Digital Transformation Takes a Leap: Apply Digital Acquires Ragnarok and Hightouch Achieves ISO 27001 Certification
March 7, 2025, 10:46 pm
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 1996
Total raised: $78M
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing and technology, two significant events have emerged, reshaping the landscape for businesses and consumers alike. Apply Digital, a key player in digital transformation, has acquired Ragnarok, a personalization and MarTech agency. Meanwhile, Hightouch, a leader in Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), has achieved ISO 27001 certification, a global benchmark for information security management. These developments highlight the growing importance of data-driven strategies and security in today’s digital ecosystem.
Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic alliance. This partnership aims to enhance customer engagement and omnichannel marketing capabilities. Think of it as merging two powerful rivers to create a more robust flow of innovation and service. By combining forces, Apply Digital and Ragnarok can support clients throughout the entire digital lifecycle.
Ragnarok, co-founded by childhood friends Spencer Barrett and Steven Aldrich, has carved a niche in delivering measurable marketing impact. With a team of 50 specialists, they have established themselves as leaders in personalization and direct engagement strategies. Their client roster includes notable names like Dropbox and A+E Networks. This acquisition allows Apply Digital to leverage Ragnarok’s expertise in direct marketing and data-driven decision-making. It’s like adding a sharp knife to a chef’s toolkit—suddenly, the possibilities for creating exquisite dishes expand.
Gautam Lohia, co-founder and CEO of Apply Digital, emphasizes the synergy between the two companies. The shared culture and values are as vital as the technical capabilities they bring to the table. Both companies prioritize relationships, which is the bedrock of successful partnerships. This cultural alignment is crucial in an industry where trust and collaboration can make or break a project.
On the other hand, Hightouch’s achievement of ISO 27001 certification marks a significant milestone in its journey. This certification is a testament to Hightouch’s commitment to information security management. In a world where data breaches can lead to catastrophic consequences, this certification acts as a shield. It reassures clients, especially those in highly regulated industries, that their data is in safe hands.
ISO 27001 is not just a badge of honor; it’s a rigorous standard that requires organizations to establish, implement, and maintain an information security management system (ISMS). Hightouch’s attainment of this certification through Schellman, an accredited body, underscores its dedication to safeguarding customer data. It’s akin to a fortress built to protect valuable treasures—only the most secure and reliable structures earn this recognition.
As businesses increasingly prioritize data security, Hightouch’s certification provides a competitive edge. It positions the company as the most secure CDP on the market. In an era where data is the new oil, having robust security measures in place is non-negotiable. Hightouch empowers enterprises to activate their data securely across various technology stacks, ensuring compliance with enterprise-grade security requirements.
The intersection of these two developments—Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok and Hightouch’s ISO 27001 certification—paints a vivid picture of the current digital landscape. Companies are not just looking for innovative solutions; they are also demanding security and compliance. The digital transformation journey is akin to navigating a vast ocean. Organizations need sturdy ships (technology) and reliable maps (data security) to reach their destinations safely.
The collaboration between Apply Digital and Ragnarok opens doors to new opportunities for innovation. It allows them to deepen partnerships with enterprise MarTech platforms like Braze, Segment, and Mixpanel. This integration will enable clients to harness the full potential of their data, creating personalized experiences that resonate with consumers. It’s like having a master key that unlocks multiple doors, leading to a treasure trove of insights and growth.
Moreover, the cultural fit between the two companies is a significant factor in their success. Relationships matter in business, just as they do in life. The founders’ shared history and values create a strong foundation for collaboration. This partnership is not just about merging capabilities; it’s about building a community that thrives on innovation and mutual support.
In conclusion, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly. Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok and Hightouch’s ISO 27001 certification are pivotal moments that reflect this change. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of data-driven strategies and robust security measures. As companies navigate this complex terrain, partnerships and certifications will play a crucial role in shaping their success. The future is bright for those who embrace innovation while prioritizing security and relationships. The digital transformation journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic alliance. This partnership aims to enhance customer engagement and omnichannel marketing capabilities. Think of it as merging two powerful rivers to create a more robust flow of innovation and service. By combining forces, Apply Digital and Ragnarok can support clients throughout the entire digital lifecycle.
Ragnarok, co-founded by childhood friends Spencer Barrett and Steven Aldrich, has carved a niche in delivering measurable marketing impact. With a team of 50 specialists, they have established themselves as leaders in personalization and direct engagement strategies. Their client roster includes notable names like Dropbox and A+E Networks. This acquisition allows Apply Digital to leverage Ragnarok’s expertise in direct marketing and data-driven decision-making. It’s like adding a sharp knife to a chef’s toolkit—suddenly, the possibilities for creating exquisite dishes expand.
Gautam Lohia, co-founder and CEO of Apply Digital, emphasizes the synergy between the two companies. The shared culture and values are as vital as the technical capabilities they bring to the table. Both companies prioritize relationships, which is the bedrock of successful partnerships. This cultural alignment is crucial in an industry where trust and collaboration can make or break a project.
On the other hand, Hightouch’s achievement of ISO 27001 certification marks a significant milestone in its journey. This certification is a testament to Hightouch’s commitment to information security management. In a world where data breaches can lead to catastrophic consequences, this certification acts as a shield. It reassures clients, especially those in highly regulated industries, that their data is in safe hands.
ISO 27001 is not just a badge of honor; it’s a rigorous standard that requires organizations to establish, implement, and maintain an information security management system (ISMS). Hightouch’s attainment of this certification through Schellman, an accredited body, underscores its dedication to safeguarding customer data. It’s akin to a fortress built to protect valuable treasures—only the most secure and reliable structures earn this recognition.
As businesses increasingly prioritize data security, Hightouch’s certification provides a competitive edge. It positions the company as the most secure CDP on the market. In an era where data is the new oil, having robust security measures in place is non-negotiable. Hightouch empowers enterprises to activate their data securely across various technology stacks, ensuring compliance with enterprise-grade security requirements.
The intersection of these two developments—Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok and Hightouch’s ISO 27001 certification—paints a vivid picture of the current digital landscape. Companies are not just looking for innovative solutions; they are also demanding security and compliance. The digital transformation journey is akin to navigating a vast ocean. Organizations need sturdy ships (technology) and reliable maps (data security) to reach their destinations safely.
The collaboration between Apply Digital and Ragnarok opens doors to new opportunities for innovation. It allows them to deepen partnerships with enterprise MarTech platforms like Braze, Segment, and Mixpanel. This integration will enable clients to harness the full potential of their data, creating personalized experiences that resonate with consumers. It’s like having a master key that unlocks multiple doors, leading to a treasure trove of insights and growth.
Moreover, the cultural fit between the two companies is a significant factor in their success. Relationships matter in business, just as they do in life. The founders’ shared history and values create a strong foundation for collaboration. This partnership is not just about merging capabilities; it’s about building a community that thrives on innovation and mutual support.
In conclusion, the digital landscape is evolving rapidly. Apply Digital’s acquisition of Ragnarok and Hightouch’s ISO 27001 certification are pivotal moments that reflect this change. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of data-driven strategies and robust security measures. As companies navigate this complex terrain, partnerships and certifications will play a crucial role in shaping their success. The future is bright for those who embrace innovation while prioritizing security and relationships. The digital transformation journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.