zetcom, an HQIB portfolio company, acquires majority stake in Fluxguide

zetcom Informatikdienstleistungs AG (“zetcom”), a Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen GmbH (“HQIB”) portfolio company, has acquired a majority stake in Fluxguide Ausstellungssysteme GmbH (“Fluxguide”). The two founders and managing directors of Fluxguide, André and Kasra Seirafi, will remain co-shareholders and continue to manage Fluxguide’s day-to-day operations, as well as work closely with zetcom’s management team to advance the digitalization of museums and cultural institutions worldwide. The parties have agreed not to disclose further details of the transaction.

The combination of zetcom (collections management system) and Fluxguide (digital experiences, apps, media guides) combines competencies in the field of collections documentation and collections management with the digital interface to the visitor, an essential step in the digitalization of museums. The COVID-19 pandemic, among other things, has further accelerated the shift from traditional museum visits to a comprehensive digital experience.
“Digital interactions and the opportunities it offers for museums to create unique customer experiences will become increasingly important in the future. Moreover, museums will be able to significantly multiply their reach through digital content. We are pleased to have found a partner in Fluxguide with whom we can offer our more than 1,000 international customers state-of-the-art solutions in the field of digital experiences. One-stop, integrated software offerings can significantly reduce the complexity and time investment for museums,” says Marcel Zemp, founder and CEO of zetcom.

“We’re excited about working with zetcom. Together, we can offer an unparalleled range of digital solutions: from internal collections management to experience platforms on all digital channels. On the one hand, we offer individualized high-end solutions for specific customer requirements; and on the other hand, also standardized solutions for smaller and medium-sized cultural institutions will be available in the future. These attractively priced alternatives will enable all customers in the cultural sector to deepen and professionalize their digitalization journey,” say André and Kasra Seirafi, founders and managing directors of Fluxguide.

The long-term goal is to build a globally leading group of complementary software products for the cultural sector, inter alia through targeted acquisitions. Besides the two companies’ core markets in Europe, there will be an increased focus on further internationalizing the group, especially in NorthAmerica. The world’s largest museum market contains considerable growth potential for digital solutions, of which zetcom is already benefiting today with a subsidiary in the U.S.

About zetcom

zetcom develops internationally leading software solutions and services for museums, collections, and corporate archives as well as solutions for organizational management (foundations and associations) and environmental data management (administration and companies). Over 1,000 customers in more than 30 countries are using its flexible software solutions (SaaS) to develop and maintain cultural heritage, manage daily business or administer environmentally relevant institutions. They are supported by zetcom’s headquarters in Switzerland, by subsidiaries in Germany, the US, Spain, France and worldwide partners. Since 1998 zetcom is a reliable partner for continuous innovation, high-quality products and services and comprehensive know-how. Since 2020 zetcom belongs to the holding company Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen GmbH. Further information can be found at www.zetcom.com.

About Fluxguide

Fluxguide develops unique digital visitor experiences in the fields of culture, science, and learning. The company offers consultation, conception, and end-to-end realization of customized solutions that transform exhibitions into creative and lively experiential spaces. Fluxguide’s many years of experience and its interdisciplinary team guarantee award-winning innovations, didactic excellence, state-of-the-art technologies, and professional handling. Clients include international museums and cultural institutions as well as research institutions and universities. Fluxguide was founded in 2013 and currently has about 20 employees. Further information can be found at www.fluxguide.com.

About Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen

Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen is the principal investment firm of the family Harald Quandt joined by a small, select number of (industrial) families and partners. HQIB invests in small and medium-sized companies within the German-speaking region, that are leading in established and technologically sophisticated market niches with attractive growth potential. As an industrial holding company, HQIB pursues a long-term, sustainable investment approach and is not subject to any time restrictions or limited investment periods. Further information can be found at www.hq-ib.com.

Advisors HQIB