What Ekaru does

Ekaru is a privately held managed IT services provider (MSP) headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, with a secondary office in Acton, MA. Founded in 2001 by Ann Westerheim, PhD — an MIT-trained engineer — the company delivers enterprise-class IT, cybersecurity, cloud, VoIP, backup, and IT strategy services to small and mid-sized businesses (5-200 employees) across the Greater Boston area, covering 15+ communities including Andover, Billerica, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lowell, Reading, Tewksbury, and Waltham. Service verticals span medical offices, law firms, accountants, manufacturers, retailers, non-profits, and government organizations, with compliance support for HIPAA, PCI, NIST, CMMC, and MA Data Security Law.

The technology stack is built primarily on the Microsoft 365 ecosystem for productivity, cloud, and identity, layered with GoTo for hosted VoIP, EasyDMARC for email authentication, LastPass for password management, and Barracuda Networks for email gateway defense. Core proprietary differentiators include the "Cybersecurity for Main Street" framework (based on NIST, codified in a book authored by the founder), a Business Impact Analysis-led security methodology, and continuous backup monitoring with recovery testing. The product suite comprises six core lines: Managed IT & Helpdesk, Cybersecurity, Cloud Services, Backup & Recovery, VoIP & Connectivity, and IT Strategy & Planning, plus a Security Awareness Training add-on.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring monthly managed service subscriptions, supplemented by project-based VoIP installations and professional services for IT strategy and cloud migrations. The company operates with no long-term contracts, relying instead on retention earned through service quality. GTM is sales-led, community-led, and event-driven — leveraging free 30-minute consultations, workshops, webinars, chamber memberships, and a referral network in which most new clients are introduced by existing ones. Recognition includes CRN MSP 500 (2025), CRN Women of the Channel (2026 for Ann Westerheim), GTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark Assured, and Cyber AB CMMC certification.

Name

Ekaru

Legal name

Ekaru, LLC

Website

https://ekaru.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ekaru is a privately held managed IT services provider in Westford, MA, delivering managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, VoIP, backup, and IT strategy services to small and mid-sized businesses across the Greater Boston area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Managed IT Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Cloud & Infrastructure Support (Servers, Storage, Virtualization) (BPAAACAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cloud DR, Backup & Business Continuity (BPAEACAJ), Strategy & IT Advisory (BPAEAAAA)

Keywords

• Managed IT services
• Cybersecurity services
• Cloud services
• Backup and recovery
• VoIP connectivity

Headquarters

HQ city

Westford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Managed IT Services: Recurring managed IT support services including helpdesk, cybersecurity, cloud services, backup and recovery, VoIP and connectivity. Provides predictable monthly revenue with long-term client relationships.
2. Project-Based VoIP Installation: One-time project-based VoIP phone system installation and setup, including no long-term contracts. Partners with GoTo for enterprise-grade VoIP solutions.
3. Backup and Recovery Services: Backup solutions ranging from file-based backup to full disaster recovery with on-site failover servers, including monitoring and recovery testing services
4. IT Strategy and Planning: Strategic consulting including annual CIO technical business reviews, monthly executive reports, technology roadmapping, and IT budgeting services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Ekaru is a managed service provider delivering enterprise-class IT support, cybersecurity, cloud services, backup and disaster recovery, VoIP/connectivity, and strategic IT planning to small and mid-sized businesses across the Greater Boston area. Services are delivered as recurring managed IT contracts with no long-term commitments, combining remote helpdesk support with on-site visits. Core delivery is built around the Microsoft 365 ecosystem with partner-integrated security, backup, and phone solutions.

Product overview

Ekaru is a managed service provider (MSP) delivering enterprise-class IT and cybersecurity services to small and mid-sized businesses in the greater Boston area. The company's offerings are organized as a comprehensive suite of managed IT services spanning: Managed IT & Helpdesk Services (remote support, on-site support, proactive monitoring, co-managed IT, and Microsoft 365 support); Cybersecurity Services (security technology, security awareness training, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, compliance support, and password management via LastPass); Cloud Services (cloud migrations, Microsoft 365 setup and support, cloud infrastructure, hosted email, and cloud backup); Backup & Recovery Services (file-based and full server backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning); VoIP & Connectivity (hosted VoIP phones in partnership with GoTo); IT Strategy & Planning (CIO reviews, executive reports, and technology roadmapping); and Security Awareness Training (online training portal with multimedia content and compliance documentation).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cybersecurity for Main Street: A book authored by Ann Westerheim on cybersecurity for small businesses; also a program for protecting Main Street businesses from cyber threats.

Products and services

• Managed IT & Helpdesk Services Responsive IT support and helpdesk services for small and mid-sized businesses, including remote helpdesk, on-site support, proactive monitoring, co-managed IT, and Microsoft 365 support. Customers are SMBs in the Greater Boston area needing a local, relationship-driven IT partner.
• Cybersecurity Services Enterprise-level cybersecurity services including firewalls, endpoint detection, multi-factor authentication, security awareness training, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, compliance support for HIPAA, MA Data Security Law, PCI, NIST, executive cyber coaching, and password management via LastPass. Targeted at SMBs handling sensitive data or subject to compliance obligations.
• Cloud Services Secure cloud infrastructure and Microsoft 365 services including cloud migrations, Microsoft 365 setup and support, cloud infrastructure, hosted email with spam filtering, cloud security and access controls, and cloud backup. For SMBs needing to enable remote work and modernize their IT environment.
• Backup & Recovery Services Reliable backup and recovery solutions including file-based backup, full server backup, disaster recovery with on-site failover servers, Microsoft 365 backup, backup monitoring, recovery testing, and business continuity planning. For SMBs that need tested, monitored backup and the ability to recover quickly from incidents.
• VoIP & Connectivity Hosted VoIP phone systems and unified communications delivered in partnership with GoTo, including desk phones, softphones, mobile apps, custom call routing, auto attendants, voicemail, video conferencing, and call analytics. Project-based installation with no long-term contracts. For SMBs modernizing their phone systems.
• IT Strategy & Planning Strategic IT guidance including annual CIO technical business reviews, monthly executive reports, technology roadmapping, and IT budgeting and forecasting to align technology with business goals. For SMB owners needing outsourced technology leadership and planning.

Quantifiable outcome

• Many clients have been with Ekaru for over a decade
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GoTocoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership to deliver enterprise-grade VoIP phone systems for SMBs. GoTo provides the cloud phone platform while Ekaru offers local installation, training, and ongoing support. Partnership enables same-day or next-business-day deployment.
• EasyDMARCcoreTechnology or IntegrationJoined EasyDMARC's MSP Program to strengthen email security for clients. Provides DMARC, SPF, and DKIM email authentication services to protect against email spoofing and brand impersonation.
• LastPasscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnered to provide password management solutions for clients. LastPass offers secure password storage, sharing, and compliance reporting. Ekaru handles setup, administration, and ongoing management.
• Petra SecurityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for email security workshops and education. Petra Security provides expertise for workshops on modern threat detection and identity threat analysis.
• Microsoft 365coreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary technology platform for cloud services, productivity tools, and security. Ekaru provides setup, migration, optimization, and ongoing support for Microsoft 365 environments.
• Nashoba Valley Chamber of CommerceminorOthersLocal business chamber membership supporting community engagement and networking in the greater Boston area.
• Greater Lowell Chamber of CommerceminorOthersLocal business chamber membership supporting community presence and business networking.
• Middlesex West Chamber of CommerceminorOthersLocal business chamber membership supporting community engagement.
• Westford Business AssociationminorOthersLocal business association membership supporting community presence in Westford, MA.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KDG (The KDG Guy / KDG IT Services): Mid-sized MSP focused on SMB IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud services with strong relationship-driven GTM. Closely comparable business model, customer segment, and Microsoft-centric stack to Ekaru.
• Coretelligent: Managed IT and cybersecurity provider with vCIO/IT strategy services targeting SMB and mid-market clients. Overlaps directly with Ekaru's managed IT, cybersecurity, and CIO advisory offerings.
• Magna5: Regional managed services provider delivering managed IT, cybersecurity, backup, and VoIP to SMB and mid-market customers. Comparable service mix and recurring-revenue model to Ekaru.
• Blackpoint IT: Cybersecurity-focused MSP delivering managed detection, compliance, and IT support to SMBs. Highly comparable to Ekaru's cybersecurity-led value proposition and compliance support capabilities.

Broad incumbents

• Ntiva: Larger national MSP offering managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and backup to SMBs and mid-market organizations. Same product suite as Ekaru but at broader geographic scale and deeper resources.
• Dataprise: National managed services provider covering helpdesk, security, cloud, and infrastructure across the U.S. A scaled incumbent competing for the same SMB/mid-market wallet but with deeper headcount and reach.
• Thrive NextGen: Large managed services and cybersecurity firm serving SMB through enterprise clients. Competes with Ekaru in managed IT and cybersecurity but at a much larger scale across multiple regions.
• Expedient: National MSP and infrastructure provider with managed services, cloud, and cybersecurity offerings for SMB and mid-market clients. Overlaps with Ekaru's cloud and managed IT stack at larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/ekaruIT
• Xx.com/ekaruit

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 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 Ekaru