Lifesize Buys Kaptivo, Adds Digital Whiteboard Application

Lifesize has unveiled a new digital whiteboard application in conjunction with its acquisition of Kaptivo.

The new Kaptivo-powered digital whiteboard app enhances capabilities for remote collaboration and instruction within Lifesize video meetings. Lifesize provides cloud-based unified communications and collaboration (UCC) for contact centers, video conferencing and meeting rooms.

Earlier this year, the company merged with Serenova, the CCaaS and workforce optimization (WFO) provider.

Big Opportunity for Lifesize Partners

David Hsieh is Kaptivo’s CEO. He joins Lifesize’s executive team and will head the company’s advanced collaboration business.

Lifesize’s David Hsieh

“This will give partners a broader product line to sell and new ways to acquire customers,” he said. “Lifesize is a long-time integration and reseller partner for Kaptivo’s camera systems, which registered partners already offer as part of an integrated solution. Kaptivo can also be sold into companies and schools using other vendors’ video systems.”

Longer term, the new Lifesize advanced collaboration business will deliver both standalone products and integrated solutions, Hsieh said.

“Our partners will be really excited by the current opportunities for Kaptivo in education,” he said.

The Kaptivo offering pairs advanced image processing software that eliminates shadows, reflections and people in front of the whiteboard with a cloud-based collaboration platform.

“We believe this acquisition further enhances Lifesize’s suite of collaboration products, and partners’ ability to deliver a unique and differentiated approach to solving real-world collaboration challenges, both within traditional meeting spaces and for remote work,” Hsieh said. “This is especially important and advantageous as teams and educators look to stay connected and productive in continued, pandemic-driven distributed working and learning environments.”

Cross-Sell Opportunities

Kaptivo and Lifesize already were had a reseller relationship for many years, Hsieh said. The new cross-sell opportunities for Kaptivo partners and integrators will be just as promising as for Lifesize partners, he said.

Lifesize and Kaptivo haven’t yet decided how the companies’ partner programs will be combined, he said.

“Kaptivo is a natural addition to the Lifesize platform,” said Craig Malloy, Lifesize’s CEO. “We look forward to rapidly expanding our advanced collaboration offering and helping organizations work, engage, teach and learn more naturally and effectively, from wherever they are.”