Ignition Technology to expand across EMEA following Exclusive Networks acquisition

The specialist VAD for cybersecurity start-ups will extend its operations into Southern Europe (France), the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time

Exclusive Networks will expand Ignition Technology's operations to several new territories across the EMEA market after acquiring the business last year.

The expansion will see start-up and emerging tech distributor Ignition build on its existing northern European presence across the UK&I, Benelux, and the Nordics by extending operations into Southern Europe (France), the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time.

Ignition aims to act as a "springboard for early stage disruptive cybersecurity vendors looking for accelerated market entry and channel momentum" and was acquired by Exclusive in July 2021.

"Last year's acquisition of Ignition was a strategic move to reinforce our long-standing pedigree in discovering, nurturing and scaling early-stage cybersecurity innovators," said Jesper Trolle, CEO of Exclusive Networks.

"We now have a clear pathway for emerging cybersecurity start-ups, especially those with SaaS-based business models, who require a completely different range of value-based services to that of established vendors.

"By expanding Ignition's market presence within the global footprint of Exclusive Networks we can significantly broaden its business operations, increase the addressable market opportunity, yet still remain laser-focussed on the specialist needs of the next wave of emerging and disruptive SaaS based cybersecurity start-ups."

Ignition has also made a series of new hires as part of its efforts to extend its geographic reach and capabilities across EMEA, including Rodolphe Moreno who has been appointed as country manager for France to establish Ignition's first foothold in southern Europe.

Phil Starr takes up the position of regional manager for the Middle East to spearhead Ignition's growth plans in the region, while Tony Coleman becomes Ignition's new regional manager for Sub Saharan Africa.

Managing director of Ignition Technology Peter Ledger said: "Having successfully integrated Ignition as a specialist entity within the wider Exclusive Networks business, we're now focussing our efforts on scaling the Ignition offering in line with Exclusive's global operations, with an initial focus on EMEA.

"This allows us to expand the addressable market for our disruptive, high-growth vendors, grow new partner ecosystems, accelerate new commercial opportunities, and rapidly scale sales momentum across key regions."