Crimson Phoenix Acquires Blackspoke

Highlights Leadership in AI-Powered Data Labeling

Prime Contracts with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and National Reconnaissance Office

Crimson Phoenix Acquires Blackspoke

For Godspeed Capital:
Alex Jeffrey/Iain Hughes
Gasthalter & Co.
godspeed@gasthalter.com
(212) 257-4170

Crimson Phoenix, a leading digital, data, and intelligence analysis and solutions platform backed by Godspeed Capital Management LP (“Godspeed Capital”), today announced the acquisition of Blackspoke. The acquisition further solidifies Crimson Phoenix’s position as a leader in AI-powered data l

abeling and geospatial intelligence solutions while adding prime contracts with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and furthering innovation in these critical areas.

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Blackspoke is a Virginia-based intelligence solutions provider with core competencies and offerings in geospatial solutions, software development, and enterprise technology. The company provides modern software development solutions in support of critical mission requirements for its core customers at NGA and NRO, primarily as a prime and/or sole-source contractor, and has been awarded 7 prime contracts since 2017. This transaction will bring nearly one hundred full-time, highly cleared employees to Crimson Phoenix, further enhancing the platform’s ability to meet mission objectives.

Ross O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Crimson Phoenix, remarked, “While Crimson Phoenix has already established itself as a leader in AI/ML, computer vision, data labeling and geospatial intelligence, Blackspoke brings additional expertise integrating these technologies into NGA’s IT infrastructure. Blackspoke’s experienced, highly skilled and cleared employees will bolster our data-driven intelligence strategy at NGA. We are thrilled to be partnering with its founder, Rich Oestreich, who will continue to lend his expertise and vision to help Crimson Phoenix further scale within the Intelligence Community. Together, we aim to solidify our status as the most responsive, accurate and reliable contractor at NGA.”

Mr. Oestreich, Founder and CEO of Blackspoke, added, “Joining Crimson Phoenix marks a new and exciting chapter for our company and its dedicated employees. Becoming an integral part of a broader, more diversified intelligence solutions platform will provide us with additional resources as we seek new expansion opportunities. I look forward to further developing the company’s prime contract portfolio in the Defense and Intelligence Community as we work together to enhance the platform’s strategic capabilities, and believe Crimson Phoenix is well positioned to continue delivering next-generation data labeling and geospatial solutions to meet the Intelligence Community’s evolving needs.”

The acquisition of Blackspoke marks the fifth acquisition by Crimson Phoenix since launching as a dedicated platform in 2023. Godspeed Capital and Crimson Phoenix were advised by Latham & Watkins LLP. Blackspoke was advised by Lincoln International and Blank Rome LLP.

About Blackspoke

Founded in 2011, Blackspoke is a Virginia-based intelligence services, solutions and technology provider with core competencies and offerings in geospatial and data solutions, software development, and enterprise technology. The company provides modern software development and data management solutions in support of critical mission requirements for its core customers in the IC, primarily as a prime and/or sole-source contractor. The company has nearly one hundred full time cleared employees.

About Crimson Phoenix

Crimson Phoenix is a leading digital, data and intelligence analysis and solutions platform empowering the U.S. Intelligence Community with cutting-edge solutions in Artificial Intelligence, data labeling, cybersecurity, and more. With a focus on AI-powered workflows and mission-critical capabilities, Crimson Phoenix supports critical U.S. national security objectives. For more information, please visit www.CrimsonPhoenix.com

About Godspeed Capital

Godspeed Capital is a lower middle-market Defense & Government services, solutions, and technology focused private equity firm investing alongside forward-thinking management teams that seek an experienced and innovative investment partner with unique sector expertise, operational insight, and flexible capital for growth. While a typical investment will involve companies generating approximately $3 million to $30 million of EBITDA, Godspeed Capital has significant support to complete larger transactions through strategic co-invest relationships. The firm focuses on control buyouts, buy-and-builds, corporate carve-outs, and special situations. For more information, please visit the Godspeed Capital website at www.godspeedcm.com.