Accela has bought out OpenCounter, transferring ownership of the company from Euna Solutions, formerly known as GTY Technology. OpenCounter was one of the original six companies that merged together to form GTY in 2018.
OpenCounter offers technology meant to help businesses and individuals conduct activities related to permitting digitally — especially the information-gathering part of the process, such as zoning lookups and learning how much the fees will cost.
Permitting is also a core piece of Accela’s business. In a press release, company officials focused on the user-friendliness OpenCounter will bring to Accela’s existing platform.
“OpenCounter has primarily focused on the applicant experience, understanding that the permitting process starts when someone has an idea and not when they submit their first application,” OpenCounter Product Director Linh Vuong said in a statement. “Having worked alongside Accela for many years, the OpenCounter team is excited to combine strengths with this partnership, and thrilled for the opportunities we’ll have to bring a comprehensive and user-friendly permitting solution to cities, counties and states across the country.”
In a blog post, Accela outlined three specific ways the acquisition will improve its technology:
- It will offer step-by-step guides on how to get the correct licenses and permits, including cost.
- A user-friendly interface will lead to fewer errors, saving time.
- A simpler process with fewer administrative obstacles will raise customer satisfaction and make these activities more efficient.
Though both companies operate in the permitting space, their systems have worked together side by side before. In Polk County, Fla., Building Division Director Benjamin A. Dunn told Government Technology last year that he saw synergy between the two products.
“We knew this type of technology would give our customers the ability to plan early for their project costs and reduce staff time spent calculating building fees,” Dunn said. “We had a few demonstrations and we liked that OpenCounter provided the fee calculator, the zoning/land use component, and that it could integrate with Accela.”
Accela and Euna are both backed by private equity — the former by Berkshire Partners and Francisco Partners, the latter by GI Partners.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
