Kitware Becomes a 100 Percent Employee-Owned Company

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 8, 2020--

Kitware, Inc. today announced the transfer of all of its stock into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making the company 100 percent employee-owned. The company’s shareholders and board of directors, including the five original founders, approved the transaction on November 30 with the intent of further strengthening its commitment to its employees, customers, collaborators, and communities.

“Our employees take great pride in making an impact on the world and our success is attributed to the passion and innovation they bring each day,” said Kitware co-founder and CEO Lisa Avila. “The ESOP demonstrates our commitment to them, further allowing them to take part in our future success.”

The shift to employee ownership will help preserve Kitware’s employee-centric culture and retain its flexibility and sustainability as an independent company. There are no planned changes to Kitware’s management structure or day-to-day operations, and the conversion to an ESOP will not impact Kitware’s eligibility to work with our customers.

Founded in 1998, Kitware has grown from its five original founders to more than 200 employees worldwide. The company works with customers to solve the world’s most complex scientific challenges through customized software solutions. It delivers innovation by focusing on advanced technical computing, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, and full-spectrum software solutions.

“This is an extraordinarily important moment in our company’s history. We’ve always embraced inclusiveness and placed the highest value on the contributions of all of our employees,” stated Avila. “This transition feels like a natural progression for us as it reinforces our culture, ensures we continue to serve our clients in the best way possible, and supports the sustainability of our company.”