ClickSoftware Technologies

In 1997, a former professor and consultant named Moshe BenBassat founded ClickSoftware in Israel. The company's focus was clear: develop software for workforce management and field service optimization. This meant creating sophisticated systems that used algorithms and AI to help companies intelligently schedule and dispatch their mobile workers, like technicians and delivery drivers. The company rode the dot-com wave and went public on the NASDAQ in 2000, raising $28.3 million. This move provided the capital to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leader in a niche but critical enterprise software market. For years, ClickSoftware grew steadily, even managing the complex coordination of telecom technicians at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A significant shift came in 2015 when private equity firm Francisco Partners acquired ClickSoftware for approximately $438 million, taking the company private again. This marked a new phase of accelerated growth and strategic positioning. The playbook culminated in August 2019, when Salesforce announced its definitive agreement to acquire ClickSoftware for a striking $1.35 billion. The acquisition was a strategic move for Salesforce to enhance its Field Service Lightning offering, integrating ClickSoftware's deep industry expertise to compete more aggressively in the field service management space.