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'''Umbrellar Technology Group Limited''' is a New Zealand–based cloud solutions and technology services provider headquartered in [[Takapuna|Takapuna, Auckland]]. While the Umbrellar brand traces its origins back to 1997, the current legal entity known as Umbrellar Technology Group Limited was formally incorporated on 19 February 2024 following a management buyout from their American owners, Pax8, back into New Zealand ownership.<ref name="pax8divest">{{cite news |last=Talevski |first=Julia |title=Pax8 divests NZ MSP unit, helps Umbrellar Technology Group come to life |url=https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1312637/pax8-divests-nz-msp-unit-helps-umbrellar-technology-group-come-to-life.html |work=Reseller News|date=11 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref>


{{short description|New Zealand cloud solutions provider and technology group}}
== Early origins (1997–2014) ==
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}
Umbrellar’s foundations lie in the consolidation of multiple New Zealand hosting, domain, and internet service brands. Originally established as Digiweb in 1997, the business expanded through a series of mergers and acquisitions involving local providers, including Web Drive, Freeparking, and other hosting and domain ventures.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Umbrellar's Michael Foley: "No one owns the customer" |url=https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1300918/umbrellars-michael-foley-no-one-owns-the-customer.html |access-date=2026-08-15 |website=Reseller News |language=English}}</ref> These integrations formed one of New Zealand’s largest aggregated portfolios for data-center services, website hosting, domain registration, and managed infrastructure services.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=New Zealand's largest domains & hosting company sold|work=IT Brief|date=8 September 2014|url=https://itbrief.co.nz/story/new-zealands-largest-domains-hosting-company-sold |access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref>
{{Multiple issues|
{{Orphan|date=November 2025}}
}}


{{Infobox dot-com company
== Private equity ownership and Azure era (2014–2022) ==
| name = Umbrellar Technology Group
In September 2014, Umbrellar was acquired by New Zealand–based Pencarrow Private Equity.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Pencarrow Private Equity: Company Profile |publisher=Pencarrow |url=https://www.pencarrowpe.co.nz/ |access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref> Under Pencarrow’s ownership, the company continued consolidating infrastructure brands and began a strategic shift toward cloud-first services.<ref name=":1" />
| logo =  
| logo_size =  
| company_type = [[Private company|Private]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1997}} (as Digiweb)
| location = [[Auckland, New Zealand]]


| area_served = New Zealand, Australia, Asia-Pacific
During this period Umbrellar became an early New Zealand adopter of [[Microsoft Azure]], investing in engineering capability for cloud transformation. By 2018 Umbrellar had launched hybrid cloud offerings built on Microsoft Azure and Azure Stack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Ben |title=Kiwi company Umbrellar boosts cloud offerings with Azure and Azure Stack |url=https://channellife.co.nz/story/kiwi-company-umbrellar-boosts-cloud-offerings-azure-and-azure-stack |access-date=2026-08-15 |website=ChannelLife New Zealand |language=en}}</ref>
| key_people = Michael Foley (CEO)<br />Robert Rolls (CFO)<br />Dave Howden (Head of Cloud)
| industry = [[Cloud computing]], [[Web hosting]], [[Domain registration]]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.umbrellar.com/}}
}}


'''Umbrellar Technology Group''' is a privately owned cloud solutions and technology services provider headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1312637/pax8-divests-nz-msp-unit-helps-umbrellar-technology-group-come-to-life.html|title=Pax8 divests NZ MSP unit, helps Umbrellar Technology Group come to life|website=Reseller News|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref> The company delivers Microsoft cloud solutions, managed services, and digital
Umbrellar’s cloud-led execution and technical capability earned national recognition, including being named Microsoft New Zealand Partner of the Year (2019).<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Ben |title=Umbrellar named Microsoft's NZ Partner of the Year |work=Channel Life |date=13 June 2019 |url=https://channellife.co.nz/story/umbrellar-named-microsoft-s-nz-partner-of-the-year |access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref>
transformation offerings to small businesses, agencies, and enterprise clients across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia-Pacific.


Umbrellar was originally established in 1997 as Digiweb and has evolved through multiple acquisitions and brand consolidations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pencarrowpe.co.nz/investments/|title=Pencarrow PE: Company Profile|website=Pencarrow|access-date=2020-06-24}}</ref>
== Pax8 acquisition (2022) ==
In August 2022, Pencarrow exited its investment when Pax8, a global cloud marketplace provider, acquired the Umbrellar Cloud business.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last=Panettieri |first=Joe |title=Pax8 Acquires Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud Solutions Provider Umbrellar |work=ChannelE2E |date=1 August 2022 |url=https://www.channele2e.com/news/pax8-buys-microsoft-365-azure-cloud-solutions-provider-umbrellar |access-date=4 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside Google Cloud's partnership with Pax8 to work with A/NZ MSPs |url=https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/4148967/inside-google-clouds-partnership-with-pax8-to-work-with-a-nz-msps-2.html |access-date=2026-08-15 |website=Reseller News |language=English}}</ref> This acquisition incorporated Umbrellar’s Microsoft cloud services, managed service operations, data-centre operations, and engineering teams into Pax8’s Asia–Pacific expansion strategy.<ref name=":0" />


==History==
== Formation of Umbrellar Technology Group (2024) ==
The company originated from the amalgamation of 10 New Zealand hosting and domain brands, including Digiweb, Web Drive, and Freeparking.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://itbrief.co.nz/story/new-zealands-largest-domains-hosting-company-sold|title=New Zealand's largest domains & hosting company sold|work=IT Brief|date=September 8, 2014|access-date=2020-06-24}}</ref>
On 1 March 2024, Pax8 divested its New Zealand direct-customer business in a management buyout, enabling the establishment of Umbrellar Technology Group Limited as an independent, locally owned cloud-services organisation.<ref name="pax8divest" />


In August 2022, Umbrellar was acquired by [[Pax8]], a global cloud marketplace provider.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.channele2e.com/news/pax8-buys-microsoft-365-azure-cloud-solutions-provider-umbrellar|title=Pax8 Acquires Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud Solutions Provider Umbrellar|website=ChannelE2E|access-date=2025-03-16}}</ref> In 2025, Pax8 divested its New Zealand MSP unit, enabling the formation of Umbrellar Technology Group as an independent entity focused on cloud services and technology solutions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1312637/pax8-divests-nz-msp-unit-helps-umbrellar-technology-group-come-to-life.html|title=Pax8 divests NZ MSP unit, helps Umbrellar Technology Group come to life|website=Reseller News|access-date=2025-03-25}}</ref>
Ian Hassell was appointed chief executive and became the majority shareholder.<ref name="pax8divest" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Profile for Umbrellar Technology Group Limited |url=https://oversightsolutions.co.nz/profile/UMBRELLAR-TECHNOLOGY-GROUP-LIMITED |access-date=2026-08-15 |website=oversightsolutions.co.nz}}</ref> The newly formed entity inherited the engineering teams, customer portfolio, and managed-service operations previously run under Pax8 NZ, marking the formal beginning of Umbrellar Technology Group in its current structure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Industry Veteran Ian Hassell Launches Umbrellar Technology Group |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2403/S00188/industry-veteran-ian-hassell-launches-umbrellar-technology-group.htm |access-date=2026-08-15 |website=Scoop News}}</ref>


=Services==
== Business focus and evolution (2024 – present) ==
Umbrellar Technology Group provides:
Umbrellar Technology Group positions itself as a cloud‑led services organization specializing in:
* Microsoft 365 and Azure cloud solutions
* Cloud infrastructure management across [[Microsoft Azure]] and [[Amazon Web Services]]
* Managed services for SMBs and enterprises
* Cloud migration, modernisation, and architecture
* Domain registration and web hosting
* Private cloud and colocation services within Auckland and Christchurch datacenters
* Cloud migration and digital transformation consulting
* Managed services, including Umbrellar FinOps (UFO) and proactive care
 
* AI design and implementation services
==Infrastructure==
* Data services
Umbrellar operates multiple data centers in New Zealand, including a facility in Albany Heights.<ref>{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}</ref>
* Strategic IT consulting, advisory, and professional services
 
===Acquisitions===
* 2005 – Freeparking acquired 2day.com.<ref>{{Cite news|date=October 2015|title=October 2015 Update - Pencarrow Newsletter|url=https://www.pencarrowpe.co.nz/newsletters/document/77|access-date=2020-06-24|work=Pencarrow}}</ref>
* 2012 – Digiweb acquired Digital Network Limited.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://itbrief.co.nz/story/second-acquisition-for-digiweb|title=Second acquisition for Digiweb|work=IT Brief|date=June 13, 2012|access-date=2020-06-24}}</ref>
* 2014 – Web Drive sold to Digiweb Holdings Limited.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://itbrief.co.nz/story/new-zealands-largest-domains-hosting-company-sold|title=New Zealand's largest domains & hosting company sold|work=IT Brief|date=September 8, 2014|access-date=2020-06-24}}</ref>
 
Umbrellar Technology Group is privately held. Previous majority ownership was by Pencarrow PE via DWDA Holdings Limited; current structure reflects independence post-Pax8 divestment.<ref>{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Companies based in Auckland]]
[[Category:Companies based in Auckland]]
[[Category:Cloud computing providers]]
[[Category:Cloud computing providers]]
[[Category:Domain name registrars]]
[[Category:Domain name registrars]]
[[Category:Web hosting]]
[[Category:Web hosting]]
[[Category:New Zealand companies established in 1997]]
[[Category:New Zealand companies established in 1997]]

Latest revision as of 03:36, 1 October 2026

Umbrellar Technology Group Limited is a New Zealand–based cloud solutions and technology services provider headquartered in Takapuna, Auckland. While the Umbrellar brand traces its origins back to 1997, the current legal entity known as Umbrellar Technology Group Limited was formally incorporated on 19 February 2024 following a management buyout from their American owners, Pax8, back into New Zealand ownership.[1]

Early origins (1997–2014)

Umbrellar’s foundations lie in the consolidation of multiple New Zealand hosting, domain, and internet service brands. Originally established as Digiweb in 1997, the business expanded through a series of mergers and acquisitions involving local providers, including Web Drive, Freeparking, and other hosting and domain ventures.[2] These integrations formed one of New Zealand’s largest aggregated portfolios for data-center services, website hosting, domain registration, and managed infrastructure services.[3]

Private equity ownership and Azure era (2014–2022)

In September 2014, Umbrellar was acquired by New Zealand–based Pencarrow Private Equity.[3][4] Under Pencarrow’s ownership, the company continued consolidating infrastructure brands and began a strategic shift toward cloud-first services.[2]

During this period Umbrellar became an early New Zealand adopter of Microsoft Azure, investing in engineering capability for cloud transformation. By 2018 Umbrellar had launched hybrid cloud offerings built on Microsoft Azure and Azure Stack.[5]

Umbrellar’s cloud-led execution and technical capability earned national recognition, including being named Microsoft New Zealand Partner of the Year (2019).[6]

Pax8 acquisition (2022)

In August 2022, Pencarrow exited its investment when Pax8, a global cloud marketplace provider, acquired the Umbrellar Cloud business.[7][8] This acquisition incorporated Umbrellar’s Microsoft cloud services, managed service operations, data-centre operations, and engineering teams into Pax8’s Asia–Pacific expansion strategy.[7]

Formation of Umbrellar Technology Group (2024)

On 1 March 2024, Pax8 divested its New Zealand direct-customer business in a management buyout, enabling the establishment of Umbrellar Technology Group Limited as an independent, locally owned cloud-services organisation.[1]

Ian Hassell was appointed chief executive and became the majority shareholder.[1][9] The newly formed entity inherited the engineering teams, customer portfolio, and managed-service operations previously run under Pax8 NZ, marking the formal beginning of Umbrellar Technology Group in its current structure.[10]

Business focus and evolution (2024 – present)

Umbrellar Technology Group positions itself as a cloud‑led services organization specializing in:

  • Cloud infrastructure management across Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services
  • Cloud migration, modernisation, and architecture
  • Private cloud and colocation services within Auckland and Christchurch datacenters
  • Managed services, including Umbrellar FinOps (UFO) and proactive care
  • AI design and implementation services
  • Data services
  • Strategic IT consulting, advisory, and professional services

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Talevski, Julia (11 March 2024). "Pax8 divests NZ MSP unit, helps Umbrellar Technology Group come to life". Reseller News. https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1312637/pax8-divests-nz-msp-unit-helps-umbrellar-technology-group-come-to-life.html. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Umbrellar's Michael Foley: "No one owns the customer"" (in English). https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/1300918/umbrellars-michael-foley-no-one-owns-the-customer.html. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "New Zealand's largest domains & hosting company sold". IT Brief. 8 September 2014. https://itbrief.co.nz/story/new-zealands-largest-domains-hosting-company-sold. 
  4. ↑ "Pencarrow Private Equity: Company Profile". Pencarrow. https://www.pencarrowpe.co.nz/. 
  5. ↑ Moore, Ben. "Kiwi company Umbrellar boosts cloud offerings with Azure and Azure Stack" (in en). https://channellife.co.nz/story/kiwi-company-umbrellar-boosts-cloud-offerings-azure-and-azure-stack. 
  6. ↑ Moore, Ben (13 June 2019). "Umbrellar named Microsoft's NZ Partner of the Year". Channel Life. https://channellife.co.nz/story/umbrellar-named-microsoft-s-nz-partner-of-the-year. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Panettieri, Joe (1 August 2022). "Pax8 Acquires Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud Solutions Provider Umbrellar". ChannelE2E. https://www.channele2e.com/news/pax8-buys-microsoft-365-azure-cloud-solutions-provider-umbrellar. 
  8. ↑ "Inside Google Cloud's partnership with Pax8 to work with A/NZ MSPs" (in English). https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/4148967/inside-google-clouds-partnership-with-pax8-to-work-with-a-nz-msps-2.html. 
  9. ↑ "Profile for Umbrellar Technology Group Limited". https://oversightsolutions.co.nz/profile/UMBRELLAR-TECHNOLOGY-GROUP-LIMITED. 
  10. ↑ "Industry Veteran Ian Hassell Launches Umbrellar Technology Group". https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2403/S00188/industry-veteran-ian-hassell-launches-umbrellar-technology-group.htm. 
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