EdTech innovator eSafe Global has been acquired by Smoothwall.
Based in Salford, eSafe Global’s TripleLock software solution protects more than one million children and young people.
It has been acquired by fellow safeguarding technology provider Smoothwall, a business based in Leeds and backed by European mid-market tech investor, Tenzing.
Grant Thornton advised exiting investor Maven Capital Partners on the deal, identifying Smoothwall as an excellent strategic partner to support eSafe’s future ambitions.
Smoothwall’s software protects more than five million children across the UK. It pioneered the content-aware, real-time web filter which is now the UK’s number one web filter for education, while in recent years it has become a provider of digital safeguarding record management solutions and human moderated proactive monitoring solutions.
Georg Ell, CEO of Smoothwall, commented: “The acquisition comes at a pivotal time with both the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) and Ofsted Abuse Review highlighting the need for improved digital safeguarding provision at all levels.
“We thank all eSafe and Smoothwall customers for their continuous support and look forward to exciting times ahead.”
Christian Hamilton, founder and Co-Managing Partner of Tenzing, added: “The acquisition of eSafe is an important step in UK education as the need to protect children online becomes more and more critical.
“This investment strengthens Smoothwall’s position in the fast-growing monitoring market and enhances the company’s offering to its loyal customer base in schools around the world.”