CompTIA’s Acquisition by Private Equity: What Does This Mean for the IT Industry?

CompTIA has long been a cornerstone of the IT industry, known for its certifications and training that have helped countless professionals build their careers. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to participate in CompTIA’s committees developing support and materials for the MSP world. Now, with the announcement that private equity firms H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo will acquire CompTIA’s brand and its certification business, there’s a mix of optimism and cautious curiosity among the MSP community. 

Making this a bit more complex is the fact that CompTIA is essentially two quasi-separate organizations. One (essentially for-profit) is focused on training and certifications, the other focused more on non-profit industry support and educational initiatives. The for-profit side is what’s being purchased (and will keep the CompTIA name. The non-profit side will remain independent, although funded at least partially through some of the funds generated by this purchase. 

Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, expressed confidence about the transition, noting that these new partnerships with experienced technology investors would enable CompTIA to amplify its impact on the global IT industry. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with two leading, experienced investors…whose expertise and resources will allow us to expand our impact on the global IT industry,” Thibodeaux said. 

But as with any major shift, the reactions are varied. On LinkedIn, CompTIA Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer assured members that the nonprofit side of the organization is not being acquired and will continue with the same mission, supported by an endowment from the sale proceeds. This split allows the nonprofit to sustain and even increase its outreach and benefits without the direct revenue pressure from the certification side. 

Why This Matters to the MSP Community 

Many in the managed service provider (MSP) space, including myself, are watching this development closely. Change at this scale could redefine how training, certifications, and even industry alignments play out in the coming years. The potential for expanded resources and new opportunities is exciting. However, the integration of private equity inevitably raises concerns. Will a profit-driven CompTIA prioritize certain vendors or products that align with their new owners' interests? 

As is always the case when it comes to acquisitions in this industry, time will tell us whether the CompTIA brand will maintain its vendor independence and use the opportunity to expand into further area or let the brand/products stagnate or just serve other brands also owned by the new folks. 

Change brings opportunities and risks. Change through organizational (and brand) acquisition, doubly so. The initial talk is just that. Time is the only factor right now that will show the results. 

Of course, my final measure is whether I get new swag out of it like socks or T-shirts. 

Looking Ahead 

As more details unfold, MSPs and IT professionals will need to keep an eye on how this shift impacts their training, certifications, and overall industry trends. The hope is that this move will lead to a win-win scenario: a robust nonprofit that expands its reach and an innovative, for-profit branch that keeps pace with industry growth. Only time will tell if that optimistic outlook pans out, but one thing’s for sure—change is in the air. 

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop. You can also read the original news coverage and additional industry reactions here: CompTIA Selling Its Brand, Products to Private Equity Investors. 

See additional thoughts from Bob in a recent article from MSP Success which you can see here.