leading supplier of locally grown salads for supermarkets, opened a new expansion to its Rochelle, IL greenhouse. The increase in production will support BrightFarms continued growth in the market, including a 34 percent jump in year over year sales with Mariano’s.
Catalyst portfolio company EDB, a leading contributor to PostgreSQL, achieved record growth in the first half of 2020, further showing that PostgreSQL is a centerpiece of technology strategy for an increasing number of enterprises.
Catalyst portfolio company BrightFarms, a leading supplier of locally grown salads, recently surpassed 2,000 stores, bringing their total store count to 2,009. BrightFarms has added more than 800 stores this year amid a record surge in demand that has increased year over year sales growth by 40% in the last month. The company’s growth has been driven by continued success with national retail partners like Ahold Delhaize USA and Kroger/Roundy’s and Walmart, along with recent product launches in Sam’s Club and Meijer.
Catalyst-backed InSite Wireless Group, LLC, one of the largest privately-owned tower and wireless infrastructure companies in the U.S., acquired Repeater Communications Group, LLC, one of the leading operators of leased rooftop telecommunications sites in New York City and surrounding markets. With this acquisition, InSite expands its portfolio of urban rooftop assets and gains a significant foothold in some of the nation’s largest BTA markets.