Cox Buys Majority Stake in OpenGov

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

OpenGov, the leader in modern cloud software for our nation's cities, counties, and state agencies, has secured a majority investment, valuing OpenGov at $1.8 billion, from long-time partner Cox Enterprises. This allows OpenGov to make long-term strategic decisions that will benefit customers for decades to come.

Nearly 1,900 customers in all 50 states rely on OpenGov's industry-leading products for budgeting, accounting, procurement, asset management, and permitting to operate more efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen public trust. One in three people in the U.S. now benefit from OpenGov software.

Cox and OpenGov share similar missions and values, and this is the primary driver of the partnership. Cox has a proven track record of investing in mission-driven companies and empowering those organizations to build for long-term impact. Since its founding over 125 years ago, Cox has built multi-billion dollar businesses aimed at solving the nation's most pressing problems. Partnering with OpenGov marks Cox's largest new industry commitment – to close the growing technology gap that plagues state and local governments.

Legacy software solutions dominate the GovTech industry. None are equipped to solve the problems facing today's state and local governments. Challenges include higher demand from residents for digital and cloud services, greater expectations for transparency and community engagement, increased risk of cyber and ransomware attacks, and a growing talent gap as the workforce retires. OpenGov's applications tackle these problems head on, future-proof organizations, and give our nation's public servants the technology they need to do their jobs effectively.

"We have been a long-time investor in OpenGov, and we are thrilled to deepen our commitment," said Alex Taylor, chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises. "This is an important time for our country in many ways. In 1920, when my great-grandfather was Governor of Ohio, he expressed the need for our people to have 'an abiding confidence' in their government. Now, all these years later, we are very excited to help OpenGov grow and build for the future. Powering more effective and accountable government is an inspiring mission, and OpenGov delivers a better experience for governments, residents and businesses alike."