QBS Software

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.

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

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

• Software distribution services
• Value-added distribution
• Long-tail procurement
• Channel partner network
• Enterprise software licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Alderley Edge

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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

Core 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.

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• PortnoxsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 May 2026QBS Software UK&I announced strategic distribution partnership with Portnox to provide network security and access management solutions to the UK channel.
• CaditycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2026QBS 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026QBS 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.
• HuntresscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 May 2026QBS 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 SoftwaresupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 April 2026QBS 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, ThalessupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 April 2026QBS 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.
• SuperhumansupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 April 2026QBS partnered with Superhuman (formerly Grammarly) to unlock AI-driven productivity solutions for the EMEA market.
• Baramundi SoftwaresupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 April 2026QBS Software UK&I announced partnership with Baramundi Software to expand unified endpoint management solutions in UK and Ireland.
• ShareGatecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 March 2026ShareGate 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.
• NintexsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026QBS Software started partnership with Nintex in 2026 for workflow and business process automation solutions.
• Rocket SoftwaresupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026QBS Software and Rocket Software partnership accelerates innovation and facilitates modernisation without disruption for EMEA customers.
• NinjaOnesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026QBS and NinjaOne partnered to boost MSP endpoint management capabilities across the channel.
• TeamViewercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-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.
• SmartsheetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQBS 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.
• NitrosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for PDF and eSign solutions to the reseller market. QBS's reliability and adaptability have streamlined distribution processes.
• DelineasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor for privilege access management solutions distributed through QBS channel.
• DocuSignsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor for eSignature solutions distributed through QBS channel network.
• BluebeamsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor for construction document management solutions. QBS provides enablement support for AEC-focused resellers selling Bluebeam Max.
• BrowserStacksupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor on QBS platform for testing and deployment tools.
• JetBrainssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor for developer tools including IDEs and productivity software.
• MirosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured vendor for collaborative whiteboard and visual workspace solutions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad 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

• Xx.com/qbssoftware
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/QBSSoftwareLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qbs-software
• Facebookfacebook.com/137984944799

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about QBS Software