‘It's about buying capabilities’: 3stepIT teams up and invests in ExpandNow
The alliance will aim to boost the Finnish company’s employee purchase programme
3stepIT has partnered with and invested in e-commerce solution provider ExpandNow to grow its reach beyond traditional corporate sales.
The Finnish circular technology provider will aim to leverage ExpandNow’s platform and merchant of record (MoR) functionality to optimise its employee purchase programme (EPP).
The EPP service, which allows employees to buy discounted products, will aim to complement 3stepIT’s partnership with SkyTech Control by enabling device users to retain and continue using their devices as their own.
Under the strategic partnership agreement, 3stepIT has also partially invested in ExpandNow.
“The strategic partnership with ExpandNow represents an important milestone for 3stepit as we continue to enhance and expand our service offering and capabilities,” said Jakob Lagander, CEO of 3stepIT.
“By integrating ExpandNow’s technology, we are streamlining the employee purchase process and unlocking new opportunities to deliver value to our customers and end-users globally.”
In a recent interview with CRN, Lagander explained that when he learnt about ExpandNow, he knew it would be a company he’d want to work with going forward.
“We're not used to doing consumer business, so we needed someone who had those capabilities in an automated way.
“It's not about buying market share. It's about buying capabilities,” the CEO told CRN.
ExpandNow CEO Thomas Müller added: “This collaboration bridges the B2B and B2C gap by using our merchant of record platform to simplify global payments, ensure compliance, and open direct-to-consumer channels.
“In addition, 3stepIT’s investment gives us a foundation for building and scaling our global business.
“Our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation drives this partnership, creating impactful solutions for businesses and consumers.”
Lagander also previously told CRN he’d keep looking at mergers and acquisitions that complement its services portfolio.
The company recently bought out LeaseCloud, which allowed it to enter the SMB sector.
It also partially invested in companies such as SkyTech in Norway to get access to its IP for automating employee onboarding.