What ActivEngage does

ActivEngage is an Orlando-based, privately held company founded in 2007 that builds and operates a proprietary web-based messaging platform for automotive dealerships, dealer groups, and OEMs. The platform runs on a microservice architecture with 99.97% uptime and processes 10,000+ customer engagements per day, deployed via a single line of JavaScript on dealer websites and embedded across marketplaces (Autotrader, Cars.com, OfferUp, Craigslist), social channels (Facebook Messenger), and dealer software (Dealer.com, CDK, DealerInspire, Tekion, RouteOne, VinSolutions, Xtime). Its product portfolio spans a three-tier service model — Messaging Software (self-service from $79/month), Managed Messaging (fully outsourced live chat staffed by 100% human Customer Engagement Experts available 24/7, from $599/month), and Co-Managed Messaging (hybrid BDC backup with standby, race-to-chat, and after-hours modes) — augmented by add-ons including Flip2txt (call-to-text), LeadBoost (behavioral lead capture), RetailSync (digital retailing), ServiceConnect (service scheduling), MyDrive (virtual test drives), ActivTarget (behavioral offers), Video Assist (in-console video), and the 2026 AI Suite (AI Receptionist, AI Translation, AI Summaries, AI Outreach, AI Lead Pulse).

The company sells primarily through direct enterprise field sales targeting dealer principals, general managers, and BDC leaders, supplemented by OEM-certified co-op programs covering 30+ manufacturers (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others) that allow dealers to expense services through OEM marketing budgets. Distribution is reinforced by a dealer-to-dealer referral program and embedment through Cox Automotive's ecosystem and 40+ dealer software integrations. All revenue is recurring subscription-based across software licensing, managed services, co-managed services, add-on enhancements, and co-op-funded engagements. ActivEngage reports serving 14,000+ dealers attributed to $21B in automotive sales, with customer tenures of 5-8 years at named accounts.

The leadership team is founder-led (Ted Rubin, Executive Chairman; Carol Marshall, COO; Eric Schlesinger, CRO; Michael Third, CTO) with 100+ combined years of automotive industry experience. The company has no disclosed external funding, is privately held, and operates as ActivEngage, Inc. out of Orlando, Florida, targeting the U.S. automotive retail market.

Name

ActivEngage

Legal name

ActivEngage, Inc.

Website

https://activengage.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ActivEngage is an Orlando-based, privately held company that provides a proprietary messaging platform and 24/7 human-powered live chat, SMS, and AI tools to 14,000+ U.S. automotive dealerships, dealer groups, and OEMs via subscription and OEM co-op programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Messaging Software

NAICS

Telephone Call Centers (56142)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Customer Experience (CX) QA, Analytics & Voice-of-Customer Operations (BPAAABAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Direct Marketing, CRM & Lifecycle (Email, SMS, Loyalty) (BPAFAAAJ)

Keywords

• Automotive messaging software
• Dealer live chat
• Car dealership messaging
• Automotive conversational AI
• BDC support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Orlando

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Managed Messaging Services: Fully managed live chat and messaging service staffed by real Customer Engagement Experts 24/7. Provides human-powered conversations that engage, qualify and book appointments for dealerships.
2. Messaging Software Licensing: Proprietary web-based messaging software sold as a subscription to dealerships that want to manage their own messaging operations.
3. Co-Managed Messaging: Hybrid service where ActivEngage provides backup BDC support for overflow, after-hours, or standby coverage alongside dealership's existing team.
4. Add-On Enhancements: Additional features and integrations including ServiceConnect, RetailSync, AI Suite, Flip2txt, LeadBoost, and behavioral targeting tools.
5. Co-Op Program Fees: Services eligible for reimbursement through OEM dealer co-op and certified marketing programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

ActivEngage provides a proprietary automotive messaging platform and managed live chat services that convert dealership website visitors into qualified leads and appointments. The platform supports omni-channel messaging (website, SMS, Facebook, Autotrader, OfferUp, Craigslist, Google Business Profile) and is offered via three tiers: self-service Messaging Software, fully outsourced Managed Messaging with 24/7 human Customer Engagement Experts, and hybrid Co-Managed Messaging for BDC overflow and after-hours support. The product portfolio is augmented by AI Suite, Flip2txt, LeadBoost, RetailSync, ServiceConnect, MyDrive Experience, ActivTarget Behavioral Ads, and Video Assist.

Product overview

ActivEngage is an automotive digital messaging platform offering a three-tier service model: proprietary Messaging Software (self-service, dealer-operated), Managed Messaging (fully outsourced to ActivEngage's team of Customer Engagement Experts 24/7), and Co-Managed Messaging (hybrid backup BDC support). Built on microservice architecture with 99.97% uptime, the platform is deployed via a single line of JavaScript code and integrates across website, Facebook, Autotrader, OfferUp, Craigslist, and major OEM/digital retailing platforms. The product portfolio is augmented by a suite of innovation add-ons: AI Suite (AI Receptionist, AI Language Translation, AI Summaries, AI Outreach, AI Lead Pulse), Flip2txt (call-to-text conversion), LeadBoost (behavioral lead capture and appointment booking), RetailSync (real-time digital retailing guidance), ServiceConnect (in-message service scheduling), MyDrive Experience (virtual test drives), ActivTarget Behavioral Ads (intent-based offers), and Video Assist (in-console video conferencing). The platform serves 14,000+ automotive dealers and is integrated throughout the Cox Automotive ecosystem including Dealer.com, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Accelerate My Deal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Messaging Software

Quantifiable outcome

• 15-18% lead-to-sale conversion rate for customers using ActivEngage with ActivTarget campaigns
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration38 records

AI capability5 records

Feature13 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Cox AutomotivecoreTechnology or IntegrationActivEngage is integrated throughout the Cox Automotive ecosystem including Autotrader, Dealer.com, Kelley Blue Book, Accelerate My Deal, Xtime, and VinSolutions. This deep integration enables seamless messaging experiences across the industry's largest dealer service provider.
• CDK GlobalcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with CDK dealership management software for seamless data flow and operations.
• Dealer.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationFully integrated messaging solution for Dealer.com websites with OEM branding compliance and minimal configuration required.
• EdmundssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIntegration providing high-quality vehicle research data, inventory information, and incentive details within messaging conversations.
• CarfaxsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationVehicle history reports integrated into messaging platform, enabling agents to share vehicle history during conversations.
• GooglesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationGoogle Business Profile integration allowing messaging on Google listings to win customers before they enter dealership websites.
• Kelley Blue BookcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with KBB allows messaging advocates to guide consumers through trade valuations and into retailing processes seamlessly.
• AutotradercoreTechnology or IntegrationSMS capability added to Autotrader listings with trackable numbers. Live messaging on vehicle detail pages with vehicle context passed to agents.
• Cars.comsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMessaging integration with Cars.com automotive marketplace listings.
• TrueCarsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMessaging integration with TrueCar automotive marketplace.
• OfferUpsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMessaging integration with OfferUp marketplace enabling dealers to answer shopper questions on the platform.
• Facebook/MetasecondaryTechnology or IntegrationConnect with shoppers through Facebook Messenger using ActivEngage software.
• Roadster ExpresssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIntegration matching in-store and online experiences through one service with live messaging.
• Darwin AutomotivesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCombine predictive and automated F&I tools with live messaging.
• GM (General Motors)coreTechnology or IntegrationGM Shop Click Drive integration adds messaging assistance via GM DealerChat software. GM Online Scheduling integration for service bookings.
• XtimecoreTechnology or IntegrationCox Automotive's service platform integration for maximizing customer satisfaction through integrated service scheduling.
• SolerasecondaryTechnology or IntegrationEnd-to-end vehicle lifecycle management software integration for streamlined service bookings.
• DealerSocketsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationDealer management software integration.
• TekionsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationEnd-to-end cloud native platform integration connecting entire automotive retail business.
• RouteOnesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIntegration with RouteOne's sophisticated financial tools for personalized retail experience.
• SunbitsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationFinancing services integration for auto dealership service centers.
• 700CreditsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIndustry provider for credit reports and soft-pull products integration.
• DealerInspiresecondaryTechnology or IntegrationInnovative website, digital retailing, and marketing solution platform integration.
• Dealer eProcesssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAutomotive industry website provider integration specializing in responsive design.
• DealerOnsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIndustry-leading car dealer websites, automotive SEO, and advertising integration.
• DealerFiresecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAutomotive website platform integration specializing in responsive design.
• LotlinxsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationSaaS provider for automotive digital retailing and marketing technologies integration.
• DriveCentricsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCRM platform using AI to enhance relationship management for automotive.
• OrbeesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMiddleware technology seamlessly connecting dealership data sources.
• VinSolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationCox Automotive dealer management software with detailed customer insights integration.
• VoliesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationAll-in-one BDC platform enabling dealers to manage campaigns, customer data, and more.
• CognitionsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationIntelligent cloud advertising network for automotive industry integration.
• Cars CommercesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCars.com's digital platform integration simplifying car buying and selling.
• Fox DealersecondaryTechnology or IntegrationFull service automotive agency specializing in website services integration.
• Social DealersecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPremier social media agency designed for automotive industry integration.
• DealertracksecondaryTechnology or IntegrationCox Automotive's cloud-based dealer management and F&I software integration.
• Vendor20 GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorV20-1 members program partner, visible in footer branding.
• OEM Co-Op Partners (30+ manufacturers)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCertified co-op programs with Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Genesis, GM, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyundai, INFINITI, Jeep, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Porsche, RAM, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen. Enables dealers to use OEM co-op marketing funds for ActivEngage services.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Podium: Podium is a leading customer interaction and messaging platform for local businesses, with deep penetration into automotive dealerships. It is a direct competitor in managed live chat, SMS, and review generation for the same automotive buyer.
• CarNow: CarNow (a Cars.com company) provides digital engagement, live chat, and online retailing tools for automotive dealerships. It directly competes with ActivEngage on dealership website chat, lead response, and digital retailing workflows.
• Conversica: Conversica (acquired Contact At Once!) offers AI-driven conversational messaging and lead engagement for automotive dealerships. It directly overlaps with ActivEngage's messaging, lead re-engagement, and AI Outreach use cases.

Emerging players

• DriveCentric: DriveCentric is an automotive CRM platform that uses AI for relationship management and messaging. It is integrated with ActivEngage but is also a partial competitor in conversational engagement and CRM-driven outreach.
• Pure Chat: Pure Chat is a self-serve live chat software provider that targets SMBs including small dealers. It competes on the lower-priced software-only tier of ActivEngage's offering.

Broad incumbents

• VinSolutions (Cox Automotive): VinSolutions is Cox Automotive's dealer CRM with messaging and lead management features. It is a broad incumbent partner and adjacent competitor that bundles engagement tools into its platform.
• Dealer.com (Cox Automotive): Dealer.com is Cox Automotive's website platform with embedded messaging. While ActivEngage integrates with Dealer.com, Cox could expand or in-house chat capabilities, making it a powerful incumbent adjacency.
• Tekion: Tekion is a cloud-native automotive retail platform with messaging and CRM features for dealers. It is a broad incumbent that competes for engagement workflow spend alongside ActivEngage.
• LivePerson: LivePerson is an enterprise messaging and conversational AI platform with automotive retail customers. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping messaging, AI, and contact center capabilities.
• Intercom: Intercom is a leading customer messaging platform with AI agents (Fin) and live chat. It is a broad incumbent that competes for messaging software budget in automotive and adjacent verticals.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/activengage
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/activengage
• Facebookfacebook.com/ActivEngage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/836469
• Instagraminstagram.com/activengageofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about ActivEngage