ASK4

The story so far

Working closely with management, Bowmark has supported ASK4 in establishing operations in Ireland, Spain and Germany, hiring key employees in each territory. These operations also act as a springboard for opportunities in other European markets including Poland, Portugal, Austria and The Netherlands. The number of customers served by ASK4 in continental Europe has increased ten-fold since Bowmark’s investment.

We also supported ASK4 in expanding its management team with a number of new senior appointments – all of whom have great experience in successful tech companies. In addition, ASK4 has invested in recruiting and training additional staff to underpin its first-class customer experience across its WiFi, broadband and internet services.

The business has moved into new verticals, focusing on the “build to rent” market serving young professionals, a rapidly expanding sector. It has undertaken carefully selected M&A, including acquiring BirchenallHowden, which adds a fully integrated end-to-end IT services offering for both new and existing customers. In 2022, ASK4 also acquired a small shareholding in Utopi, the ESG-focused Internet of Things and data platform provider, as part of a broad strategic partnership.

ASK4’s services have become even more essential since the Covid-19 pandemic, as accommodation operators and end-users such as students and homeworkers have shifted working patterns to rely increasingly on online services.