Planview

In 1989, long before software ate the world, Patrick Durbin founded Planview in Austin, Texas. He pioneered what would become the Project and Portfolio Management (PPM) industry. The initial idea was simple: build software to help companies manage their projects and resources. By 1997, the company launched Planview Enterprise, a web-based platform giving businesses a comprehensive view of their initiatives. The company's journey has been one of steady growth and strategic evolution, largely outside of the venture capital spotlight. Instead of high-profile funding rounds, Planview's story is marked by a series of significant private equity acquisitions. In 2013, Insight Venture Partners took a substantial interest. This was followed by an acquisition by Thoma Bravo in 2017, a firm known for growing enterprise software companies. A major turning point came in December 2020, when TPG Capital and TA Associates acquired Planview for $1.6 billion, with Thoma Bravo retaining a minority stake. This event underscored Planview's established position as a leader in its category. Throughout this period of ownership changes, Planview has aggressively acquired other companies to expand its capabilities, purchasing firms like Projectplace, LeanKit, Clarizen, and Tasktop to build a comprehensive suite of tools for everything from agile planning to value stream management.