Latest news with #AppDirect
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
VibeAI: The Next Interface For B2B Applications
Daniel Saks is the CEO of Landbase, an intelligent go-to-market automation company, and cofounder of unicorn AppDirect. getty In a recent Forbes Technology Council article, I wrote about how the rise of AI-native B2B applications would open the door to a new generation of B2B software—built not around static dashboards or manual workflows, but around continuous intelligence, automation and adaptability. In 2025, that prediction is playing out faster than most anticipated. What's increasingly clear is this: The most important shift isn't just in what software can do—it's in how we interact with it. We're entering the Vibe era. From Vibe Coding To VibeAI The term "vibe coding" was popularized by AI OpenAI cofounder Andrej Karpathy to describe a new software coding model where natural language and AI co-pilot technologies replace traditional code writing. Developers no longer write every line; instead, they describe their intent, and the AI builds, debugs and iterates with them. This approach isn't limited to engineering. Across every business function—from sales and marketing to accounting—we're seeing the rise of applications that behave like 'vibe collaborators.' LANDR technology is helping professional musicians use AI-mastering technology process and enhance their music. (No wonder nearly 60% of musicians now use AI technology within their music projects.) Meanwhile, management consultancy Deloitte is leveraging its AI tools and technologies to help its analysts and consultants improve efficiency, gain deeper business insights and deliver more value to clients. Pfizer is also leveraging the Tempus' AI-enabled platform to help researchers further advances in oncology therapeutic development. These vibe collaborators proactively surface ideas, act and ask for approval only when needed. They're fast. They're intelligent. And they work the way people think—not the other way around. To describe this broader shift, I'm introducing a framework that I like to call VibeAI. Vibe stands for: • You view AI-generated outputs or strategic suggestions relevant to your role. • You interact with those suggestions to preview, modify or evaluate outcomes. • You build new strategies or outputs via natural language, using AI as a co-creator. • You edit quickly and intuitively to make it your own. This isn't a new feature of software as we know it, but a completely new interface that recasts vertical and functional applications. In finance, for example, a VibeAI tool might recommend budget adjustments, run scenario planning and manage board reporting preparation—all through an interface. In HR, AI could identify employee frustration, recommend compensation levels and draft job descriptions. In product development, AI could help turn ideas into prototypes and then provide instant feedback. These VibeAI applications, in other words, leverage proprietary data and domain-specific models to create capabilities for businesses that we have never seen before. This is in contrast to general-purpose AI, which has recognizable limits. To drive real outcomes, systems need context—historical performance, intent signals, benchmarks and feedback—and the ability to act on them in real time. General-purpose AI doesn't provide this. But VibeAI will. The Vibe Is Shifting Automation is undergoing a renaissance. It happens now and then. Every few years, chips make a remarkable leap. Platforms and even individual applications do, too. And so do interfaces—the very means with which we interact with our devices and systems. Punch cards? The C prompt? And then the little GUI that said, 'Hello?' They all made significant contributions to how we interact with our machines. And lately, Google, Instagram and even X are doing similar things. Now, we are on the cusp of another massive change. The next transformation will be defined by AI. But this time, it's not just about interacting with devices and systems—it's about rethinking how work gets done. At Landbase, we've been exploring these ideas in the realm of digital demand generation—working to provide AI to make targeting and automation strategies accessible to businesses of all sizes. This hands-on perspective has shown me just how rapidly AI is changing not just what's possible, but who can participate. And we're far from alone. Across the tech landscape, a new generation of tools is emerging. Tools like Bolt and Lovable are transforming how software is written. Thanks to AI, you tell the software your desired outcome and it writes, edits and deploys software for you. Similarly, Perplexity has reinvented what we think of search with an advanced AI-powered interface that answers an inquiry with intelligent, relevant information that includes sourcing. It even prompts users to ask it questions and dig deeper into their interests. Which brings me back to VibeAI. VibeAI is more than a framework. It's a blueprint for the next generation of intelligent software—designed to collaborate with humans, not just support them. VibeAI isn't just a new interface. It's a new way of working. To prepare for this new era, you're going to have to make some changes to your organization. You'll need to develop new use cases for AI technology. Hardware platforms may need upgrading. Workflows will need to be adjusted as AI use expands and manages more tasks for workers. Employees will need to be trained in crafting effective prompts so they can iterate with AI in the most effective way possible. And guardrails will need to be erected in intelligent ways. AI will test organizations to develop detailed plans for managing intellectual property, security, privacy, quality assurance and more. This will require human intervention on an ongoing basis. As I often say, 'We're creating technology that enhances human intelligence rather than replacing it.' Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AppDirect Acquires Energy Broker DNE Resources, Supported by La Caisse, Expanding Its Energy Services Portfolio in Canada
Amid compounding energy demands fueled by AI, two acquisitions strategically boost energy services in AppDirect's diverse portfolio of technology solutions available through their partner network MONTRÉAL, June 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AppDirect, the world's leading B2B commerce platform, announced it has acquired Québec-based DNE Resources, a market-leading energy broker focused on Canadian deregulated markets. This follows AppDirect's recent announcement of its Broker Online Exchange (BOX) acquisition, the most flexible retail energy network in North America. Both acquisitions are financed by a CAD 100 million credit facility provided by global investment group La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) and substantially expand AppDirect's reach into the Canadian and U.S. energy markets, fueling its vision of becoming the everything store and lifecycle management platform for all services supporting business success and growth sold through advisors and brokers. Founded in 2009, DNE provides energy solutions for industrial and commercial customers, making it easier to get the right scalable energy strategy in place. DNE has grown to become one of the largest energy management firms in Canada, with more than CAD 250 million in energy spending under management. Through this acquisition, the DNE team will gain access to the BOX My Service Cloud platform and AppDirect's portfolio of value-added services. This allows DNE to offer a truly differentiated go-to-market approach to provide their customers with additional technology solutions, driving new revenue streams and increasing customer loyalty. "One of the most important things we focus on as a business is always doing the right thing. In this case, the right thing for our end customers includes solving their evolving energy needs and expanding our solution set to all products supported in the AppDirect procurement marketplace," said Wayne Burke, Co-founder and CEO of DNE. "We are excited about this growth opportunity for us as a company and for our customers as a community." The acquisitions of DNE and BOX mark a bold step forward in AppDirect's mission to redefine the future of technology procurement. By adding energy solutions to its platform — which already includes cloud, telecom, mobility, hardware, and AI — AppDirect is building a unified procurement marketplace for technology advisors and brokers so that their customers can seamlessly find, buy, and manage everything they need to succeed. "The energy market is undergoing massive changes, presenting significant opportunities for cost savings, sustainability, and innovation," said Nicolas Desmarais, AppDirect's Chairman and CEO. "Backed by our longstanding partner La Caisse, our acquisitions of DNE and BOX are happening at a crucial time when increased AI consumption has skyrocketed energy demands. We are committed to empowering businesses with the tools, insights, and infrastructure required to thrive in a connected, sustainable, and rapidly evolving digital economy." "La Caisse has been a committed partner of AppDirect since 2020, helping them grow through flexible financing solutions to pursue bold, high-potential acquisitions," said Jérôme Marquis, Managing Director and Head of Private Credit at La Caisse. "This latest investment not only reinforces AppDirect's leadership in digital commerce but also drives meaningful economic impact by bringing a Québec energy leader into their platform. We are proud to see our partnership continue to create long-term value in Québec and across North America." DNE Resources and BOX will remain as strong distinct brands in the energy market. Following these acquisitions, customers will continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from DNE and BOX. As a result of this acquisition, DNE customers and BOX brokers can access additional technologies or solutions now available to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. A&D Global Advisors LLC / M&A Securities Group Inc. served as exclusive financial advisors to DNE Resources Inc. in this transaction. To learn more about AppDirect, connect with our team or head to To learn more about DNE, please visit To learn more about BOX, go to About AppDirect AppDirect is a B2B subscription commerce platform company that brings together technology providers, advisors, and businesses to simplify how they buy, sell, and manage technology. More than 1,000 providers, 10,000 advisors, and 5 million subscribers rely on the AppDirect ecosystem of subscription marketplaces to power their innovation, growth, and success. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. About DNE DNE is an award-winning energy consulting firm that helps clients receive the best value to power their businesses. We develop energy strategies for businesses, schools, non-profits, and government organizations to help them recognize and weigh their energy options. Our portfolio of CAD 250 million in energy spending under management and growing helps us obtain the most competitive prices for each customer. As our portfolio continues to grow, so does our buying power. About Broker Online Exchange Broker Online Exchange (BOX) is the most flexible retail energy network in North America. It meets the needs of commercial customer advisors, energy brokers, and referral partners by providing direct access to North America's top energy suppliers and markets. Broker Online Exchange also provides personalized support and flexible payment plans to its network of energy brokers and partners. About La Caisse At La Caisse, formerly CDPQ, we have invested for 60 years with a dual mandate: generate optimal long-term returns for our 48 depositors, who represent over 6 million Quebecers, and contribute to Québec's economic development. As a global investment group, we are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at December 31, 2024, La Caisse's net assets totalled CAD 473 billion. For more information, visit or consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages. La Caisse is a registered trademark of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec that is protected in Canada and other jurisdictions and licensed for use by its subsidiaries. View source version on Contacts For press inquiries, please contact prforappdirect@
National Post
2 days ago
- Business
- National Post
AppDirect Acquires Energy Broker DNE Resources, Supported by La Caisse, Expanding Its Energy Services Portfolio in Canada
Article content Amid compounding energy demands fueled by AI, two acquisitions strategically boost energy services in AppDirect's diverse portfolio of technology solutions available through their partner network Article content MONTRÉAL — AppDirect, the world's leading B2B commerce platform, announced it has acquired Québec-based DNE Resources, a market-leading energy broker focused on Canadian deregulated markets. This follows AppDirect's recent announcement of its Broker Online Exchange (BOX) acquisition, the most flexible retail energy network in North America. Both acquisitions are financed by a CAD 100 million credit facility provided by global investment group La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) and substantially expand AppDirect's reach into the Canadian and U.S. energy markets, fueling its vision of becoming the everything store and lifecycle management platform for all services supporting business success and growth sold through advisors and brokers. Article content Founded in 2009, DNE provides energy solutions for industrial and commercial customers, making it easier to get the right scalable energy strategy in place. DNE has grown to become one of the largest energy management firms in Canada, with more than CAD 250 million in energy spending under management. Through this acquisition, the DNE team will gain access to the BOX My Service Cloud platform and AppDirect's portfolio of value-added services. This allows DNE to offer a truly differentiated go-to-market approach to provide their customers with additional technology solutions, driving new revenue streams and increasing customer loyalty. Article content 'One of the most important things we focus on as a business is always doing the right thing. In this case, the right thing for our end customers includes solving their evolving energy needs and expanding our solution set to all products supported in the AppDirect procurement marketplace,' said Wayne Burke, Co-founder and CEO of DNE. 'We are excited about this growth opportunity for us as a company and for our customers as a community.' Article content The acquisitions of DNE and BOX mark a bold step forward in AppDirect's mission to redefine the future of technology procurement. By adding energy solutions to its platform — which already includes cloud, telecom, mobility, hardware, and AI — AppDirect is building a unified procurement marketplace for technology advisors and brokers so that their customers can seamlessly find, buy, and manage everything they need to succeed. Article content 'The energy market is undergoing massive changes, presenting significant opportunities for cost savings, sustainability, and innovation,' said Nicolas Desmarais, AppDirect's Chairman and CEO. 'Backed by our longstanding partner La Caisse, our acquisitions of DNE and BOX are happening at a crucial time when increased AI consumption has skyrocketed energy demands. We are committed to empowering businesses with the tools, insights, and infrastructure required to thrive in a connected, sustainable, and rapidly evolving digital economy.' Article content 'La Caisse has been a committed partner of AppDirect since 2020, helping them grow through flexible financing solutions to pursue bold, high-potential acquisitions,' said Jérôme Marquis, Managing Director and Head of Private Credit at La Caisse. 'This latest investment not only reinforces AppDirect's leadership in digital commerce but also drives meaningful economic impact by bringing a Québec energy leader into their platform. We are proud to see our partnership continue to create long-term value in Québec and across North America.' Article content DNE Resources and BOX will remain as strong distinct brands in the energy market. Following these acquisitions, customers will continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from DNE and BOX. As a result of this acquisition, DNE customers and BOX brokers can access additional technologies or solutions now available to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. Article content A&D Global Advisors LLC / M&A Securities Group Inc. served as exclusive financial advisors to DNE Resources Inc. in this transaction. Article content AppDirect Article content is a B2B subscription commerce platform company that brings together technology providers, advisors, and businesses to simplify how they buy, sell, and manage technology. More than 1,000 providers, 10,000 advisors, and 5 million subscribers rely on the AppDirect ecosystem of subscription marketplaces to power their innovation, growth, and success. For more information, visit Article content . Article content About DNE Article content DNE Article content is an award-winning energy consulting firm that helps clients receive the best value to power their businesses. We develop energy strategies for businesses, schools, non-profits, and government organizations to help them recognize and weigh their energy options. Our portfolio of CAD 250 million in energy spending under management and growing helps us obtain the most competitive prices for each customer. As our portfolio continues to grow, so does our buying power. Article content About Broker Online Exchange Article content Broker Online Exchange Article content (BOX) is the most flexible retail energy network in North America. It meets the needs of commercial customer advisors, energy brokers, and referral partners by providing direct access to North America's top energy suppliers and markets. Broker Online Exchange also provides personalized support and flexible payment plans to its network of energy brokers and partners. Article content About La Caisse Article content At La Caisse, formerly CDPQ, we have invested for 60 years with a dual mandate: generate optimal long-term returns for our 48 depositors, who represent over 6 million Quebecers, and contribute to Québec's economic development. Article content As a global investment group, we are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at December 31, 2024, La Caisse's net assets totalled CAD 473 billion. For more information, visit or consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
AppDirect Acquires Energy Broker DNE Resources, Supported by La Caisse,
MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AppDirect, the world's leading B2B commerce platform, announced it has acquired Québec-based DNE Resources, a market-leading energy broker focused on Canadian deregulated markets. This follows AppDirect's recent announcement of its Broker Online Exchange (BOX) acquisition, the most flexible retail energy network in North America. Both acquisitions are financed by a CAD 100 million credit facility provided by global investment group La Caisse (formerly CDPQ) and substantially expand AppDirect's reach into the Canadian and U.S. energy markets, fueling its vision of becoming the everything store and lifecycle management platform for all services supporting business success and growth sold through advisors and brokers. 'The energy market is undergoing massive changes, presenting significant opportunities for cost savings, sustainability, and innovation,' said Nicolas Desmarais, AppDirect's Chairman and CEO. Founded in 2009, DNE provides energy solutions for industrial and commercial customers, making it easier to get the right scalable energy strategy in place. DNE has grown to become one of the largest energy management firms in Canada, with more than CAD 250 million in energy spending under management. Through this acquisition, the DNE team will gain access to the BOX My Service Cloud platform and AppDirect's portfolio of value-added services. This allows DNE to offer a truly differentiated go-to-market approach to provide their customers with additional technology solutions, driving new revenue streams and increasing customer loyalty. 'One of the most important things we focus on as a business is always doing the right thing. In this case, the right thing for our end customers includes solving their evolving energy needs and expanding our solution set to all products supported in the AppDirect procurement marketplace,' said Wayne Burke, Co-founder and CEO of DNE. 'We are excited about this growth opportunity for us as a company and for our customers as a community.' The acquisitions of DNE and BOX mark a bold step forward in AppDirect's mission to redefine the future of technology procurement. By adding energy solutions to its platform — which already includes cloud, telecom, mobility, hardware, and AI — AppDirect is building a unified procurement marketplace for technology advisors and brokers so that their customers can seamlessly find, buy, and manage everything they need to succeed. 'The energy market is undergoing massive changes, presenting significant opportunities for cost savings, sustainability, and innovation,' said Nicolas Desmarais, AppDirect's Chairman and CEO. 'Backed by our longstanding partner La Caisse, our acquisitions of DNE and BOX are happening at a crucial time when increased AI consumption has skyrocketed energy demands. We are committed to empowering businesses with the tools, insights, and infrastructure required to thrive in a connected, sustainable, and rapidly evolving digital economy.' 'La Caisse has been a committed partner of AppDirect since 2020, helping them grow through flexible financing solutions to pursue bold, high-potential acquisitions,' said Jérôme Marquis, Managing Director and Head of Private Credit at La Caisse. 'This latest investment not only reinforces AppDirect's leadership in digital commerce but also drives meaningful economic impact by bringing a Québec energy leader into their platform. We are proud to see our partnership continue to create long-term value in Québec and across North America.' DNE Resources and BOX will remain as strong distinct brands in the energy market. Following these acquisitions, customers will continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from DNE and BOX. As a result of this acquisition, DNE customers and BOX brokers can access additional technologies or solutions now available to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. A&D Global Advisors LLC / M&A Securities Group Inc. served as exclusive financial advisors to DNE Resources Inc. in this transaction. To learn more about AppDirect, connect with our team or head to To learn more about DNE, please visit To learn more about BOX, go to About AppDirect AppDirect is a B2B subscription commerce platform company that brings together technology providers, advisors, and businesses to simplify how they buy, sell, and manage technology. More than 1,000 providers, 10,000 advisors, and 5 million subscribers rely on the AppDirect ecosystem of subscription marketplaces to power their innovation, growth, and success. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. About DNE DNE is an award-winning energy consulting firm that helps clients receive the best value to power their businesses. We develop energy strategies for businesses, schools, non-profits, and government organizations to help them recognize and weigh their energy options. Our portfolio of CAD 250 million in energy spending under management and growing helps us obtain the most competitive prices for each customer. As our portfolio continues to grow, so does our buying power. About Broker Online Exchange Broker Online Exchange (BOX) is the most flexible retail energy network in North America. It meets the needs of commercial customer advisors, energy brokers, and referral partners by providing direct access to North America's top energy suppliers and markets. Broker Online Exchange also provides personalized support and flexible payment plans to its network of energy brokers and partners. About La Caisse At La Caisse, formerly CDPQ, we have invested for 60 years with a dual mandate: generate optimal long-term returns for our 48 depositors, who represent over 6 million Quebecers, and contribute to Québec's economic development. As a global investment group, we are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at December 31, 2024, La Caisse's net assets totalled CAD 473 billion. For more information, visit or consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages. La Caisse is a registered trademark of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec that is protected in Canada and other jurisdictions and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.
National Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
AppDirect Expands Innovative Technology Marketplace to Own Energy Procurement With Acquisition of Broker Online Exchange
Article content As AI-driven energy demands surge, AppDirect's forward-thinking acquisition reinforces its role as the everything store for businesses to buy, sell, and manage all critical services with the support of an experienced advisor Article content Article content SAN FRANCISCO — AppDirect, the world's leading B2B commerce platform, today announced a first-of-its-kind move to power the next era of AI-driven business services: the acquisition of Broker Online Exchange (BOX), North America's leading retail energy network. Through this acquisition, AppDirect is continuing to expand and redefine how their partner network can sell, manage and optimize the critical services their customers rely on. Article content According to Gartner®, 'The long-term view is unshakable: electricity demand is projected to grow 42% by 2035. Affordable, accessible energy is a core enabler of economic competitiveness and an essential hedge against climate driven instability.' 1 This acquisition will enable AppDirect to broaden its portfolio of solutions—which currently includes cloud, telco, mobility, hardware, AI and now, energy—that its advisor community can offer their end business clients. Article content With energy demand projected to grow dramatically over the next 10 years, BOX provides over 2000 independent energy brokers access to the widest range of top electricity and gas suppliers, instant pricing, back office support and expansive industry expertise. Its My Service Cloud (MSC) platform supplies brokers with an energy broker CRM that assists in creating contracts and providing pricing, commissions and automated contract renewal management. Through this acquisition, AppDirect will add these capabilities to its expansive solution portfolio, which technology advisors can offer to their clients. Similarly, BOX brokers will gain access to AppDirect's technology solutions to sell and provide to their end clients to enable them to expand their share of wallet. Article content 'AppDirect's deep commitment to its technology advisors mirrors BOX's commitment to our energy broker community, so partnering with the team is a natural fit, providing incredible opportunities,' said Arthur Gruen, CEO of BOX. 'AppDirect has a diverse catalog of services and procurement platforms to manage those services ongoing. This, in turn, gives our energy broker community an entirely new set of solutions to add even more value to their customers, expand their share of wallet and quickly grow revenue.' Article content AppDirect's acquisition of BOX, following its recent acquisitions of Builtfirst, Firstbase and its impending acquisition of vCom, is another strategic enhancement that supports its vision of becoming the everything store for businesses through its advisors. By adding BOX's energy expertise to its catalog, AppDirect further solidifies its position as a marketplace and unified IT lifecycle management platform that supports a wide range of services—expanding its dedication to ease the lives of business leaders and offering additional value to technology advisors and brokers. Article content 'Business is entering a new era where technology alone isn't enough; it also needs the infrastructure that powers it,' said Nicolas Desmarais, AppDirect's Chairman and CEO. 'By bringing energy into our marketplace, AppDirect is setting a new standard for how businesses buy and manage the critical services they need to succeed, powered by our advisor and broker community. We believe the future belongs to companies that control the foundation, and we are proud to be the first to take this step.' Article content This acquisition is expected to provide an upside opportunity for both BOX and AppDirect customers and partners. A&D Global Advisors LLC/M&A Securities Group Inc. served as exclusive financial advisors to Broker Online Exchange LLC in this transaction. The BOX brand will continue to operate in the market and provide the same level of quality support its partners have come to expect. Article content To learn more about AppDirect, connect with our team or head to To learn more about BOX, go to Article content Gartner, Inc. 7 Trends Shaping the Future of Electricity, Lauren Wheatley, Sarah Watt, Lloyd Jones, Shanna Grafeld, Tsuneo Fujiwara, Chet Geschickter, Sabu Mathai, 1 May 2025 GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Article content About AppDirect Article content AppDirect is a B2B subscription commerce platform company that brings together technology providers, advisors, and businesses to simplify how they buy, sell, and manage technology. More than 1,000 providers, 10,000 advisors, and 5 million subscribers rely on the AppDirect ecosystem of subscription marketplaces to power their innovation, growth, and success. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
