Crimson Phoenix acquires geospatial tech provider

Crimson Phoenix has acquired a provider of services and solutions in geospatial technology and software development, all with an eye toward further building out artificial intelligence offerings.

By purchasing Blackspoke, Crimson Phoenix adds 100 more employees and gains additional prime contracts with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and National Reconnaissance Office. Financial terms of the transaction announced Tuesday were not disclosed.

“While Crimson Phoenix has already established itself as a leader in (AI and machine learning), computer vision, data labeling and geospatial intelligence, Blackspoke brings additional expertise integrating these technologies into NGA’s IT infrastructure,” Crimson Phoenix’s chief executive Ross O’Rourke said in a release.

Crimson Phoenix is also looking to further solidify itself as a provider of in AI-powered data labeling tools for clients like NGA and NRO, along with other current and prospective customers across the national security community.

Rich Oestreich, Blackspoke’s founder and chief executive, will remain with the combined company’s leadership team. He started Blackspoke in 2011 to provide software development and data management solutions for intelligence agencies.

For Crimson Phoenix, this acquisition marks its fifth such move since the Godspeed Capital-backed company first unveiled that branding and identity to the market in December 2023.

Godspeed Capital and Crimson Phoenix were advised by Latham & Watkins. Blackspoke was advised by Lincoln International and Blank Rome.