NGP+VAN = NGP VAN

If you're a political data geek, keep reading, while the rest of you can skip over this bit of acronymalicous news: announced this afternoon is that the progressive political software and data firms NGP and VAN will, as of the start of 2011, ride off into the future together as NGP VAN. The release is after the jump.

Voter Activation Network and NGP Software to Merge
NGP VAN to provide an integrated campaign technology platform to Democratic campaigns, labor unions, and non-profit organizations

Washington – Two leaders in the progressive technology space, Voter Activation Network (VAN) and NGP Software (NGP) will combine operations in a strategic merger of equals, effective December 31, 2010.  The resulting 130-person software company will operate as NGP VAN, Inc.

VAN is the leading provider of database software enabling voter contact, volunteer management, and organizing tools to Democratic campaigns, labor unions, and non-profit organizations.  NGP is the leading provider of fundraising and compliance, and new media software to Democrats and their allies.  Collectively, thousands of campaigns and organizations use NGP & VAN software.

“This merger makes sense: our companies are strikingly compatible--we are both fast-growing, mission-driven teams that work closely and responsively with our clients. Together we will be crafting the next generation of campaign technology,” said NGP founder Nathaniel Pearlman.  “This merger will help us integrate the data between field and fundraising, so our clients will know more about their supporters,” said Stu Trevelyan, NGP’s CEO.

“Over the last several years, VAN and NGP have worked separately to provide Democrats and their allies with an important technological edge,” said Mark Sullivan, founder of Voter Activation Network.  “Working together, we will meet that challenge better than ever.”  Added Jim St. George, VAN’s Managing Partner, “The political data infrastructure this creates will be second to none.”

VAN is the architect of the Democratic National Committee’s VoteBuilder database, which is distributed to thousands of Democratic campaigns across the nation.  In 2008, VoteBuilder was used by Obama for America to manage the largest voter contact and volunteer program in campaign history.

NGP is used by the DNC, DSCC, DCCC, DGA, and DLCC; over 75 percent of the Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate; almost all the Democratic state parties; and in total over 1,700 Democrats, PACs, and other organizations and corporations.  For 14 years, NGP has helped clients succeed and win by delivering a mix of products, political and technology expertise, and outstanding client services.

NGP has focused on the financial side of campaigning (fundraising and compliance tools) and VAN on the field (voter contact and volunteer management).  The combined company will offer an array of campaign technology services including systems to manage voter contact, volunteer management, fundraising and compliance, union organizing, membership management, and phone services.  These services are complemented by a suite of new media tools: broadcast email, online contributions, website tools, all integrated with the VAN and NGP databases.

NGP VAN, Inc. is currently considering whether Lefty the donkey, NGP’s current mascot will continue in his position, or be replaced by a new mascot, Lefty driving a VAN.