Bluestem Network
Bluestem Network (DBA Helm Connected) is a veteran-owned, Omaha-based managed IT and connectivity services provider serving small and mid-sized businesses with network management, cloud, endpoint protection, and IT consulting on a managed-services model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersOmaha, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Bluestem Network does
Bluestem Network, doing business as Helm Connected, is a private, veteran-owned managed IT services provider headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 2015. The company delivers three service lines to small and mid-sized businesses: (1) Managed IT Services covering network management, server and systems protection, cloud services, and IT consulting; (2) Connectivity Services including cloud connect, internet access, and peering services; and (3) IT-Integrated Spaces, listed as an emerging/coming-soon offering. Its stated value proposition targets businesses overwhelmed by fragmented technology stacks—multiple apps, login screens, hardware issues, and security concerns—positioning itself as a dedicated outsourced IT team and technical advisor rather than a transactional vendor.
Underlying technology is a conventional managed services stack: network management, server and endpoint protection, cloud administration, and internet/connectivity infrastructure, with no proprietary platforms, patents, or AI-driven tooling disclosed. The business model is managed services revenue with quote-based, non-publicly-disclosed pricing, sold through a consultative direct-sales motion ("let's talk") reinforced by an organic digital presence across its website, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The company is founder-controlled with no institutional investors, no parent entity, and no disclosed funding, operating as a regional SMB-focused IT partner in the Midwestern US market.
Bluestem Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bluestem Network
- Legal name
- Helm Connected
- Website
- https://bluestemnetwork.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Bluestem Network (DBA Helm Connected) is a veteran-owned, Omaha-based managed IT and connectivity services provider serving small and mid-sized businesses with network management, cloud, endpoint protection, and IT consulting on a managed-services model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bluestem Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Managed IT Services
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services (BPAEABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Business/Enterprise Fixed Connectivity Providers (SME/Enterprise Broadband) (HDAIABAI)
Keywords
Where Bluestem Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Omaha
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Bluestem Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Managed IT Services: Ongoing managed IT services providing network management, server and systems protection, and cloud services with continuous support and monitoring.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Bluestem Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bluestem Network (operating as Helm Connected) delivers managed IT services and connectivity solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. Its core offerings include network management, server and systems protection, cloud services, and IT consulting, supplemented by connectivity services spanning cloud connect, internet access, and peering. The company acts as an outsourced specialized IT team and technical advisor for clients without in-house IT departments.
Product overview
Helm Connected offers a unified portfolio of managed IT and connectivity services designed for businesses seeking comprehensive technology support. The core offering consists of Managed IT Services (including network management, server and systems protection, cloud services, and IT consulting), supplemented by Connectivity Services (cloud connect, internet access, and peering services), and an emerging IT-Integrated Spaces service line. The company positions itself as a specialized IT team and technical advisor for small to mid-sized businesses.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Managed IT Services Comprehensive IT management encompassing network management, server and systems protection, cloud services, and IT consulting to provide stable networks, performing systems, and reliable internet connections for SMBs without in-house IT staff.
- Connectivity Services Network connectivity solutions including cloud connect, internet access, and peering services to maintain reliable connections for business customers.
- IT-Integrated Spaces Technology-integrated space solutions in development, intended as an emerging service offering within the Helm Connected portfolio.
Companies that use Bluestem Network
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Bluestem Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Bluestem Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalRecent moves3 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Bluestem Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ntiva: Ntiva is a U.S. managed IT services provider offering managed IT, cloud, cybersecurity, and connectivity to SMB and mid-market customers. It is the closest direct comparable to Bluestem in terms of horizontal SMB focus, services bundling, and sales-led GTM.
- Dataprise: Dataprise is a national managed IT and cybersecurity provider serving SMB and mid-market organizations with a similar services-plus-connectivity portfolio. Comparable in customer segment, delivery model, and horizontal approach.
- NexusTek: NexusTek delivers managed IT, cloud, and connectivity services to SMB and mid-market clients across the U.S. Its service mix (managed IT + cloud + connectivity) and SMB focus closely mirror Bluestem's positioning.
- Fully Managed (by HelpWire): Fully Managed is an MSP offering outsourced IT, helpdesk, and managed network services to SMBs, with a comparable bundled services approach and similar target customer profile.
- CMIT Solutions: CMIT Solutions is a franchised network of managed IT service providers serving small businesses with managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Comparable in SMB targeting and broad managed services offering.
Broad incumbents
- Kyndryl: Kyndryl is a large global managed infrastructure and IT services provider. It is not a direct SMB competitor, but it is a broad incumbent in managed IT services that competes for many of the same larger customers Bluestem aspires to serve.
- Rackspace Technology: Rackspace is a multi-cloud managed services provider with broad enterprise and mid-market reach. It overlaps with Bluestem's cloud and managed services offerings but operates at a vastly larger scale and serves more enterprise customers.
Emerging players
- Aryaka Networks: Aryaka provides managed SD-WAN and connectivity services to mid-market and enterprise customers. It overlaps with Bluestem's connectivity services line (cloud connect, internet access, peering) but is more product-led and enterprise-focused.
- Cato Networks: Cato Networks is a SASE platform combining SD-WAN, security, and managed cloud connectivity. It competes with the connectivity portion of Bluestem's offering and is increasingly relevant to MSPs bundling network services.
Regional players
- Concord Technologies: Concord Technologies is a Midwest-based managed IT and connectivity provider with similar heartland geographic roots and an SMB/mid-market focus, making it a relevant regional comparable in Bluestem's home market.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Bluestem Network social profiles
Digital presenceBluestem Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bluestem Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Bluestem Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bluestem Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bluestem Network
What does Bluestem Network do?
Bluestem Network (operating as Helm Connected) delivers managed IT services and connectivity solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. Its core offerings include network management, server and systems protection, cloud services, and IT consulting, supplemented by connectivity services spanning cloud connect, internet access, and peering. The company acts as an outsourced specialized IT team and technical advisor for clients without in-house IT departments.
Is Bluestem Network a public or private company?
Bluestem Network is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Bluestem Network founded?
Bluestem Network was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Bluestem Network based?
Bluestem Network is headquartered in Omaha, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bluestem Network make money?
One revenue line is on record: managed IT Services.
Who are Bluestem Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ntiva, Dataprise, NexusTek, Fully Managed (by HelpWire) and CMIT Solutions. Broad incumbents are Kyndryl and Rackspace Technology. Emerging players are Aryaka Networks and Cato Networks. Concord Technologies is listed as a regional player.
Does Bluestem Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bluestem Network.
What industry is Bluestem Network in?
Bluestem Network's product category is Managed IT Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEABAD, Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services, with a secondary code of HDAIABAI, Business/Enterprise Fixed Connectivity Providers (SME/Enterprise Broadband). Its NAICS code is 518 and its SIC code is 4899.