Izzi Software Company Profile

Background

Izzi Software, established in 2024 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a technology innovator dedicated to supporting and advancing mainframe and midrange computing systems. The company's mission is to acquire and grow founder-led businesses that develop leading products for these critical platforms, ensuring their continued relevance and functionality in the modern digital landscape. By integrating these tools into a broader set of solutions, Izzi aims to enhance the reach and impact of each product, providing customers with comprehensive and effective software applications.

Key Strategic Focus

Izzi Software's strategic focus centers on:

Acquisition and Integration: Targeting successful, founder-led companies with annual recurring revenues between $2 million and $10 million, particularly those offering innovative solutions for IBM i and IBM Z ecosystems.

Product Enhancement: Investing in acquired products to upgrade user interfaces, rewrite legacy code in modern languages, and ensure compliance with current regulations such as GDPR and DORA.

Market Expansion: Utilizing microservices and APIs to integrate multiple products, creating comprehensive solution sets that can effectively compete with larger industry players.

Financials and Funding

Izzi Software is backed by private equity firms ParkerGale, Talisman, and Dan Martell, providing a substantial war chest for acquisitions. The company plans to invest at least $10 million in acquiring and growing software firms within the IBM i and System Z sectors, with a goal of integrating one to two dozen companies into its portfolio.

Pipeline Development

Izzi Software's development pipeline includes:

ColeSoft Acquisition: In January 2025, Izzi acquired ColeSoft, a Virginia-based developer of debugging products for IBM mainframes. Plans are underway to port ColeSoft's z/XDC utility to the IBM i platform, expanding its applicability and market reach.

Future Acquisitions: The company is actively exploring additional acquisitions within the IBM i and System Z ecosystems, aiming to integrate and enhance these products to provide comprehensive solutions to customers.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Izzi Software distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary Technologies: By acquiring and integrating proven software applications, Izzi builds a robust portfolio of mission-critical solutions for mainframe and midrange systems.

Scientific Methodologies: The company employs modern software development practices, including the use of microservices and APIs, to facilitate seamless integration and scalability of its products.

Leadership Team

Jennifer Nelson, CEO: A global technology leader and military veteran, Jennifer has held executive roles at Big Band Software, Diebold Nixdorf, Rocket Software, and served as an Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Steve Nelson, Senior Vice President: With extensive experience in software engineering and leadership roles at VMS Software, Rocket Software, and General Dynamics, Steve brings deep industry knowledge to Izzi.

Mark Basarich, Account Executive: Mark has a proven track record in sales and business development, with previous roles at Evolven Software, OpenTech Systems, and Rocket Software.

Jim Milbery, Board Member: Co-founder of ParkerGale, Jim has a background in technology and private equity, with experience at Chicago Growth Partners and William Blair Capital Partners.

Bob Potter, Board Member: An accomplished business leader, Bob has served as Chairman and Lead Director for several technology companies and held executive roles at SolarWinds, SentryOne, and Rocket Software.

Jason Heath, Board Member: Co-founder and COO of Big Band Software, Jason has extensive experience in scaling startups and working in the SaaS industry, with previous roles at WebPT, Leadpages, Drip, and Media Temple.

Leadership Changes

In January 2025, Izzi Software announced the acquisition of ColeSoft, marking a significant expansion of its leadership and technical capabilities.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mainframe and midrange software market remains critical to industries such as banking, finance, healthcare, and government. Despite perceptions of these systems as outdated, they continue to underpin essential business operations worldwide.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in this space include:

Rocket Software: A major player offering a broad range of solutions for IBM i and System Z platforms.

Fortra: Provides comprehensive cybersecurity and automation solutions for mainframe environments.

Fresche Solutions: Specializes in IBM i modernization and management tools.

Precisely: Focuses on data integrity and integration solutions for various platforms, including mainframes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Izzi Software collaborates with private equity firms ParkerGale, Talisman, and Dan Martell to secure funding and strategic guidance for its acquisition and growth initiatives.

Operational Insights

Izzi Software's strategy of acquiring and integrating smaller, founder-led companies allows it to offer comprehensive solution sets that can compete effectively with larger industry players. By investing in product enhancements and leveraging modern development practices, Izzi ensures the continued relevance and functionality of its offerings.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Izzi Software plans to:

Expand Acquisitions: Continue identifying and acquiring companies with innovative solutions for IBM i and System Z platforms.

Product Integration: Develop integrated solution sets through the use of microservices and APIs, enhancing product offerings and market competitiveness.

Market Penetration: Strengthen its presence in the mainframe and midrange software market by offering comprehensive, high-quality solutions to customers.