Inside Beekeeper's USD 1B exit with Co-Founder Cristian Grossman
28.07.2025
After years of building Beekeeper into a widely used platform for frontline teams, Cristian Grossman reached a turning point: joining forces with LumApps, a digital employee experience platform for desk-based workers, to advance the product beyond what either could achieve alone. This acquisition unites two complementary platforms to serve both frontline and desk-based employees under a single offering. The deal values the combined company at over USD 1 billion. But what made this the right step—not only for the business but also for the broader vision behind it?
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Beekeeper was designed for the part of the workforce often left behind by traditional enterprise software: frontline employees. Its mobile-first platform enables real-time messaging across shifts, sites, and languages, supports task automation, and helps managers keep teams aligned and informed. Easy to roll out and integrate with existing systems, it brings operational tools into one accessible hub.
Now part of LumApps, Beekeeper enters a new phase—bringing its frontline focus to a broader, integrated platform. We asked Co-Founder and CEO Cristian Grossman what led to the decision, how the deal came together, and what founders can take from the experience.
What led to the decision to sell Beekeeper, and why was LumApps the right acquirer?
It was driven by a shared vision to build the world's leading platform connecting office and frontline employees. LumApps is the market leader in next-generation intranet solutions, while Beekeeper is the category leader for frontline communication and productivity. Functionally, geographically, and culturally, the companies are highly complementary. Combining our strengths allows us to create a unique, integrated offering and reach a scale and pace of innovation that would have been difficult to achieve alone.
What will this deal allow you to do that wasn't possible before?
This combination unlocks several opportunities:
• Truly global coverage across all segments of the workforce
• Significant scale effects in product development, distribution, and customer success
• Cross-selling into more than 2,000 existing client relationships
• Enhanced financial resources to accelerate growth in new markets and invest more aggressively in AI and platform innovation
In short, this is about faster growth, broader impact, and the ability to deliver on our shared vision at a completely new level.
How do you see Beekeeper's mission for frontline workers continuing in the new setup?
Beekeeper's mission to improve the experience of frontline workers remains absolutely core. The platform will continue to be developed and strengthened as part of the combined offering. We now have even more resources and expertise to invest in mobile-first innovation, usability, and integrations that empower frontline teams.
In what way did programs like Venture Kick and Venture Leaders influence your journey with Beekeeper?
The programs were essential stepping stones in our journey. Beyond financial support, they provided critical strategic guidance, international exposure, and a strong network of advisors and peers. That early foundation helped us build the confidence and capabilities to grow and scale.
Now that Beekeeper has reached this milestone, what's next for you personally and professionally?
For me personally, this is both a milestone and a new starting point. In the immediate term, my focus is on ensuring a smooth integration and delivering on our vision of creating the leading platform for all employees. Professionally, I'm excited to continue driving growth as Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer of the combined group. I remain deeply committed to supporting our customers, scaling our impact globally, and shaping the future of work together with our teams.
Now part of LumApps, Beekeeper enters a new phase—bringing its frontline focus to a broader, integrated platform. We asked Co-Founder and CEO Cristian Grossman what led to the decision, how the deal came together, and what founders can take from the experience.
What led to the decision to sell Beekeeper, and why was LumApps the right acquirer?
It was driven by a shared vision to build the world's leading platform connecting office and frontline employees. LumApps is the market leader in next-generation intranet solutions, while Beekeeper is the category leader for frontline communication and productivity. Functionally, geographically, and culturally, the companies are highly complementary. Combining our strengths allows us to create a unique, integrated offering and reach a scale and pace of innovation that would have been difficult to achieve alone.
What will this deal allow you to do that wasn't possible before?This combination unlocks several opportunities:
• Truly global coverage across all segments of the workforce
• Significant scale effects in product development, distribution, and customer success
• Cross-selling into more than 2,000 existing client relationships
• Enhanced financial resources to accelerate growth in new markets and invest more aggressively in AI and platform innovation
In short, this is about faster growth, broader impact, and the ability to deliver on our shared vision at a completely new level.
How do you see Beekeeper's mission for frontline workers continuing in the new setup?
Beekeeper's mission to improve the experience of frontline workers remains absolutely core. The platform will continue to be developed and strengthened as part of the combined offering. We now have even more resources and expertise to invest in mobile-first innovation, usability, and integrations that empower frontline teams.
In what way did programs like Venture Kick and Venture Leaders influence your journey with Beekeeper?
The programs were essential stepping stones in our journey. Beyond financial support, they provided critical strategic guidance, international exposure, and a strong network of advisors and peers. That early foundation helped us build the confidence and capabilities to grow and scale.
Now that Beekeeper has reached this milestone, what's next for you personally and professionally?
For me personally, this is both a milestone and a new starting point. In the immediate term, my focus is on ensuring a smooth integration and delivering on our vision of creating the leading platform for all employees. Professionally, I'm excited to continue driving growth as Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer of the combined group. I remain deeply committed to supporting our customers, scaling our impact globally, and shaping the future of work together with our teams.