Metacompliance buys Leipzig-based cyber training provider IYS
The deal is supported by Metacompliance's private equity backer, Tenzing
The cyber-awareness and training market, until recently fragmented into dedicated training providers and system integrator/security service providers with their own solutions for awareness training, is consolidating.
Metacompliance, based in Belfast, has been in the market for almost 20 years and is now acquiring Leipzig-based training provider Increase Your Skills (IYS).
Metacompilance founder and CEO James Mackay had been keeping an eye on the growth of IYS, co-founded by Hannes Hartung (pictured, left) in 2017. This spring, the training provider landed in London with its British subsidiary.
Metacompilance and IYS now want to grow together in DACH.
"IYS has demonstrated remarkable growth, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to customer centricity and relentless product innovation," says Mackay. Both companies share a vision "to personalise cybersecurity training," according to the Metacompilance boss.
Hartung and IYS managing director, Carolin Andree (pictured, right), see the entry of the British training specialist as "an exciting new chapter", according to Hartung.
"The depth and breadth of Metacompliance content, internationality and operational capabilities will enable us to offer our customers a significantly expanded portfolio of products and services," he says.
"Carolin and I are very much looking forward to working with the team and the opportunity to drive our ambitious growth plans in the DACH region."
The acquisition adds an experienced management team that will lead the expansion.
When it comes to acquisitions in its portfolio holdings, British tech investor Tenzing is always open.
The company is especially happy to be part of Metacompliance and IYS' expansion journey together, according to Tenzing manager Milan Kellner.
Tenzing sees itself as an active private equity investor.
In the last 12 months, the VC's managers have advised on 16 acquisitions of their investee companies.
Most recently, Tenzing made headlines in the German market when the VC invested in IT reseller Mahr EDV.