What Cantarus does

Cantarus is a full-service digital agency founded in 2003 and headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, with additional offices in London, Arlington (Virginia, US), and Chișinău (Moldova). It serves over 100 organisations across the membership body, non-profit, public sector, arts and culture, sports and entertainment, education, and retail verticals, with over 70 clients in the membership and association segment. Its core customer profile is mid-market and enterprise UK and European professional bodies, charities, and public-sector organisations seeking integrated digital ecosystems rather than point solutions.

The company's product portfolio centres on three pillars: a proprietary MemConnect mobile app platform purpose-built for membership organisations (integrating with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, iMIS, Higher Logic, Discourse, and other systems); Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM consulting with three productised extensions (Cantarus CRM Membership App, Events App, and Fundraising App); and CMS expertise as the first Umbraco Contributing Platinum Partner in both the UK and US and a Kentico Gold Partner. Supporting service lines include Web & App Engineering, Online Community (Discourse/Higher Logic), Experience Design and Branding, Digital Publications, Content Marketing, Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Data and Insight, Consultancy, and Support and Hosting.

Cantarus generates revenue through a mix of professional services engagements (digital transformation and implementation projects), recurring subscription revenue (MemConnect mobile app platform with multi-year predictable whole-life pricing, Cantarus CRM modules, and managed hosting via kalaniCloud private cloud on Azure/AWS/Umbraco Cloud), and ongoing support contracts (Timebank and Timeblock flexible development packages). Its go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting ambitious organisations, complemented by indirect distribution through technology vendor partnerships (Umbraco, Kentico, Microsoft) and sector network partnerships (MemberWise nine-year Official Network Partner, ASAE, TAF, CITL, Museums Association, Memcom). Notable enterprise clients include RIBA, BCS, ICAEW, BMA, CIM, CIOB, WTTC, BIMCO, Mothers' Union, and the British Army. The firm is founder-led, privately held, ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified, and reported an April 2025 acquisition of FlexRM.

Name

Cantarus

Legal name

Cantarus

Website

https://cantarus.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cantarus is a Manchester-headquartered full-service digital agency serving over 100 organisations — predominantly UK membership bodies, professional associations, non-profits, and public sector clients — with proprietary MemConnect mobile app technology, Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM extensions, and Umbraco CMS expertise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Agency Services for Membership Organisations

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Helpdesk & End-User Support Services (BPAEABAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)

Keywords

• Membership digital agency
• Membership mobile apps
• Microsoft dynamics CRM
• Umbraco web development
• Kentico digital experience

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Services – Digital Transformation & Implementation: End-to-end digital agency services including web & app engineering, CRM implementation, online community design and build, experience design & branding, digital publications, content marketing, AI & automation, data & insight, and consultancy. Delivered through structured project engagements from discovery through to deployment and ongoing support.
2. Support & Hosting (Timebank/Timeblock): Ongoing SLA-backed support packages (Timebank for ongoing maintenance, Timeblock for specific projects) providing access to dedicated Client Success team. Flexible hosting packages including managed cloud environments on Azure, Umbraco Cloud, AWS, and kalaniCloud private cloud.
3. MemConnect Mobile App Platform: Purpose-built mobile app platform for membership organisations. Modular feature delivery with transparent and stable whole-life pricing model. App store submission and management included.
4. CRM Solutions (Microsoft Dynamics 365): Microsoft Dynamics 365 consulting, implementation, integration, and ongoing support. Includes Cantarus CRM Membership App, Events App, and Fundraising App extensions. Structured around audit, business case, implementation, testing, and ongoing support phases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Cantarus is a full-service digital agency that designs, builds, and supports connected digital ecosystems for membership organisations, non-profits, and global brands. Its core offering centres on the proprietary MemConnect mobile app platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM implementations, Umbraco and Kentico CMS delivery, online community builds, and end-to-end digital transformation services including branding, AI automation, data insight, and managed support and hosting.

Product overview

Cantarus is a full-service digital agency providing an integrated portfolio of digital products and services for membership organisations, non-profits, public sector, and commercial brands. The core product portfolio centres on three interconnected pillars: (1) MemConnect - a proprietary mobile app platform for membership organisations with pre-built integrations to Salesforce, iMIS, Microsoft Dynamics, Higher Logic, and Discourse; (2) Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM solutions including Cantarus CRM Membership App, Events App, and Fundraising App modules built on the Dynamics platform; and (3) CMS expertise as an Umbraco Contributing Platinum Partner and Kentico Gold Partner. Supporting services include Online Community, Web & App Engineering, Experience Design & Branding, Digital Publications, Content Marketing, Artificial Intelligence & Automation, Data & Insight, Consultancy, and Support & Hosting. The integrated approach connects websites, CRM, mobile apps, and online communities to create unified digital ecosystems. AI capabilities include Editor Copilot for Umbraco and Kentico, Ask-the-Association Chatbot, Betty Bot, and LLM-Safe Architecture Pack.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MemConnect: Proprietary mobile app platform purpose-built for membership organisations, providing features such as event updates, personalised content, messaging, member directories, digital publications, and push notifications.
• Cantarus CRM
• Cantarus Engagement Ecosystem

Products and services

• MemConnect Mobile App Platform Proprietary mobile app platform purpose-built for membership organisations. Connects directly with CRM/AMS (Microsoft Dynamics 365, iMIS, Salesforce), CMS platforms (Umbraco, Kentico), learning systems, events, and online communities (Higher Logic, Discourse) to deliver a mobile-first member experience. Features include event updates, personalised content, messaging, member directories, push notifications, digital publications, podcasts, videos, jobs board, mentoring, polls, offline access, and digital membership cards. Fully brandable and delivered as a managed service including App Store and Google Play submission.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM Solutions Microsoft Dynamics 365 configuration, customisation, and integration services that connect websites, member portals, mobile apps, and online communities. Delivered through structured project engagements spanning audit, business case, implementation, testing, and ongoing support phases, with 30+ successful projects completed.
• Cantarus CRM Membership App Dynamics 365 extension purpose-built for membership organisations that centralises member data, automates renewals and communications, and supports personalised engagement across the full member lifecycle. Features real-time analytics, configurable workflows, and flexible scalability.
• Cantarus CRM Events App Event management capabilities within Microsoft Dynamics 365 that manage bookings, sponsorships, and exhibitors. Supports events from small meetups to large multi-session conferences with automated communications, invoicing, waitlists, flexible booking options, and a rich API.
• Cantarus CRM Fundraising App Fundraising tools within Microsoft Dynamics 365 for charities and third-sector organisations that manage donors, automate processes, and grow income. Includes Gift Aid, legacy giving, supporter journeys, and opportunity management.
• Umbraco CMS Services Umbraco Contributing Platinum Partner services across the full lifecycle: planning, delivery, migration, upgrades, and long-term support. Includes certified developers, in-house Umbraco MVPs, Umbraco Cloud hosting, and Continuous Improvement programmes.
• Xperience by Kentico Services Kentico Gold Partner delivery for Xperience by Kentico digital experience platform combining CMS, digital marketing, and commerce. Includes expert development, hosting, support, and migration from legacy platforms including DNN.
• Online Community Services Design, build, and management of online communities using Discourse and Higher Logic platforms. Includes community strategy, CRM integration, branding, moderation, monitoring, reporting, and community management training.
• Web & App Engineering Enterprise-grade websites, mobile apps, and integrated platforms spanning CMS/DXP development (Umbraco, Kentico), headless architecture, website migration, testing, and Team as a Service (TaaS) delivery models.
• Experience Design & Branding Digital experience design services including brand identity, design systems, product design, service design, content creation, content design, design sprints, and user testing.
• Digital Publications Transformation of traditional print publications into dynamic, accessible digital experiences across web and mobile, including designed layouts, engagement features (bookmarking, offline reading, push notifications), and ecosystem integration via MemConnect or websites.
• Content Marketing Content strategy and execution services including content audits, strategy, population, Google Analytics, team training, copywriting, SEO, and AI content strategy, integrated with Umbraco Engage and Dotdigital.
• Artificial Intelligence & Automation Services AI consultancy, technology enablement, and content services including AI readiness assessments, governance frameworks, Editor Copilot for CMS platforms, Ask-the-Association Chatbot, LLM-Safe Architecture Pack, and AI integration across CRM, CMS, and analytics ecosystems.
• Data & Insight Continuous Improvement services powering data-driven decision-making, including instant tailored reporting, bespoke analytics, Google product implementation, data auditing, UX research, consultancy workshops, and content marketing optimisation.
• Digital Consultancy Digital strategy and transformation consultancy including strategic planning, digital transformation roadmaps, web and app audits, discovery workshops, and technology reviews using a Digital Competency Framework.
• Support & Hosting Client support, hosting services, and cybersecurity solutions including SLA-backed Client Success support, flexible Timebank and Timeblock packages, UK-based cloud hosting via kalaniCloud, vulnerability scanning, managed firewalls, and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Quantifiable outcome

• 622,000+ page views and 231,000 users in first full month for RIBA.org
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers25 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration22 records

AI capability9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• UmbracoflagshipTechnology or IntegrationCantarus is the first Umbraco Contributing Platinum Partner in both the UK and US. The company actively shapes Umbraco's direction through direct involvement in the Umbraco Orchestration Advisory Board, Umbraco Cloud Advisory Board, and Umbraco Sustainability Team. With certified developers and two Umbraco MVPs, Cantarus delivers enterprise Umbraco solutions and hosts Manchester Umbraco Meetup events.
• Kentico (Xperience by Kentico)coreTechnology or IntegrationCantarus is a Kentico Gold Partner for Xperience by Kentico digital experience platform. The company's own website is built on Kentico, demonstrating live expertise. Cantarus offers Kentico migration, upgrades, support and maintenance, and hosting through its kalaniCloud private cloud solution. Won Kentico Site of the Month May 2025 for WTTC project.
• Microsoft (Dynamics 365)coreTechnology or IntegrationTrusted Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner with over a decade of experience and 30+ successful CRM projects. Cantarus configures and customises Dynamics 365 for membership organisations, charities, and enterprises. Developed proprietary Cantarus CRM Membership App, Events App, and Fundraising App extensions built on the Dynamics 365 platform.
• MemConnect (Proprietary)flagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMemConnect is Cantarus's proprietary mobile app platform purpose-built for membership organisations. It is white-labelled and fully brandable for each client. Integrates with Microsoft Dynamics, iMIS, Salesforce, Higher Logic, and dozens more tools. Delivered as a managed service including app store submission.
• Higher LogiccoreTechnology or IntegrationHigher Logic is a global leader in online community platforms trusted by 3,000+ associations worldwide. Cantarus delivers a mobile-first experience for Higher Logic communities through its MemConnect mobile app platform, offering comprehensive mobile revision consistent with leading social media mobile experiences.
• DiscoursecoreTechnology or IntegrationDiscourse is the leading open-source community platform for membership organisations in the UK. Cantarus delivers and extends Discourse for browser, app, and email experiences, integrating it with the MemConnect mobile app platform for a robust community ecosystem.
• MemberWiseflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMemberWise is the leading free professional network for membership and association professionals in the UK and EU. Cantarus has been a proud Official Network Partner for 9 consecutive years. Together they co-created the Ultimate Guides to Member Apps and Online Communities, developed the MemberWise Network Mobile App via MemConnect, and deliver events and webcasts for the sector.
• Trade Association Forum (TAF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTAF is the UK's 'association of associations', a community of more than 175 trade associations. Cantarus partnered with TAF to deliver a refreshed brand identity and flexible Umbraco website.
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerASAE is the essential organisation for association management, representing organisations and individual association professionals. Cantarus collaborates with ASAE as part of its international industry partner network.
• Charity IT Leaders (CITL)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCantarus is a Charity IT Leaders (CITL) Trusted Supplier, recognised for proven experience and trusted delivery across the charity and not-for-profit sector.
• Museums Computer GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAs members of the Museums Computer Group, Cantarus is part of a community driving digital best practice and innovation within museums and cultural organisations.
• Museums AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCantarus is a Museums Association Commercial Partner, reflecting proven experience supporting museums and cultural organisations with digital solutions.
• MemcomminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAs a Memcom Strategic Partner, Cantarus works closely with membership organisations to deliver impactful digital experiences that support growth and engagement.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TMA Direct: UK digital agency focused on membership bodies, professional associations, and the not-for-profit sector. Closely comparable to Cantarus in vertical specialism, B2B agency model, and CRM/CMS-led delivery.
• Brightfind: US digital agency serving associations and non-profits with marketing, web, and CRM services. Comparable in vertical focus, mid-market enterprise sales motion, and reliance on Microsoft/Adobe association stacks.
• Strategic Interests: Digital agency and consultancy serving associations and member-based organisations in North America. Comparable in vertical focus, integrated digital strategy-to-delivery model, and association-sector specialism.

Broad incumbents

• Higher Logic: Leading community-engagement platform for 3,000+ associations worldwide. Cantarus integrates Higher Logic with MemConnect; it is a comparable ecosystem player rather than a direct agency competitor, but it overlaps in the membership digital stack.
• MemberClicks: Membership management SaaS for small-to-mid associations, now part of the Personify family. A broader-platform incumbent that competes indirectly with Cantarus CRM Membership App for membership data and engagement workloads.
• Wild Apricot: Self-serve membership management software for small associations and non-profits, also owned by Personify. Adjacent SaaS incumbent serving the same SMB end of the membership market as Cantarus customers.
• Impexium: Association management software (AMS) platform purpose-built for mid-to-large associations. Competes with Cantarus CRM/Membership App at the platform layer for member-data, events, and engagement workloads.
• Personify: Suite of association and member-based software products (MemberClicks, Wild Apricot, Aria, etc.). Largest incumbent in the membership software stack; competes with Cantarus's Dynamics-based CRM offerings at the platform layer.

Emerging players

• McKinley Advisors: US consulting firm serving associations with strategy, research, and membership engagement services. Comparable in association-sector focus but more research-led and lighter on technical delivery than Cantarus.
• Naylor: Provider of media, communications, and engagement solutions for associations, including publications and member-engagement platforms. Overlaps with Cantarus Digital Publications and MemberWise-style association engagement work.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cantarus
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/Cantarus
• Xx.com/cantarus

Compliance3 records

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&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Cantarus