For Script's CEO and co-founder Aaron White, selling the company was always the intention.
But for White, who built the edtech company in 2016, it was essential to sell to a company aligned with the Script team in the education realm. After years of becoming familiar with North Carolina-based EMS LINQ Inc., he found they were a perfect match.
"They are so aligned with where we're heading; it was the perfect partnership," White said in an interview with Tampa Bay Inno. "They totally aligned on school administration software, and that's where they're positioning themselves, to be the best of the best, which I believe they already are. It was a no-brainer when the opportunity came."
The company announced it was acquired for an undisclosed amount by the Wilmington-based company on April 21.
White will become LINQ's senior director of product, focusing on Script. The company's COO Dan Greco has decided to exit the company.
"It was time for me to sunset [the role] and be a big cheerleader on their side," said Greco, who also invested in the company through his role at Ark Applications. "Aaron and Pat hold a great place in my heart for all the things we've done, and our relationship transcends transaction."
The remaining 10 full-time employees at Script have all stayed on for their new roles at LINQ, according to White. He added beyond title changes, very little has changed for the company itself.
"It means the same; we’re going to continue building Script, and building administrative software, just under the umbrella of LINQ," White said, adding the company will remain in its Tampa office at coworking space Workhouse. "We’re still here in Tampa. It's really important to me personally, and I want to make sure this ecosystem continues to thrive. I'm here."
An acquisition also alleviates the future stress of having to raise funding. Script has raised $2 million since its inception, closing $500,000 in November 2020 and $1.5 million in April 2019.
Script is the first Tampa Bay company to be acquired in Q2, in an already record-breaking year. Eight companies were acquired in Q1 of 2021, compared to the five companies acquired in all of 2020.
"I think [our acquisition] is finally highlighting what we've already known: That we have a whole lot of great companies that are poised for great exits," White said. "And I think this year will surprise us. Tampa Bay will position itself as a leader of cranking up startups that I believe can change the world."
