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Mekari's acquisition of Qontak marks a significant step in the SaaS industry, particularly in Indonesia. By integrating Qontak's CRM and omnichannel communication solutions, Mekari aims to enhance its service offerings and strengthen its market position. This strategic move underscores the growing trend of consolidation within the industry, aiming to provide more comprehensive solutions for businesses.
Founded in 2016, Qontak offers cloud-based CRM solutions with omnichannel capabilities and customer service tools. Its core products include sales CRM, customer service CRM, and integrated communication channels like WhatsApp and Instagram. Unique selling points include an integrated dashboard for team collaboration, automated customer service with AI chatbots, real-time GPS tracking for sales teams, and comprehensive reporting. Qontak's solutions are scalable, flexible, and adhere to stringent data protection regulations.
Mekari is a prominent provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions in Indonesia, focusing on enhancing business productivity through digital transformation. Its key products include Talenta for HR management, Jurnal for accounting, and Klikpajak for tax management. Mekari also offers services like Payroll Service and Mekari University for professional training. Trusted by over 35,000 businesses, Mekari is known for its secure, scalable solutions and dedicated support, making it a significant player in the market.
Mekari announced its acquisition of Qontak on May 25, 2021. This move came shortly after Mekari's Series D funding round, which raised $21 million. The timing aligns with a broader trend of consolidation in the SaaS industry, particularly in Southeast Asia, where companies are increasingly integrating CRM and omnichannel communication solutions to enhance their service offerings. This acquisition reflects the growing importance of digital transformation and integrated business solutions for SMEs in the region.
Market Expansion: The acquisition of Qontak by Mekari is a strategic move to strengthen its market presence in the SME sector within Indonesia. By integrating Qontak's CRM solutions, Mekari aims to offer a more comprehensive suite of services, thereby attracting more users and expanding to other cities. This aligns with Mekari's vision of becoming a significant platform for modern companies in Indonesia.
Technology Integration: Qontak's omnichannel communication app, which integrates with platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, will be incorporated into Mekari's suite of services. This integration is expected to enhance communication channels for business owners and their customers, improving customer relationship management (CRM) and overall service value. Additionally, Qontak's business directory platform with verified business contacts will further enhance Mekari's business automation technology.
Competitive Advantage: The acquisition is expected to boost Mekari's service value by increasing client revenue, creating a better communication experience, and enhancing the productivity of sales teams and support. By offering a more robust and unified platform that combines CRM capabilities with existing HR and finance solutions, Mekari can gain a significant competitive edge in the market. The leadership and expertise of Qontak's founder joining Mekari's top management further strengthens the company's strategic position.
The acquisition of Qontak by Mekari has led to notable changes in operations and management. Brendan Rakphongphairoj, Qontak's founder and CEO, has joined Mekari's top management while continuing to lead Qontak as a business unit. This integration aims to streamline operations and enhance product development. Qontak will now operate as a subsidiary of Mekari, focusing on integrating its CRM and omnichannel communication solutions with Mekari's existing offerings, such as HR management, accounting, and employee benefits applications.
In terms of product offerings, the acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Mekari's service portfolio. The integration of Qontak's CRM software will enable more comprehensive, experience-driven solutions for customers. This move is anticipated to boost client revenue, improve communication experiences, and increase the productivity of sales teams and support staff. While specific employee reactions are not detailed, the overall sentiment among customers appears positive, as the enhanced service offerings are likely to better support existing customers and attract new ones.
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