Channel Brief: Bellini Capital, TechGrid, Logicalis, Microsoft

Grab a cup of your favorite morning beverage and check out the return of our regular market briefing for managed services providers (MSPs), IT service providers (ITSPs), technology service providers (TSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs) cybersecurity consultants, systems integrators, VARs, independent software vendors (ISVs), and distributors.

Our M&A list is back! - Check out regular updates our industry mergers and acquisitions list. We have a fresh list posted for 2024, and our 2023 data set is now complete. Check out the whole thing here.

Scroll down for a quick view of upcoming in-person channel and MSP events at the bottom of this post (while we spiff up our industry calendar behind the scenes. It will return!)

And please send your news tips, information, and industry chatter to editorial director [email protected].

A. Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. Another Bellini Capital investment - TechGrid, a business platform for managed service providers (TSPs), has secured a $9.2 million Series A investment from Bellini Capital. Previously known as SecurEdge Networks, TechGrid streamlines MSP workflows for selling, fulfilling, and managing IT solutions delivered to businesses. The new funding will help evolve and scale the platform under the continued leadership of Founder and CEO, Philip Wegner. More on this story soon. Check out our previous coverage of Bellini's return to the MSP market following the expiration of his non-compete.

2. Logicalis and Microsoft - MSP Logicalis has achieved Microsoft verified Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) Partner Status, the company announced. This status means Logicalis has proven their robust MXDR services including a Security Operation Center (SOC) with 24/7/365 proactive hunting, monitoring, and response capabilities built on tight integrations with the Microsoft Security platform. This solution combines expert-trained technology with human-led services and has been verified by Microsoft engineers.

3. NerdstoGo Chicago expansion planned - IT services franchise for business and home customers, NerdsToGo, is planning  a strategic expansion throughout the greater Chicago area with 20 new territories available for aspiring entrepreneurs. The company celebrated its first two NerdsToGo signings in the Chicago market in 2023. The company will be at the National Franchise Show,  April 6-7.

4. General Dynamics IT contract win - General Dynamics Information Technology, a unit of General Dynamics, was awarded a $922 million contract to modernize the U.S. Central Command's IT infrastructure. Under the contract, GDIT will use data from AI and machine learning to improve decision-making, and help the command center transition to a new cloud environment.The contract has a one-year base period and five option years.

5. Metronet personnel appointments - Fiber-optic internet service provider Metronet has appointed two telecommunications industry veterans to lead the company’s information technology, network engineering, product development, and commercial sales efforts. Craig Cowden, an industry consultant and former executive with Charter and Bright House, has joined as executive vice president and chief technology and product officer. Brad Freathy, most recently with Verizon and Charter, has joined the company as senior vice president of Commercial and Carrier Sales. 

B. In-Person MSP and Channel Partner Events