Clearhaven Partners Buys Software-Defined Video Platform Zixi

By Amit Chowdhry • Jun 16, 2024

Zixi, a provider of Software-Defined Video Platforms (SDVP) and an industry leader for enabling reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient live video transport over Internet protocol networks, announced that private equity firm Clearhaven Partners, along with Zixi’s executive team, has completed a significant investment in the company to drive it to the next stages of growth.

Launched in 2006, Zixi offers end-to-end software solutions to 1,400+ customers and 400+ integrated partner offerings to enable reliable broadcast-quality video delivery over any IP network for broadcasters, enterprises, OTT video providers, sports leagues and franchises, service providers, cable operators, and telecommunications companies worldwide.

Zixi’s software solutions also enable reliable and scalable performance for the most discerning customer ecosystem including Amazon Prime Video, AWS Elemental Media Connect, FOX, Fubo, MLB, Net Insight, NHL, Paramount, Roku, SKY, Univision, Wurl, YouTube TV and hundreds of additional leading media and entertainment organizations globally.

Among some of the offerings, Zixi’s innovative cloud-based ZEN Master live video orchestration and telemetry control plane enables global monitoring of all live streaming activity across connected Zixi nodes, complex workflow automation, and advanced video and stream analytics, delivering actionable insights. Zixi’s clients (among the largest media organizations globally) orchestrate, deliver, and manage thousands of mission-critical streams in the cloud, on-premise, and/or in private infrastructure environments within the powerful Zixi Enabled Network.

The Zixi Enabled Network is the largest ecosystem of global third-party partner offerings, enabling customers to seamlessly deliver 20,000+ live linear channels and millions of live events with rapid deployment speed and extreme scale in over 120 countries. And Zixi works with leading digital-first OTT streaming companies, and traditional broadcasters and content owners who seek to benefit from the flexibility, scalability and interoperability of Zixi, allowing for the creation and acceleration of new content acquisition, business models and opportunities to reduce cost and generate revenue.

Clearhaven will be working closely with Zixi to support the company’s continued innovation, customer-focused culture and scalability on its way to achieving next era growth and success. And with Clearhaven’s backing, Zixi will be delivering on its goal to be the technology partner of choice for IP-based media transport in the large, global market opportunity that has now reached a critical inflection point for growth.

Last year, Zixi’s annual recurring revenue from OTT customers grew 100% year-over-year, with most utilizing Zixi-as-a-Service (ZaaS), The broadcaster customers grew over 30%, and the SDVP was used to broadcast over 1.5 million live sporting events globally. And this growth is reflective of Zixi’s leading role in the industry’s continued transformation and need for agile, cost-effective IP video workflows with best-in-class network visibility and orchestration. Zixi is a trusted partner for its consistent innovation, thought leadership and commitment to its customers’ success as they scale. Zixi’s platform monitors 9 billion mission-critical telemetry data points each day, driving powerful AI/ML-driven analytics, Live Predictive Health Scores, Trends and Insights, Automated Incident Detection & Root Cause Analysis for customers at a fraction of the cost of legacy manual methods.

Goulston & Storrs PC served as legal counsel and Raymond James & Associates served as financial adviser for Zixi. And Kirkland and Ellis and Meitar served as legal counsel to Clearhaven Partners.

KEY QUOTES:

“Partnering with Clearhaven, an investor group with a great deal of expertise scaling software companies and with a unique video thesis, is a natural fit for Zixi and one that will enable us to double down on product innovation, set the highest standards for serving our valued, worldwide customer base and ensure our business achieves next level scale and scalability. As we enter our next stage of growth and innovation, we’re delighted to partner with Clearhaven to pursue the significant opportunities in our market.”

  • Gordon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Zixi

“Zixi is a bullseye fit for Clearhaven’s investment. We have long admired Zixi’s differentiated technology, unrivaled ecosystem integrations and position as a trusted technology partner to discerning global technology and media companies. As importantly, we are pleased to partner with Gordon and the Zixi management team and to complement the innovation and brand strength of Zixi with our skills in efficiently scaling enterprise software businesses in this exciting next chapter.”

  • Michelle Noon, Founder and Managing Partner of Clearhaven Partners