Contactually, a D.C.-based social networking efficiency and optimization startup, expects to experience extreme growth in 2015, according to co-founder and COO Tony Cappaert. Contactually, which markets a lean, customizable CRM toolbox used to maximize the ROI of a network, has raised $3.5 million in seed funding to date. In 2014, its revenue grew quickly and its staff nearly doubled, from 22 to 40 employees. Today, the startup’s focus is entirely on following up last year’s momentum, and the company is aiming for profitability in the near term, Cappaert told DC Inno.
Contactually currently employs 55 full-time staff members but that number is likely to quickly change. The startup plans to expand its workforce by adding about four new jobs a month in DC, according to Cappaert.
Contactually services about 7,500 clients in 100 countries, helping them connect and engage with professionals for their mutual benefit. Cappaert says the startup hopes to grow to more than 18,000 clients in 2015.
In addition, Contactually will shift its focus to larger business-focused accounts — this means shifting the sales model partially away from individual services and towards larger corporate entities, where their network platform can be systemized. In terms of product development, Cappaert says you can expect future content specific recommendations and a new feature to estimate networking effort vs. probable return on that time investment. The idea is to better track the value of a networking effort.
Cappaert expects Contactually to follow its strong revenue growth last year with a rapid growth pace again this year. Contactually is "super revenue focused," with a multitude of options. It hopes to be profitable by the end of year but may need a potential later-year Series A funding round to push then over the top — dependent on market outlook — Cappaert told DC Inno. “At a high-level we are focused on building out the platform as whole, extending it and perfecting it,” the COO said.
As for the new hires, they will be split evenly across multiple sectors while its engineering and sales division appreciate a direct focus for future expansion, Cappaert said. The expanded sales team will be building out a mid-market focus.
