The Pimberly Story: From Humble Beginnings to International Expansion

Pimberly, a trailblazing cloud-based SaaS PIM (Product Information Management) platform, was born out of a vision to revolutionize product data management. The journey began when the CEO of the UK’s largest technology and solutions supplier for the Film, TV, and Creative Industry identified a growing need in the retail sector. In a strategic move, the company acquired Matrix, a small software business with a niche product for automating print catalog production.

The Matrix development team, renowned for their expertise in product data and ERP systems, became the foundation upon which Pimberly was built. Recognizing the challenges customers faced in managing product information and digital assets efficiently, the team embarked on creating a future-proof solution. Thus, in 2015, Pimberly set out to develop a proof of concept capable of integrating into a SaaS-based enterprise technology stack. By the end of that year, they had successfully delivered their Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Early 2016 marked a significant milestone for Pimberly, as they secured their first client, Westcoast, who remains a loyal customer to this day. The initial excitement and anxiety of launching a new venture quickly gave way to rapid growth and success. Pimberly’s mission has always been to help products reach consumers accurately and efficiently, ensuring an enhanced purchasing experience.

The rise of e-commerce, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the critical need for robust product data management. Consumers increasingly turned to online shopping, not just for clothes and gadgets, but for groceries, furniture, and even cars. This shift underscored the importance of comprehensive product information, including data, images, and videos, which are essential for consumers to find, review, compare, and purchase products online.

Pimberly’s dedication to developing the best SaaS PIM/DAM (Digital Asset Management) solution has paid off. By 2020, the company had grown from two full-time employees to over 50, serving more than 46 clients with a strong pipeline for further expansion. Achieving over $2 million in Annual Recurring Revenues (ARR) was a significant achievement, setting the stage for continued growth.

Despite the challenges of 2020, Pimberly remained resilient. The pandemic forced a pivot in business strategies, with many companies shifting to Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) models as traditional sales channels were disrupted. Pimberly’s ability to adapt and innovate during these times was crucial. The introduction of features like Automated Product Data Sheets and the upcoming launch of Customer Connect and Vendor Connect, along with enhanced SEO governance, demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement.

Since 2021, Pimberly has seized new opportunities, particularly in international expansion. Supported by prestigious government-backed programs like TechNation Upscale 5.0 and the Global Scale-Up Programme, and with additional investment, Pimberly set its sights on the US market. By the end of that year, they successfully established their first sales and customer support representatives in New York, focusing initially on the apparel and fashion sectors, where they had already seen significant success in the UK.

The importance of a physical presence in new markets, especially for a SaaS business, cannot be overstated. Having team members on the ground to provide consistent customer and technical support is crucial for building strong relationships, particularly during the sales and implementation process.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Pimberly continues to expand its reach and influence. With offices in both the UK and the US, the company is well-positioned to serve a growing international customer base. By adhering to MACH alliance principles—Composable, Future-Proofed, and End-User Focused Technology—Pimberly aims to stay at the forefront of innovation in product information management. The company’s ongoing mission is to enable brands, manufacturers, and retailers to get their products in front of the right people at the right time, driving both efficiency and customer satisfaction.