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Private equity is trying to "flip" software for architects & engineers.
Factor. AIA Contract Documents. BQE.
This is a concerning pattern.
Let me explain why.
If you haven’t seen the headlines yet, here’s what’s happened so far:
• Last week, Factor AE was acquired by Total Synergy.
• Two weeks earlier, AIA Contract Documents sold a majority stake to WCAS.
• Back in 2021, BQE was acquired by Serent Capital — a move that kicked off the trend we’re seeing now.
For the small and mid-sized A&E firms that make up 90% of the industry, this creates real uncertainty.
Will your business-critical tools be reshaped by outsiders chasing short-term gains?
There’s a familiar parallel here:
Just as architects take issue with short-term developers "flipping" buildings.
So do tech founders take issue with private equity firms "flipping" software companies.
I feel that twice — as both an architect and a founder. The “quick flip” model damages the integrity of buildings and software.
I built Monograph to resist that.
I’m not a hired CEO. I’m not an outsider brought in to scale and sell.
I’m an architect, building something that lasts, for the peers I respect. This is my life’s work.
Monograph is founder-led and mission-driven. We’re building from firsthand experience to serve the 90% of firms that big software companies overlook.
These are the firms shaping the built environment — and getting left behind when tools change hands.
When Tools Become Portfolios, You Pay the Price
No surprise, these recent acquisitions are spun with optimistic headlines, but customers have every reason to be skeptical.
Innovation stalls. Support slows down.
And prices go up — not because you’re getting more, but because investors demand it.
Because the moment that private equity investors take over, your needs stop being the focus. When software companies get bought, customers often foot the bill.
For the 90% of A&E firms that aren’t massive enterprises, the most painful cost is losing a partner who once understood your needs.
At Monograph, we're built for architects not bankers.
We Raised Funding to Grow, Not to Sell Out
Yes, we raised $20 million earlier this year, and $50 million total to date. But we didn’t raise capital to exit. We raised capital to build faster, smarter, and on our terms.
We are built by architects. We are focused on the firms that actually build the world. And our investors share our vision: to create better tools for firms that don’t have huge teams or huge implementation budgets.
While other software companies are changing hands, we’re doubling down on you.
A Clear View of the Future
If you don’t get clarity about the future from the companies you work with it's a red flag.
We believe in transparency. Just last week we publicly reviewed our latest product enhancements and previewed what’s coming up.
Watch the Q2 recap + roadmap preview here →
Blindsided by Change?
If you’re reconsidering what software your business can count on for the next 5 years — you’re not alone.
Monograph is still led by architects. Still focused on your success.
And still answering to one group: Our customers.
See why 13,000+ architects and engineers rely on Monograph →
We’re here for the 90%.
Robert Yuen
CEO & Co-Founder
Monograph
