Around the world, more than a billion people use the internet regularly. Global sales of software are approaching $250bn a year. Substantial rewards await those companies that develop and market products with global appeal, however, these sectors are well known for their susceptibility to hype.
At 3i, we partner with software and internet businesses that offer unique benefits to customers and can achieve international market leadership:
- In the software industry, we support companies that will be market leaders. The range of applications is broad, from security and financial services software to software that helps colleagues collaborate and think creatively. We avoid generic office and enterprise applications, where the markets are dominated by global giants and current revenue models are under attack.
- Collaboration is a key theme of the internet businesses we support. We work with companies that help users share information, work jointly and take control. In a business context, this means bringing together those with a need, such as job or home hunters, with those who can fulfill that need, such as employers and real estate agencies. In the consumer sphere, we work with businesses that enable people to build online communities and interact.
- We also focus on internet businesses where technology is being used to enhance a consumer experience or value chain, for example in digital marketing, e-commerce and social media. Increasingly we support businesses where the internet is being deployed to new devices, such as mobile phones and TV.
With offices across the US, Europe and Asia, we are well placed to help companies expand internationally. Whilst internet businesses can often thrive regardless of geographic location, our office in California is a key resource for growing software businesses. The US market accounts for about half of global software sales and successful participation in that market helps to deliver credibility, financial returns and partnership opportunities.
