Actian
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: 2300 Geng Rd Ste 150, Palo Alto, California, 94303, USA
Phone: 650-587-5500
Number of employees: 400
Website: www.actian.com
Overview
Actian Corporation, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a prominent player in the data management and analytics industry. The company was established in 2005 under the name Ingres Corporation, primarily offering a relational database management system (RDBMS) based on the Ingres product. In 2011, the company rebranded as Actian Corporation to signify a broader focus on delivering innovative data management and integration solutions, as well as analytics products for businesses of all sizes.
The genesis of Actian’s core technology can be traced back to the 1970s at the University of California, Berkeley, where a research project led by computer scientist Michael Stonebraker resulted in the creation of the Ingres RDBMS. Ingres was eventually commercialized, and its development continued through various acquisitions and mergers until Ingres Corporation was formed in 2005.
Over the years, Actian has executed a growth strategy that combines organic development and strategic acquisitions. Notable acquisitions include Pervasive Software in 2013, a provider of data integration and data management solutions, and ParAccel in the same year, a developer of high-performance analytics databases. These acquisitions enhanced Actian’s product portfolio and positioned the company as a formidable competitor in the data management and analytics space.
The company’s product line is designed to address the evolving needs of modern businesses by providing a range of data management, integration, and analytics solutions. Key products include the Actian X Hybrid Database, a high-performance hybrid database system that combines the Ingres RDBMS with the innovative Vector analytics engine; Actian DataConnect, an integration platform as a service (iPaaS) for connecting and managing data from disparate sources; and Actian Avalanche, a cloud-native, fully managed analytics service built on the Vector engine.
Actian’s offerings cater to a diverse clientele, spanning industries such as finance, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, among others. The company’s solutions have found favor among industry giants such as GE, Xerox, and eBay, who rely on Actian’s technology to manage vast amounts of data and gain valuable insights for driving business growth.
In terms of funding, Actian has attracted substantial investment over the years. Following its inception as Ingres Corporation, the company secured $15 million in Series A funding in 2005, led by Garnett & Helfrich Capital. Later, in 2007, the company raised another $10 million in Series B funding, led by Menlo Ventures, followed by an additional $14 million Series C round in 2009. These investments supported the growth and expansion of Actian’s technology and market presence.
One of the significant milestones in Actian’s history occurred in April 2018, when the company was jointly acquired by HCL Technologies, a leading global IT services company, and Sumeru Equity Partners, a technology-focused private equity firm, for $330 million. Under the guidance of HCL Technologies and Sumeru Equity Partners, Actian has continued to make strategic investments in its technology and product offerings. In June 2020, the company announced a significant update to its Avalanche platform, introducing new capabilities such as real-time data ingestion and integration with popular machine learning frameworks. These enhancements have further strengthened Actian’s position in the rapidly evolving data management and analytics market.
In addition to its focus on product innovation, Actian has also been recognized for its commitment to fostering a strong company culture. The company has been honored with multiple awards, including the San Francisco Bay Area’s “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in 2017 and 2018, as well as the 2019 “Top Workplaces” award by the Bay Area News Group. These accolades highlight Actian’s dedication to creating an engaging and supportive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee growth.
Actian’s commitment to environmental sustainability is another noteworthy aspect of the company’s operations. In 2019, the company received the “Green Business Certification” from the California Green Business Network, which recognizes businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing their environmental impact. This certification reflects Actian’s dedication to implementing sustainable practices in its operations and promoting a cleaner, greener future.
As part of its ongoing mission to democratize data access and empower businesses with actionable insights, Actian maintains a strong presence in the open-source community. The company’s contributions to open-source projects, such as the Ingres RDBMS and the Postgres database, have helped to drive innovation and establish industry standards in the data management and analytics space.
Actian’s global partner network is another critical aspect of its business strategy. The company collaborates with a wide range of technology and service providers, including hardware vendors, systems integrators, and independent software vendors (ISVs), to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to its customers. Through its partner ecosystem, Actian aims to provide clients with the necessary tools, expertise, and support to extract maximum value from their data.
In summary, Actian Corporation has made a significant impact on the data management and analytics industry through its history, product innovation, strategic acquisitions, and strong leadership. The company’s funding rounds and joint acquisition by HCL Technologies and Sumeru Equity Partners have fueled its growth and expansion, enabling it to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients across various industries. Actian’s commitment to employee satisfaction, environmental sustainability, and contributions to the open-source community further underscore its dedication to making a positive impact in the technology landscape.
Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.
Employees
Marc Potter – Chief Executive Officer
Jennifer Jackson – Chief Marketing Officer
Marc Monahan – Chief Financial Officer
Steve Padgett – Chief Information Officer
Pamela Fowler – Senior Vice President, Customer Success
Emma McGrattan – SVP Engineering
Romy Mager – SVP Global Renewal Sales
Robert Ruppel – Senior Vice President – Global Sales
Darryl Marucut – Director, People Operations (Human Resources)