The UK’s first acquisition deal for a major software provider has closed, securing Famly’s place as the largest early years software provider in the UK

Famly has today announced that they will be acquiring FirstSteps. The deal will see more than 600 FirstSteps customers welcomed to the Famly platform in the coming months, supported by FirstSteps staff who will all officially join the Famly team from their offices in Leicester.

The details

• The deal will bring all 600+ FirstSteps customers over to Famly.
• The FirstSteps platform will be slowly phased out by the end of Summer
• After the deal, Famly will be secure as the largest all-in-one nursery platform in the UK, with more than 3,500 settings on the platform
• Follows Danish-HQ’d Famly’s record £14m investment last year
• Founders Kirit and Kokila will support the transition, before taking retirement
• All FirstSteps staff will join Famly.

The acquisition of a major early years software company by another provider is the first of its kind in the UK, and represents Famly’s aspiration to be the dominant choice for early years providers.

The time was right for a number of reasons:

• A natural fit – FirstSteps chose Famly based on their reputation, world-class product, and a shared belief in putting the customer first. Both companies began the same way – a new father unhappy with the tools their child’s nursery was using
• Time for retirement – The move enables husband and wife founders, Kirit and Kokila, to enjoy their retirement after nearly 30 years of service to the sector
• A talented team – All FirstSteps staff will officially join Famly to help bring FirstSteps customers over and beyond. That same ‘young’ boy, Darshan – whose time in nursery inspired the very first FirstSteps database in 1994 – now leads the FirstSteps development team
• Modern software needs – The sector demands ever more sophisticated software to meet ever more complicated challenges, especially after the pandemic revealed how vital digital communication is. FirstSteps customers will find new features and functionality in Famly, the sector’s simplest all-in-one software.

Famly chief exec Anders Laustsen said: “At Famly, we want to support shared early childhood, where educators and owners are working in the closest possible collaboration with their children’s families – to make sure children have the best possible start to life. I’m so thrilled to finally announce this deal, which has been made possible through a lot of hard graft from our team and the new members of the Famly at FirstSteps.

“Most of all, I just want to thank Kirit and Kokila for three decades of service to the sector that has provided the foundation for Famly to thrive – and for sharing our vision for better early childhood. And to all FirstSteps customers, we can’t wait to meet you and show you what Famly can do for you and your families.”

FirstSteps began making early years software when it involved installing the program with a floppy disk. The software has moved a long way since then, and the company’s 30-year tenure in the sector has left a proud mark. Founder Kirit and his wife Kokila – whose son inspired the creation of FirstSteps and now works for FirstSteps – will be taking a well-deserved retirement once the deal concludes in the summer.

FirstSteps chief exec Kirit Patel said: “Famly and FirstSteps started the same way, a father who wanted to make things easier for the staff at his child’s nursery. As we approached retirement I wanted to make sure we had the right partner to carry that legacy on and Famly is clearly that partner, with their excellent customer focus, great reputation in the sector, and fantastic modern software.

Thank you to all the FirstSteps customers who have put their faith in us for so many years, your loyalty means a lot. Just as I trust Famly to look after my brilliant team here in Leicester, I trust them to look after you.”

FirstSteps and Famly customers with any questions, please reach out directly to Carlen at [email protected]