As we face new developments from the pandemic, the communications and media industry continues to pivot and provide people, corporations, and communities the tools and technology to adapt to a new normal. In 2021, one thing remained constant: the need for digital connections. Digital connections fuel interactions between families, businesses, communities, and societies around the world, and there is no slowing it down.
This year at Lumine, we placed a strong focus on creating a culture of learning, powered by digital connections. In June, we held a 3-day virtual knowledge-sharing summit known as Illuminate. Illuminate included 56 seminars where business leaders across the Lumine portfolio could attend learning sessions on a variety of topics. You could log on to learn more about “Venturing into new geographies to drive organic growth,” “Knowing your differentiators and prepping a bid defense,” or “Product Advancement Fees & Product Roadmap Commercialization.” All seminars featured leaders who had real-life experience on the topic and could share a specific business case study. I am very proud of all the speakers and the insightful questions from the attendees sparking great conversation. The response was overwhelmingly positive and facilitated new connections between team members all over the world, from Australia to America, from Singapore to Sweden.
In 2022, we will be launching an updated version of our Lumine Group Playbook. The Playbook is home to 250+ best practices to strengthen, grow, and operate communications and media software businesses. This updated launch will include new learnings and templates and is a testament to the new thought leaders emerging within our team – much of which was highlighted during Illuminate.
2021 was a landmark year for Lumine. We acquired six businesses (a record number in a year) and we grew to a portfolio of 22 companies (surpassing 20 companies, a personal milestone). We grew our portfolio headcount by 56%, and overall employee count by 18%. We also launched programs to invest in the future of leaders. We announced a scholarship program for students pursuing their studies in STEM, Finance, or Business. We also launched the IDEA internship program, a focused initiative developing student interns and co-ops who join us for a semester at Lumine.
In 2021, Lumine businesses continued to innovate, launching new products, emerging into new geographies, and building new relationships within the Lumine ecosystem. Highlights include:
We are a force of nature! I look forward to another year of innovation and success from Lumine companies, staying core to supporting customers, and each other, in the best way they can. I also look forward to meeting new companies and leaders who join us at Lumine. We will carry on our culture of learning and education, promoting knowledge as a tool for business leaders across the world to strengthen and grow their businesses.
As I mentioned earlier, amidst the pandemic, we saw the accelerated rate of change and an intense desire to adopt new technology that keeps us connected. At the beginning of each year, I like to reflect on the state of the industry and consider what trends will be on top of the industry’s mind in 2022 (and beyond). A few trends that come to mind:
If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, read more from our team.
In 2022, we are building on our mission to create the greatest network for communications and media software companies to unlock their potential. We will continue to prioritize building an environment where businesses and the people behind them adapt and thrive, especially as we face new challenges posed by the pandemic. I am grateful to all who choose Lumine -- as an employer, or as a permanent home for their business. In the new year, I encourage you all to stay curious, share new perspectives and ideas, and challenge yourself to grow in new ways.
Wishing you the very best for 2022, most importantly staying healthy and safe in continued turbulent times.
Onwards & upwards!
David Nyland