In today’s fast-paced world, everything is evolving at an incredible speed. When it comes to the high-tech sector, companies need to be agile and quickly adapt, delivering solutions that meet market demands. Absorb Software, a Calgary-based company, is a prime example, with a story that inspires other entrepreneurs. Learn more about it at calgary-future.
A Brief History of the Company
Absorb Software first opened its doors in Calgary in 2003, operating out of a modest 200-square-meter space in Inglewood.
By 2020, Mike Owens was at the helm as CEO, and it was around then that the move to TELUS Sky was announced. Prior to this, Dan Harmsen, Partner and Vice President at Barclay Street Real Estate, assisted with their previous relocations. Absorb Software needed more room to grow. Eventually, he and his partner, Cassandra Hansen, successfully brokered a deal for Absorb Software to occupy five floors of the 60-storey TELUS Sky Tower.
In an interview, Mike Owens shared that Calgary has been a fantastic home for Absorb Software. With the business expanding rapidly, the decision was made to relocate and continue their growth trajectory. According to Owens, the move to the tower marks a pivotal moment for the city, as it will provide Absorb Software with the necessary technological amenities and help attract and retain top talent.
The Founder’s Vision
Mike Owens sees tremendous potential in Absorb Software’s future. It’s worth noting that the company’s CEO grew up in rural Alberta before moving to the city to attend the University of Calgary, where he earned degrees in political and computer science.
While studying, he served as a reservist with the “Calgary Highlanders” and worked on online training programs. This experience sparked his desire to develop software, ultimately leading to the company’s founding. Initially, the company had 250 employees, a number expected to exceed 400 within the next three to four years.
Company Products
Absorb Software’s headquarters are in Calgary, with global offices in London, Dublin, Singapore, Sydney, Shanghai, Boston, and Salt Lake City. This extensive presence clearly demonstrates how a learning technology company has expanded far beyond Canada’s borders. This widespread footprint allows Absorb Software to effectively serve clients worldwide, and the company’s ability to tailor solutions to diverse regional needs is a significant advantage.
Let’s take a closer look at the company’s flagship products, which empower organizations to efficiently manage their learning and development processes.
- Absorb LMS is a leading, award-winning learning management system. It’s designed for a wide range of clients, including large and small businesses, universities and colleges, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Businesses leverage the system for employee training, upskilling, and onboarding new hires, while higher education institutions use it for remote learning, efficient course management, and student assessment. Government agencies rely on the system for staff training and regulatory compliance. For non-profit organizations, Absorb Software’s product is an invaluable tool for volunteer training, raising awareness, and implementing development programs. Absorb LMS stands out with its intuitive interface and powerful reporting and analytics features. Users appreciate the high level of customization, which allows for personalized learning experiences.
- Absorb Infuse is another innovative learning product from Absorb Software. Instead of forcing users to navigate to a separate learning platform, the company integrates learning content directly into the daily workflows and applications users already employ. This approach makes learning accessible and effective, delivering knowledge precisely when it’s needed, without interrupting the user’s primary tasks.
After exploring Absorb Software’s flagship products, it’s clear the company continues to lead innovation in learning technologies. They remain committed to providing solutions that help organizations worldwide achieve their learning and development goals.
Canada’s High-Tech Landscape
Absorb Software’s success story is a prime example of how a small startup can evolve into a global player. The company has focused its efforts on developing intuitive, powerful, and scalable software. This dedication has brought significant economic benefits to Calgary and Alberta, creating jobs, attracting investment, and bolstering the region’s reputation as a hub for technological innovation.
Since its inception, the company’s vision, mission, and core values have remained steadfast: delivering exceptional work, achieving outstanding results, valuing individual uniqueness, fostering collaboration, and embracing continuous growth. For those eager to experience Absorb Software’s products firsthand, a free trial is available.