iZotope and Native Instruments have announced that they have teamed up to form a new technology group.

The two CEOs, Mark Ethier from iZotope and Constantin Köhncke from Native Instruments have released a joint letter to all their customers.

“Today we’re both very excited to announce a new alliance between iZotope and Native Instruments, teaming up to form a new music and audio creator group. We want to share a little bit about why this is exciting for us – and most importantly – for you, the creators, producers, and engineers who use our products daily. 

Between us, we share a vision where music making and audio production is easier and more accessible, no matter where you are in your creative journey or process. We believe that by combining forces, we can shape a future where you have everything you need to create your best work. 

If you’re wondering what this partnership looks like in practical terms, it actually will look very familiar for now, but with many more exciting possibilities ahead. Native Instruments and iZotope will continue to exist independently, with our own leadership, teams, brands, and product lines. But when it comes to defining our shared future and vision, the two of us will work side-by-side as co-presidents of the new group, supported by our talented and passionate teams. 

There have been many times in our history where we’ve wondered what it would be like to partner more closely. Past collaborations, like when iZotope introduced NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) to Ozone 9, gave us a glimmer of the potential. We share a depth of experience in the industry, with NI’s journey beginning in 1996 and iZotope’s in 2001. We both have unique and complementary strengths – from iZotope’s intelligent audio processing to NI’s innovative instruments, effects, and integrated hardware. Through our partnership, there are infinite possibilities for close collaboration, sharing of knowledge and technology, and enhancement of our product offerings. 

As more and more people get into music making and audio production, they’re looking for better and easier ways to realize their ideas or to get started on their journey. To take an idea out of their head and put it into the world, or to put the finishing touches on their project. Together, iZotope and Native Instruments will be able to break down barriers and make it easier for producers, engineers, and musicians to realize their creative vision. 

Our imaginations are already running wild thinking of the ways we can make things better and easier for you with the combination of our talent and technology, and we can’t wait to see what you will create. 

    All the best,

    Con and Mark”

From what Mark Ethier and Constantin say here, initially, nothing will change much. However, it’s not completely clear whether this is a merger or acquisition or something else? The press announcement says…

“They have teamed up to form a new technology group backed by Francisco Partners and EMH Partners. Both companies hold a shared vision of a seamless creative experience and are creating this unprecedented alliance to shape the future of music making and audio production.”

Matt Spetzler, Co-Head Europe and Partner at Francisco Partners told us…

“Through our personal passions for music, we find Native Instruments and iZotope to be two impressive pillars of the audio creation industry. As we have gotten to know each company and their teams, we are convinced that they will transform and expand the industry by working together.”

Mario Razzini, Principal at Francisco Partners added…

“Our role is to champion their shared mission, providing strategic business support and resources to enable their success. We can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes for producers, engineers and musicians.”

So it could be that by coming together they have secured additional financial backing. We will have to wait and see what this move could mean for our industry.