• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Meridian Capital

Meridian Capital

Seattle Investment Bank

  • Industries
    • Aerospace, Defense & Space
    • Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Building Products
    • Business Services
    • Consumer
    • Diversified Industrials
    • Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
    • Technology
    • Telecom
  • Services
    • M&A Advisory
    • Capital Raising
    • Buy Side Advisory
    • Strategic Advisory
  • Transactions
  • News & Research
    • Press Releases
    • Industry Research
  • Our Firm
    • About Us
    • Subsector Expertise
    • Team
    • Company News
    • REACH: Cross-border M&A
    • Careers
  • Contact
.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="1c1110966c7db593d4e7e0bcdd16ea4c"] { padding: 25px; } .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="1c1110966c7db593d4e7e0bcdd16ea4c"] > .tb-container-inner { max-width: 1600px; } .tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="25a5b2534e9ca6afab569e4c083b6332"] { padding: 25px; } .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="25a5b2534e9ca6afab569e4c083b6332"] > .tb-container-inner { max-width: 1600px; } .tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="626212925c687d55fc87b35277c3fa34"] { padding: 25px; } .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="626212925c687d55fc87b35277c3fa34"] > .tb-container-inner { max-width: 1600px; } .tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="2e3e8eea83a00f4320e0ad6575df4fce"] { padding: 25px; } .tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="68249f4bcadaffb1d4d1bf80587c265f"] { background:linear-gradient(rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.65 ),rgba( 0, 0, 0, 0.65 )),  rgba( 12, 43, 64, 1 ) url('https://meridianib.com/wp-content/uploads/aerospace-2021.jpg') center center no-repeat;background-size:auto, cover;padding: 25px; } .wp-block-toolset-blocks-container.tb-container[data-toolset-blocks-container="68249f4bcadaffb1d4d1bf80587c265f"] > .tb-container-inner { max-width: 1600px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 781px) { .tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} } @media only screen and (max-width: 599px) { .tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-grid,.tb-grid>.block-editor-inner-blocks>.block-editor-block-list__layout{display:grid;grid-row-gap:25px;grid-column-gap:25px}.tb-grid-item{background:#d38a03;padding:30px}.tb-grid-column{flex-wrap:wrap}.tb-grid-column>*{width:100%}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-top{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-start}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-center{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:center}.tb-grid-column.tb-grid-align-bottom{width:100%;display:flex;align-content:flex-end}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto}.tb-container .tb-container-inner{width:100%;margin:0 auto} } 

SaaS M&A Trends: Winter 2019 Update

Published March 12, 2020

Home > M&A Trends > SaaS M&A Trends: Winter 2019 Update

Technology, Software, SaaS M&A Report

Meridian Capital publishes its Technology M&A Update, which focuses on key trends in the technology M&A market. The Winter 2019 edition focuses on the Software-as-a-Service sector.

Bolstered by increasing customer demand and the continued development of more robust offerings, SaaS continued to experience strong tailwinds in 2019. This strong momentum has garnered interest from both private equity and corporate/strategic investors that are attracted by the inherent business model scalability and potential long-term recurring revenue streams. During 2019 there were over 1,200 SaaS deals with an aggregate deal value of $204B.

View the Report

Meridian’s Technology Practice

Leading the Northwest in Technology M&A

Thought Leadership

Committed to tracking current industry valuation trends, M&A rationale, and investor criteria

  • Actively tracking 100+ technology, business services, & telecom-focused PE firms
  • Ongoing correspondence with acquisitive strategic investors

Technology Areas of Expertise 

  • SaaS
  • Hardware
  • Consulting and Staffing
  • Healthcare Technology

2019 By The Numbers

  • 4 Closed Transactions
  • 2 Engagements under LOI
  • 3 Active Engagements

Conference, Panel, and Interview Participation

Recent Meridian Technology and SaaS Transactions

Key Technology M&A Trends

Bolstered by increasing customer demand and the continued development of more robust offerings, SaaS continued to experience strong tailwinds in 2019. This strong momentum has garnered interest from both private equity and corporate/strategic investors that are attracted by the inherent business model scalability and potential long-term recurring revenue streams. During 2019 there were over 1,200 SaaS deals with an aggregate deal value of $204B. Meridian has identified several key trends it believes will continue to play a role in the SaaS industry moving forward.

Increasing Adoption of and Competition in SaaS

  • Given strong interest from investors and customers, coupled with a stable economy, new SaaS solutions have proliferated over the years, causing a strong increase in competition for SaaS providers. SaaS solutions are now seen to compete with an average of nine other solutions providing similar products. The result is a marketplace that requires that SaaS companies have a strong focus on their pricing, brand, and product capabilities, as well as providing the best customer satisfaction to keep churn at a minimum
  • This increase in competition has sharpened private equity interest in strong metrics and tightly bound valuation multiples to meeting key metrics

Significant Private Equity Interest

  • 2019 was marked by several blockbuster deals attributed to large private equity funds, a prime example of private equity rolling up fragmented industries to capture wallet share
  • Evolving financing terms have made private equity funds increasingly interested in SaaS companies. Though traditional financing relied on hard assets in order to leverage transactions, a new crop of SaaS-friendly lenders have provided financing solutions that comfortably rely on recurring revenue streams to service debt instruments
  • Key SaaS metrics attractive to private equity:
    • ARR > $10M
    • YoY Growth > 40%
    • High Gross Margin Profiles
    • Enterprise Solution-Oriented Models

Source: Pitchbook

Strong Continued Performance of Public SaaS Companies

  • Public SaaS Enterprise Value to Revenue multiples have significantly increased over the past three quarters. Horizontal SaaS multiples have increased from 12.2x in Q3 2018 to 15.9x Q4 2019, while Vertical SaaS multiples increased from 8.3x to 10.9x over the same period
  • Between December 2014 and December 2019, vertically focused SaaS companies gained nearly 200% compared to 391% for horizontally focused SaaS companies(based on an index of representative companies). During the same period, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 52% and 57%, respectively
  • Market sentiment towards the business model has remained positive despite a slight dip in revenue multiples earlier in the year

Rise of Specialty Lenders Focused on SaaS

  • Increasingly there has been a shift away from traditional means of financing SaaS startups: a niche has been carved out for financing solutions that provide more freedom compared to venture capital
  • Lenders have begun offering lines of credit, term loans, and revenue-based financing catered to SaaS companies
  • Revenue-based financing solutions are entrepreneur friendly and allow business owners to fuel growth while not diluting ownership

Source: Pitchbook

Percentage of Organization Running Purely on SaaS

Source: SuperOffice

Private Equity Interest by the Numbers

  • > $84B Capital Invested by PE into SaaS YTD Dec. 2019
  • 609 PE SaaS Acquisitions in 2019

5-Year SaaS Stock Performance Exceeds Market

Revenue Based Financing Characteristics

  • Flexible Payments
  • No dilution of ownership
  • Quick access to follow on rounds

Pacific Northwest Transaction Spotlight

Salesforce acquires Tableau

Deal Metrics

Deal Size: $15.7 Bn

EV/Rev: 11.7x

EV/EBITDA: NM

Source: Pitchbook

Investment Rationale

The acquisition of Tableau will complement Salesforce’s offering by providing customers with an integrated analytics and CRM platform allowing customers to unlock greater value from their data

Pacific Northwest Impact

The acquisitions further cements Seattle’s position as a leading technology hub. Salesforce joins tech behemoths such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Apple who have made significant headcount increased in the Pacific Northwest

Buyer Quote

“We are bringing together the world’s #1 CRM with the #1 analytics platform. Tableau helps people see and understand data, and Salesforce helps people engage and understand customers. It’s truly the best of both worlds for our customers – bringing together two critical platforms that every customer needs to understand their world” – Marc Benioff, CEO

Salesforce Acquisition History ($Bn)

Select Horizontal SaaS Case Studies

Source: Pitchbook, Press Releases

Qlik, backed by ThomaBravo, acquires Attunity

Target Description: Attunityprovides big data management software and data integration applications

Investment Rationale: The acquisition combines Attunity’sdata integration and management capabilities with Qlik’s data analytics platform, providing a single-source software platform to unlock the value of data

Buyer Quote: “Attunity’s strength in real-time data delivery across complex cloud environments will uniquely position Qlik to help customers lead with data and align their enterprise analytics strategy”–Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik

Hellman & Friedman acquires Ultimate Software

Target Description: Ultimate Software Group provides a SaaS based people management software product

Investment Rationale: The acquisition will provide a platform with many opportunities for growth, both through organic initiatives and strategic add-ons

Buyer Quote: “Ultimate’s market leadership in the human capital management segment and the company’s impressive track record of growth are built on the outstanding quality of its software and its dynamic and motivated employees. The company deeply understands the essence of human capital management, having itself been recognized with numerous best workplace awards from leading publications for its exceptional mission-driven culture. We look forward to building on Ultimate’s successes” –David Tunnell, Hellman & Friedman

Select Vertical SaaS Case Studies

Source: Pitchbook, Press Releases

Advance Publications acquires Turnitin

Target Description: Turnitin is a software platform that uses machine learning, computer vision, and advanced A.I. to scan students’ writing and code to identify plagiarism

Investment Rationale: The acquisition supports Advance’s efforts to diversify their existing business beyond traditional media

Buyer Quote: “We admire Chris Caren and his team, and Turnitin’s outstanding track record of enhancing integrity in written work at schools, universities, and publishers worldwide through cutting-edge technology” – Steve Newhouse, Chairman, Advance Publications

Tablula Rasa Healthcare acquires PrescribeWellness

Target Description: PrescribeWellness provides patient relationship management software that facilitates the collaboration between patients, payers, and providers

Investment Rationale: The acquisition helps Tabula Rasa expand its risk mitigation programs in community pharmacies and provides community pharmacists with clinical revenue opportunities

Buyer Quote: “The mission of PrescribeWellness, to deliver technology-enabled services solutions to help community pharmacies improve patient care and thrive economically, is very much aligned with TRHC’s mission. We welcome the PrescribeWellness team of over 150 employees and congratulate them on what they have accomplished” – Calin H. Knowlton, CEO, Tabula Rasa Healthcare

Select Recent Transactions –Vertical SaaS

DateTargetBuyerDescriptionEnterprise Value ($ in M)EV / RevenueEV / EBITDA
Nov-19Carbonite, Inc.*OpenTextProvider of online data protection and backup services to mainstream computer users.$1,3213.3x
Oct-19Medidata Solutions, Inc.Dassault SystemesProvider of a cloud-based service for the life sciences industry.$5,8009.1x
Oct-196 River Systems, Inc.ShopifyDeveloper of a collaborative mobile robot with a modern cloud-based software designed to redefine fulfillment automation for e-commerce and retail operations.$450

Oct-19Radixx International, Inc.Sabre CorporationDeveloper of passenger services system (PSS) software.$110

Sep-19Real Factors, Inc.7Park DataProvider of real estate software for commercial real estate investors.


Sep-19Waystar, Inc.Canada Pension Plan InvestmentDeveloper of medical claims management and patient payment software intended$2,700

Sep-19LTD Software, LLC*Endurance International GroupOperator of a cloud-based e-commerce automation software intended to offer back-end operations for e-commerce sellers.$10

Sep-19Online School Management Systems Inc.Bratenahl Capital PartnersDeveloper of online software for K-12 school districts intended to make online school management easier.


Jul-19OnLinkDeere & CompanyDeveloper of cloud based golf course management platform.


Jun-19EPAC Software Technologies, Inc.JDM Technology GroupDeveloper of maintainence services software.


Jun-19Pathfinder Health Innovations, Inc.CentralReach, Insight PartnersDeveloper of a cloud-based software designed to provide treatment for autism and cognitive disorders.


Jun-19BankSight Software Systems, Inc.Bottomline TechnologiesProvider of a cloud-based customer engagement software intended to help regional and community banks engage with their customers.$5

May-19Envisiontel LLCRemote-Learner USDeveloper of SaaS-based educational e-commerce and cloud integration applications designed to simplify online training.


May-19eFront S.A.BlackRockDeveloper of financial software in France.$1,30018.7x
May-19Ultimate Software Group, Inc.Hellman & FriedmanDeveloper and provider of SaaS based people management software product.$10,8969.1x84.5x
Apr-19test IO GmbHEPAM SystemsProvider of a self-service crowdtesting platform designed to help in agile software development.$17

Apr-19Club Speed, Inc.Bellwether Financial GroupDeveloper of a cloud-based venue management software.$43

Apr-19Xevo, Inc.LearProvider of a SaaS based automotive technology designed to seamlessly connect drivers and their vehicles to mobile applications, content and services.$320

Mar-19OpenALPR Technology, Inc.Novume SolutionsDeveloper of cloud API software that enables automatic license plate and vehicle recognition through virtually any IP camera.$12

Mar-19Prescribe Wellness LLCTabula Rasa HealthcareDeveloper of a cloud-based patient relationship management software designed to collect data for pharmacies.$1504.7x
Mar-19Turnitin, LLCAdvance PublicationsProvider of a software platform that uses machine learning, computer vision, and A.I. to scan students’ writing and code to identify plagiarism$1,75011.7x
Feb-19Mindbody, Inc.Vista Equity PartnersDeveloper of business management software for yoga and pilates studios, fitness facilities, spas, salons, and other retail clients.$1,9008.3x271.4x
Feb-19Bloombox LLC*Nabis HoldingsProvider of retail cannabis software.$2

Jan-19Qualtrics International Inc.SAPDeveloper of an enterprise data collection and analysis software intended to survey employees, markets, and customers.$8,00020.0x
Jan-19Infinite Cohesion, Ltd.Education Management SystemsDeveloper of a content management system intended to build Websites for K-12 schools.



Median

$3859.1x9.5x

Mean

$1,93310.6x64.6x

As of 12/31/19; * indicates announced transaction

Select Recent Transactions –Horizontal SaaS 

DateTargetBuyerDescriptionEnterprise Value ($ in M)EV / RevenueEV / EBITDA
Dec-19LogMeInFrancisco PartnersProvider of cloud-based collaboration and connectivity products$4,1813.4x13.0x
Dec-19VersaPayGreat Hill PartnersProvider of cloud-based accounts recievable software$9516.3x
Nov-19Docker EnterpriseMirantisDeveloper of container platform designed to help businesses build, share, and run applications.
Nov-19Scout RFP Inc.WorkdayDeveloper of a SaaS RFP and sourcing platform designed to help organizations source faster and achieve better business outcomes.$540
Nov-19Jask Labs, Inc.Sumo LogicDeveloper of cyber-security analytics software designed to modernize security operations.
Oct-19Intrinsyc Technologies Corporation*LantronixDeveloper of IoT products and provider of embedded computing hardware development services.$120.5x
Oct-19StatPro Group plcConfluence TechnologiesDeveloper of financial software and provider of cloud based portfolio analysis services.$1982.7x23.3x
Oct-19Cloud Conformity Pty LtdTrend MicroDeveloper of a cloud security software platform.$70
Oct-19Optima Diagnostics LimitedIdeagenDeveloper of a compliance system designed to help in workplace health and safety management.$2
Oct-19Carbon Black, Inc.VMwareProvider of endpoint security software designed to transform security in the cloud.$2,1009.1x
Oct-19Asure Software (Workspace Management Business)*Accel-KKRDeveloper of workplace software designed to make daily tasks easier.$120
Oct-19SignalFx, IncSplunkDeveloper of a cloud monitoring platform designed to accelerate problem detection and troubleshooting in real-time.$1,050
Oct-19Hedvig, Inc.CommVault SystemsDeveloper of a software-defined storage platform designed to improve the economics of storing and managing data.$225
Sep-19BetterCloud, Inc.DropboxDeveloper of an operations management platform intended to empower IT to define, remediate, and enforce management and security policies for SaaS applications.
Sep-19Zingle, Inc.MedalliaDeveloper of communication software designed to help businesses to communicate with customers via texting and other mobile messaging channels.$42
Sep-19ServicefriendFacebookDeveloper of an interactive text response system designed to offer a consistent messaging experience at massive scale.
Sep-19Semmle Ltd.GitHubProvider of software engineering analytics services designed to help customers achieve engineering excellence.$410
Sep-19Axioma, Inc.Deutsche Börse GroupDeveloper and marketer of risk management, portfolio construction, and risk and regulatory reporting tools.$876
Aug-19Pivotal Software, Inc.VMwareProvider of cloud platform tools and methodologies intended to help companies deliver better user experiences.$2,4923.5xNM
Aug-19Jaggaer, Inc.CinvenDeveloper of a web-based e-procurement, supply and materials management software.$1,600
Aug-19WeDo Technologies B.V.Audax Group, MobileumDeveloper of an expert consultancy platform designed to be used for fraud management.$97
Aug-19Internet Pipeline, Inc.*Roper TechnologiesDeveloper of a cloud based software platform designed for sales distribution through its on-demand service.$1,625
Aug-19Cxense ASA*Piano SoftwareProvider of web-based services designed for global data and personalization technology.-$8-0.4x1.3x
Aug-19AIM Software GmbHSimCorpDeveloper of enterprise data management software.$60
Aug-19Tableau Software, Inc.SalesforceDeveloper of analytics and visualization software.$15,70011.7xNM
Jul-19BlueTalon, Inc.MicrosoftProvider of a data-centric security software designed to protect data at all times while allowing it to flow freely and securely anywhere.
Jul-19Bitfusion.io, Inc.*VMwareDeveloper of an AI Infrastructure disaggregation platform intended to scale heterogeneous computing.
Jul-19QualiTest Ltd*Bridgepoint AdvisersProvider of quality assurance and software testing services.$420
Jul-19Amber Road, Inc.Insight PartnersProvider of global trade management software for importers, exporters and logistics service providers.$5326.2xNM
Jun-19Dude Solutions Inc.Clearlake Capital GroupDeveloper of a cloud-based operations management software.$5005.0x
May-19CloudabilityApptioProvider of a cloud cost management platform that improves visibility, optimization, and governance across cloud environment.
May-19Bonobot Technologies Ltd.*SalesforceDeveloper of a conversational intelligence platform designed to help organizations know their customers and grow their customer relationships at scale.$45
May-19Magnitude Software, Inc.3i GroupDeveloper of enterprise information management software.$3403.4x
May-19GitPrime, Inc.PluralsightDeveloper of productivity analytics software designed to bring visibility into the software development process.$170
Apr-19Attunity, Inc.Thoma BravoProvider of data integration and big data management software applications.$5566.4x61.5x
Apr-19Breezy HR, Inc.Learning Technologies GroupDeveloper of a recruiting software designed to modernize the recruiting process.$318.5x
Apr-19Samanage LtdSolarWindsDeveloper of a service management platform designed to simplify complex tasks and automate services.$350
Apr-19Determine, Inc.CorcentricProvides enterprise contract management and configure price quote software.$281.1xNM
Apr-19Nvoicepay, Inc.FleetCor TechnologiesDeveloper of cloud-based payment automation software.$219
Mar-19Aptean, Inc.TA Associates Management, Vista Equity PartnersProvider of enterprise resource planning software.$1,000
Mar-19AgileCraft, LLCAtlassianProvider of an all-in-one agile management suite for scaled agile software services.$166
Mar-19Arxspan LLCBrukerProvider of cloud-based scientific software and workflow solutions.$17
Mar-19Kyriba Corp.Bridgepoint AdvisersDeveloper of a cloud-based treasury and cash management software designed to help in supply chain finance, payments, and risk management operations.$1,20010.6x
Feb-19ConnectWise, LLCThoma BravoDeveloper of a remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform.$1,500
Feb-19Reverie Language Technologies Pvt. Ltd*Reliance IndustriesDeveloper of a communication software designed to make text communication possible in any language on digital platforms.$32
Feb-19Cylance, Inc.BlackberryDeveloper of cloud based cybersecurity platform designed to predict and prevent the execution of advanced threats and malware.$1,400
Feb-19AppRiver, LLCZixProvider of cloud-based cybersecurity and productivity software and services.$275
Feb-19JN Projects, Inc.DropboxDeveloper of an e-signature platform.$230
Feb-19Athenahealth, Inc.Veritas CapitalDeveloper of a SaaS platform intended to offer medical practice automation and claims management services.$5,3974.1x17.8x
Feb-19Intive GmbhMid Europa PartnersOperator of a digital strategy and software development company.$148
Feb-19Canvas Solutions, Inc.K1 Investment ManagementProvider of mobile platform designed to help companies automate outdated processes.$1507.5x
Jan-19Qualtrics International Inc.SAPDeveloper of enterprise data collection and analysis software intended to survey employees, markets, and customers.$8,00020.0x
Jan-19BOARD International S.A.Grafton Capital, Nordic CapitalOperator of performance management and business intelligence application software.$5008.5x
Jan-19Veracode Inc.Thoma BravoProvider of a cloud-based application security platform designed to find and fix security-related defects at all points in the software development lifecycle.$950
Jan-19Cooler Screens Inc.MicrosoftDeveloper of a retail point of sale platform designed to transform retail cooler surfaces into IoT-based screens.
Aug-18Adaptive Insights, Inc.WorkdayProvider of business planning software to help companies improve business financial performance.$1,44712.7xNM
Median$7259.5x9.0x
Mean$1,51810.6x9.9x

As of 12/31/19; * indicates announced transaction

Select Public Vertical SaaS Companies 

CompanyNet DebtMarket Value of EquityEnterprise Value1 Yr Rev Growth %TTM RevenueTTM EBITDAEnterprise Value / TTM RevenueEnterprise Value / TTM EBITDA
Autodesk, Inc.$1,087$42,543$43,63131%$3,112$38414.0x113.6x
Veeva Systems Inc.-$86522,001$21,13626%$1,025$33720.6x62.6x
Guidewire Software Inc.$247$9,333$9,580-4%$697$1613.7x609.2x
Avalara, Inc$0$6,513$6,51339%$352NM18.5xNM
RealPage, Inc.$451$5,488$5,93916%$960$20762x28.7x
Blackbaud, Inc.$594$4,022$4,6165%$884$12452x37.1x
Evestnet Inc$515$3,704$4,21911%$870$454.8x93.2x
BlackLine, Inc.-$133$3,466$3,33326%$271NM12.3xNM
Inovalon Holdings, Inc.$880$3,114$3,99320%$605$1616.6X24.9x
Castlight Health-$18$202$184-2%$149NMNM
Median$5,27818%$784$1619.4x62.6x
Mean$10,31417%$893$18210.3x138.5x
(US $ in millions)

Select Public Horizontal SaaS Companies 

CompanyNet DebtMarket Value of EquityEnterprise Value1 Yr Rev Growth %TTM RevenueTTM EBITDAEnterprise Value / TTM RevenueEnterprise Value / TTM EBITDA
Adobe, Inc.$1 ,928$168,693$170,62124%$10,644$3,57016.0x47.8x
Salesforce.com, Inc.$2,226161,638$163,86426%$15,850$2,70610.3x60.6x
ServiceNbw , Incw$501$58,941$59,44332%$3,224$23718.4x250.7x
Workday, Inc.$640$41,644$42,28331%$3,440NM12.3xNM
Square, Inc.$449$29,811$30,26045%$4,333$977.0x310.7x
Splunk, Inc.$0$24,637$24,63733%$2,190NM11.3xNM
Zoom Video Connuications, Inc$0$20,885$20,885$540$3038.7x704.0x
Paycom Sotftw are, Inc.$0$17,300$17,30031%$695$24824.9x69.7x
RngCentral-$156$16,608$16,45233%$839$1519.6x1091.1x
DocuSign$0$13,016$13,01638%$899NM14.5xNM
flogme$0$12,362$12,362$570NM21.7xNM
Coupa Softw are, Inc.$0$10,809$10,80948%$353NM30.6x
Cropbox$458$7,484$7,94220%$1,591$1075.0x74.3x
Dynatrace, Inc.$0$7,524$7,524$483NM15.6xNM
Smartsheet, Inc.$0$5,317$5,31754%$245NM21.7xNM
Ivédallia, Inc.$0$4,077$4,077$379NM10.8xNM
Box, Inc.$0$2,434$2,43416%$676NM3.6xNM
Median$16,45232%$839$17215.6x162.5x
Mean$35,83733%$2,762$87616.6x326.1x
As of 12/31/19; * indicates announced transaction

 

Meridian Capital's Technology Transaction Experience

*Note: Includes transactions completed by Meridian bankers while at previous firms

Meridian Capital’s Technology Team

Patrick Ringland Photo
Patrick Ringland
President & Managing Director

Technology M&A Reports

Artificial Intelligence M&A Trends: Spring 2024

April 29, 2024

IT Services M&A Trends: Spring 2024

March 25, 2024

Construction Tech M&A Update: Winter 2024

February 6, 2024

IT Services M&A Trends: Fall 2023

October 18, 2023

Digital Commerce M&A Trends: Summer 2023

July 18, 2023

Technology Services: M&A Trends: Spring 2023

April 6, 2023

SaaS M&A Trends: Winter 2023

December 19, 2022

Healthtech M&A Trends: Fall 2022

October 11, 2022

Technology Market Update: Summer 2022

August 11, 2022

Technology M&A Trends: Spring 2022

May 9, 2022

Technology, Software, SaaS M&A Trends: Winter 2021

April 22, 2021

EdTech M&A Trends: Fall 2020

April 20, 2021

FinTech M&A Trends: Spring 2020

May 19, 2020

Healthcare & Technology M&A Trends: Spring 2020

April 23, 2020

Technology M&A Update: Fall 2018

November 5, 2018

Technology SaaS M&A Update – Spring 2017

May 25, 2017

Footer

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

  • Select all that apply
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Industries
    • Aerospace, Defense & Space
    • Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Building Products
    • Business Services
    • Consumer
    • Diversified Industrials
    • Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
    • Technology
    • Telecom
  • Services
    • M&A Advisory
    • Capital Raising
    • Buy Side Advisory
    • Strategic Advisory
  • Transactions
  • News & Research
    • Press Releases
    • Industry Research
  • Our Firm
    • About Us
    • Subsector Expertise
    • Team
    • Company News
    • REACH: Cross-border M&A
    • Careers
  • Contact

Any testimonial stated herein may not be representative of the experience of other clients and is no guarantee of future performance or success.


Meridian Capital LLC © 2025 • Privacy Policy
FINRA and SIPC and Brokercheck Member