‘In-the-wild’ digital tester Applause closes F-series round with $35m

Applause, an in-the-wild digital testing startup, leader, has raised $35m in a Series F financing round. The round was led by Direct Equity Partners – an investment program managed by Credit Suisse – and also included an investment from Accenture, a strategic partner.

This round brings Applause’s total funding-to-date to more than $115 Million.

Applause has built a strong reputation by combining so-called ‘in-the-wild’ testing services with test automation and access to a global community. The company works with brands to help them establish digital quality across every device and operating system (and more) that they offer.

“Digital experiences – from web to mobile to IoT to brick and mortar – are the epicenter of competition in many industries, including retail, restaurants, travel, banking, insurance and manufacturing. Late-stage funding from leaders like Credit Suisse and Accenture, enables us to double down on expanding our solutions,” said Applause CEO, Doron Reuveni.

“Applause is uniquely positioned as the de facto leader in Digital Experience testing, usability feedback and research.”

The round had full participation from all of Applause’s previous investors, including Goldman Sachs’s Merchant Banking Division, QuestMark Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Longworth Venture Partners, Mesco Ltd and MassVentures.

Previous to this Series F round, Applause’s most recent funding was a $43 Million Series E round in January, 2014.

“Our alliance with Applause and investment in the company is a powerful step forward in Accenture’s liquid workforce agenda,” said Paul Daugherty, chief technology officer, Accenture.

“Combining our global testing capabilities with Applause’s ‘in-the-wild’ crowdtesting platform will provide clients with a better digital testing solution for websites, mobile apps and IoT products.

“Together, we bring a unique ability to scale to meet the demands of enterprise clients around the world. That is what led us to forge this alliance relationship and invest in Applause through Accenture Ventures.”

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