One of the biggest advantages of joining Vertus Group is the ability to tap into a network of leaders who constantly share what has worked and what hasn't for their software business. Whether it's finding a solution to a tough business problem or learning how to optimize operations, the companies in our portfolio benefit from the experience and insights of their peers. This collaborative ecosystem offers a real competitive edge - no one is operating in a silo, and the collective wisdom helps each business grow faster and smarter.

Last month, this spirit of learning and connection was at the heart of Vertus Group's first-ever education summit, Univertusy 2024 ("UV24"). Held near Toronto, Ontario, the event brought together over 80 leaders from more than 25 companies across our portfolio for a week of deep learning, networking, and problem-solving. It was a chance for everyone to share their knowledge, pick up new ideas, and connect with others working through the same challenges of running a successful software business. 

Originally the Jonas Club & Hospitality portfolio, Vertus Group rebranded in December 2023 to encompass many new verticals. Today, Vertus Group operates businesses within verticals such as: 

• Club Management
• Hospitality 
• Dispute Management
• Developer Tools
• Media Solutions
• Education
• and more. 

This range of industries within our portfolio makes events like UV24 more important than ever. Despite the many differences between these verticals, every leader in our portfolio shares the same drive to run exceptional software businesses, and that is what connects us. UV24 gave those leaders the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and come away with new strategies to take back to their teams. 

Speakers at UV24 shared a wealth of knowledge, both from within the Vertus Group ecosystem and beyond. Presenters like Jamal Baksh, CFO of Constellation Software, offered the perspective of our parent organization, while Bilal Mahmood, Managing Director of Contour Software, showcased the services they offer and how they can address specific business challenges. External experts, including Dr. JP Pawliw Fry (Institute for Health & Human Potential) and Jeffrey Tjiok (Simon-Kucher), brought additional insights on leadership under pressure and innovative pricing strategies. These sessions, plus the many other guest speakers and topics presented, provided attendees with new perspectives and fresh ideas to implement in their businesses. 

Networking was another highlight, with leaders from across different industries and companies finding common ground through shared experiences and entertaining team bonding events. These new connections are expected to last long after the summit, providing a strong support system for leaders as they continue to navigate the complexities of running exceptional software companies. 

Overall, UV24 demonstrated the strength of Vertus Group's collaborative approach. As our portfolio continues to expand, the ability to learn from each other and share best practices improves, remaining one of our key advantages. The summit left leaders energized, armed with new ideas and strong connections, which will continue to drive success across the entire Vertus ecosystem. 

We look forward to new businesses joining our portfolio and giving them the opportunity to attend events like Univertusy in the future.