QBS Software
QBS Software is a UK-based, privately held value-added distributor providing a single-source procurement platform that connects 6,000+ resellers and MSPs across EMEA with 12,500+ software publishers, specializing in long-tail and emerging enterprise software and cybersecurity distribution.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersAlderley Edge, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What QBS Software does
QBS Software is a UK-headquartered, privately held value-added distributor specializing in long-tail enterprise software and cybersecurity distribution across EMEA. Founded in 1987 and operating from Alderley Edge, the company provides a single-source procurement platform that gives 6,000+ resellers, MSPs, and system integrators access to 12,500+ software publishers spanning developer tools, digital workplace, IT management, and security categories. Its core services combine longtail software distribution (automated sourcing, fulfillment, and renewals for niche and emerging vendors) with value-added distribution services (licensing expertise, integration support, multi-language account management, and channel marketing), supplemented by an AWS Designated Seller of Record capability for cloud marketplace procurement.
QBS earns revenue principally on a transaction-fee spread between vendor and reseller pricing across its distribution business, with additional professional services revenue from value-added support such as licensing, integration, and market insight. The company has expanded its footprint through a serial roll-up of regional distributors, including Siener Informatique, Zedsphere, 4SEC Group, Prianto, EMT (Dubai), and Infonet Türkiye, giving it owned operations in the UK, DACH, Northern Europe, France, the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. Recent strategic activity emphasizes cybersecurity distribution, EMEA sales capacity expansion (80 new roles planned for FY2026), and broadening the vendor portfolio with security, endpoint, productivity, and enterprise architecture brands.
The company is led by Group CEO Dave Stevinson and Group CFO Charlie Heald, employs more than 450 professionals across EMEA, and reports 43% revenue growth in FY2025. It holds B Corp certification (score 93.6), ISO 14001, the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade (2026), and Deloitte UK Best Managed Companies status (second consecutive year), and has been independently verified as net carbon zero since 2021. No private equity, venture, or institutional ownership is disclosed; the company reports a single shareholder.
QBS Software firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- QBS Software
- Legal name
- QBS Software Limited
- Website
- https://qbssoftware.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- QBS Software is a UK-based, privately held value-added distributor providing a single-source procurement platform that connects 6,000+ resellers and MSPs across EMEA with 12,500+ software publishers, specializing in long-tail and emerging enterprise software and cybersecurity distribution.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
QBS Software industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Software Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Software License Resale & Optimization (Perpetual/Subscription) (BPAEAOAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Vendor & Contract Management (Software/Cloud) (BPAEAOAD), Enterprise Application License Advisory, Vendor Management & Optimization (BPAEAGAO), IT Procurement & Sourcing Services (Hardware/Software) (BPAEAOAG)
Keywords
Where QBS Software is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Alderley Edge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
QBS Software business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Distribution: QBS generates revenue as a value-added distributor and long-tail software distributor. They earn margins from the spread between vendor pricing and reseller pricing, along with licensing, integration services, and market insights. They work with 12,500+ software publishers and over 6,000 reseller partners across EMEA.
- Value Added Services: Provides licensing expertise, product expertise, market insights, multi-language support, and local account management. These value-added services support the core distribution business.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
QBS Software product offering
Product offeringCore offering
QBS Software operates a value-added distribution and long-tail software procurement platform connecting 12,500+ software publishers with a network of 6,000+ resellers, MSPs, and system integrators across EMEA. The platform delivers end-to-end software sourcing, licensing expertise, integration support, and renewals management for niche and emerging software vendors outside traditional distribution scope.
Product overview
QBS Software operates as a B2B software and cybersecurity distributor offering a unified procurement platform for 12,500+ software vendors through a network of 6,000+ partners across EMEA. The core offering combines Longtail Software Distribution (specializing in niche and emerging software) with Value Added Distribution (licensing expertise, integration support, and strategic enablement). Additional services include AWS Designated Seller of Record (DSOR) for cloud marketplace procurement and Channel Marketing Services for vendors. The product portfolio spans Developer Tools, Digital Workplace, IT Management, and Security categories, featuring vendors such as JetBrains, JFrog, Miro, Smartsheet, DocuSign, TeamViewer, Delinea, Sectigo, and Atera. The platform provides end-to-end support from sourcing and quoting through purchasing, fulfillment, to support and renewals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Longtail Software Distribution Distribution model specializing in bringing niche and emerging software to market, supporting over 12,500 software vendors outside the scope of traditional distribution through automation, global logistics, and targeted partner matching.
- Value Added Distribution Licensing, integration, product expertise, market insights, multi-language support, and local account management across EMEA, helping partners simplify sales cycles, expand vendor portfolios, and unlock new opportunities through strategic enablement.
- Designated Seller of Record (DSOR) AWS Designated Seller of Record service enabling QBS to sell software through AWS Marketplace, helping vendors reach the channel and partners/customers buy software through cloud marketplace routes.
- Channel Marketing Services Marketing services including webinars and events, content creation and thought leadership, digital marketing campaigns, social media promotion, email marketing and nurture campaigns, and banner ads and website promotion to drive demand and build awareness for vendors.
- Long Tail Procurement Platform Single-source procurement platform enabling businesses to source software from 12,500+ vendors through a streamlined process from quote through purchase to renewals, reducing supplier management complexity and costs.
- Bespoke Solutions Custom procurement assistance for specific technologies as part of project delivery, tender opportunities and technology optimization for unique business requirements.
Companies that use QBS Software
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
QBS Software technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
QBS Software partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.
- PortnoxsupportingQBS Software UK&I announced strategic distribution partnership with Portnox to provide network security and access management solutions to the UK channel.
- CaditycoreQBS Software signed a sales enablement partnership with Cadity as part of plans to expand EMEA sales operation and add 80 new roles across the region. The partnership aims to improve consistency across regional teams, strengthen vendor messaging, and support engagement with channel partners. The new positions will focus on commercial and technology development functions as the company rolls out a new sales framework during FY2026.
- Infonet Bilgi Teknolojileri Tic. A.Ş. (Infonet Türkiye)coreQBS Software acquired 100% of shares in Infonet Bilgi Teknolojileri Tic. A.Ş., a specialist software and cybersecurity distributor based in Türkiye. The acquisition accelerates growth in Türkiye by expanding access to global vendors while continuing to support local resellers and service providers. Infonet continues operating under its existing brand with Uğur Uçanok appointed as General Manager succeeding Taner Özdeş.
- HuntresscoreQBS Software partnered with Huntress as one of four new distribution partners to extend enterprise-grade cybersecurity protections to mid-market organizations, public sector entities, and EMEA customers. QBS serves as Huntress's primary route to reach underserved mid-market organizations across Europe, leveraging extensive VAR relationships in the UK and cybersecurity enterprise software space. The partnership supports Huntress's pivot upmarket beyond SMB-focused MSP base.
- Orbus SoftwaresupportingQBS Software Middle East (formerly emt) partnered with Orbus Software to distribute Orbus's enterprise architecture platform, OrbusInfinity, to customers and channel partners across the Middle East region. The platform helps organizations improve visibility, align technology with business strategy, and manage change across complex business and IT landscapes.
- Atera, Fortinet, Fortra, Ivanti, ThalessupportingQBS Software Africa (Maxtec) partnered with Atera, Fortinet, Fortra, Ivanti, and Thales to showcase solutions addressing AI-driven cyber threats, supply-chain risks, and emerging security challenges at ITWeb Security Summit 2026 in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- SuperhumansupportingQBS partnered with Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) to unlock AI-driven productivity solutions for the EMEA market.
- Baramundi SoftwaresupportingQBS Software UK&I announced partnership with Baramundi Software to expand unified endpoint management solutions in UK and Ireland.
- ShareGatecoreShareGate expanded EMEA reach through strategic partnership with QBS Software, bringing local expertise and support for Microsoft 365 migrations in the Middle East region. QBS provides access to new customer segments and vibrant communities driving innovation.
- NintexsupportingQBS Software started partnership with Nintex in 2026 for workflow and business process automation solutions.
- Rocket SoftwaresupportingQBS Software and Rocket Software partnership accelerates innovation and facilitates modernisation without disruption for EMEA customers.
- NinjaOnesupportingQBS and NinjaOne partnered to boost MSP endpoint management capabilities across the channel.
- TeamViewercoreLong-standing partnership with TeamViewer for remote connectivity solutions distribution. QBS's commitment to innovation and adoption of emerging technologies has enabled TeamViewer to leverage cutting-edge solutions for optimising distribution processes.
- SmartsheetcoreQBS has been an invaluable partner for Smartsheet, consistently exceeding expectations with dedication, expertise, and unwavering support. Their collaborative approach has elevated channel sales in EMEA.
- NitrosupportingPartnership for PDF and eSign solutions to the reseller market. QBS's reliability and adaptability have streamlined distribution processes.
- DelineasupportingFeatured vendor for privilege access management solutions distributed through QBS channel.
- DocuSignsupportingFeatured vendor for eSignature solutions distributed through QBS channel network.
- BluebeamsupportingFeatured vendor for construction document management solutions. QBS provides enablement support for AEC-focused resellers selling Bluebeam Max.
- BrowserStacksupportingFeatured vendor on QBS platform for testing and deployment tools.
- JetBrainssupportingFeatured vendor for developer tools including IDEs and productivity software.
- MirosupportingFeatured vendor for collaborative whiteboard and visual workspace solutions.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
QBS Software competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ALSO Group: European IT distributor (Switzerland/DACH roots) providing software, hardware, and cloud services through resellers. Comparable to QBS in EMEA focus and VAD model, though broader in hardware and cloud platform offerings.
- TD SYNNEX: Global IT distributor formed from the merger of Tech Data and SYNNEX, offering software, hardware, and cloud services to the channel. Overlaps with QBS in value-added software distribution and cloud marketplace services, but operates at much larger scale.
- Ingram Micro: World's largest IT distributor with broad software, hardware, and cloud offerings. Comparable as a global value-added distributor serving VARs and resellers, though at vastly greater scale and with a much broader hardware portfolio than QBS's software-only focus.
Regional players
- Northamber: UK-listed IT distributor with strong UK channel presence. Comparable to QBS on UK market and reseller channel model, though smaller scale and more hardware-weighted.
Direct peers
- Westcoast: UK's largest independent IT distributor serving resellers with software, hardware, and cloud services. Directly comparable to QBS on geography (UK), channel model (VARs/MSPs), and software distribution scale.
- Exclusive Networks: France-based cybersecurity-focused value-added distributor operating across EMEA and APAC. Comparable to QBS's growing cybersecurity distribution thrust (Huntress, Fortinet, Delinea, Portnox partnerships) and EMEA VAR channel coverage.
- SoftwareOne: Swiss-headquartered software and cloud licensing specialist with strong EMEA presence, listed on the SIX. Highly comparable to QBS as a software licensing advisory and distribution business serving enterprises and the channel, though SoftwareOne leans more toward SAM/EA services than QBS's long-tail catalog.
- Crayon: Norwegian software asset management and cloud economics specialist with strong EMEA footprint. Comparable to QBS in software licensing services, cloud marketplace expertise, and EMEA enterprise customer base, though more focused on SAM/finops than long-tail distribution.
- Prianto: European value-added software distributor specializing in long-tail software (now part of QBS Technology Group following 2025 acquisition). Effectively QBS's European DACH/Northern Europe distribution peer and now subsidiary, offering the most direct long-tail VAD comparison.
Emerging players
- Infinigate Group: European cybersecurity VAD recently expanding across EMEA following private equity investment. Comparable to QBS on cybersecurity distribution and EMEA channel focus, but cybersecurity-pure-play rather than broad long-tail.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
QBS Software social profiles
Digital presenceQBS Software compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
QBS Software financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
QBS Software leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
QBS Software subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
QBS Software funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
QBS Software M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about QBS Software
What does QBS Software do?
QBS Software operates a value-added distribution and long-tail software procurement platform connecting 12,500+ software publishers with a network of 6,000+ resellers, MSPs, and system integrators across EMEA. The platform delivers end-to-end software sourcing, licensing expertise, integration support, and renewals management for niche and emerging software vendors outside traditional distribution scope.
Is QBS Software a public or private company?
QBS Software is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was QBS Software founded?
QBS Software was founded in 1987. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is QBS Software based?
QBS Software is headquartered in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does QBS Software make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Software Distribution is the primary driver. The others are value Added Services.
Who are QBS Software's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ALSO Group, TD SYNNEX and Ingram Micro. Northamber is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Westcoast, Exclusive Networks, SoftwareOne, Crayon and Prianto. Infinigate Group is listed as an emerging player.
Does QBS Software have an API?
No public API is recorded for QBS Software.
What industry is QBS Software in?
QBS Software's product category is Software Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAOAC, Software License Resale & Optimization (Perpetual/Subscription), with a secondary code of BPAEAOAD, Vendor & Contract Management (Software/Cloud). Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 5045.