Azul Closes Strategic Investment from Thoma Bravo

Transaction accelerates Azul’s global growth, product innovation and customer impact in enterprise Java

SUNNYVALE, Calif. & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Azul, the only company 100% focused on Java, today announced the successful closing of its previously announced majority strategic investment from Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm. This closing marks a significant milestone in Azul’s growth journey and strengthens its ability to meet the rising demand for high-performance Java platforms, scale its innovation, expand its global reach and deliver even greater value to customers.

As previously announced, existing investors Vitruvian Partners and Lead Edge Capital have also made new investments in the company and will retain significant minority stakes alongside Azul’s employees.

With this investment now complete, Azul is uniquely poised to meet growing global demand for secure, high-performance, cost-effective Java platforms across cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments.

“The closing of this transaction marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Azul,” said Scott Sellers, co-founder and CEO of Azul. “We’ve built a differentiated business at the center of Java performance, efficiency and modernization — one that’s increasingly essential to organizations navigating AI transformation, infrastructure cost pressures and platform independence. With Thoma Bravo’s backing and continued support from Vitruvian and Lead Edge, we’re excited to capture the global growth opportunities ahead.”

“Azul’s strong focus on performance, security and innovation positions the company for meaningful growth, and we see tremendous opportunity to further strengthen its leadership in the enterprise Java ecosystem,” said Adam Solomon, a partner at Thoma Bravo.

Chandler Gay, a vice president at Thoma Bravo, added: “We are excited to work with Scott and the Azul team to help boost innovation, broaden Azul’s reach and respond to the growing needs of the global Java community.”

Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal advisor and William Blair served as financial advisor to Thoma Bravo. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor and Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as financial advisor to Azul. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by funds affiliated with Ares Management LLC.

About Azul Systems (“Azul”)

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Azul provides the Java platform for the modern cloud enterprise. Azul is the only company 100% focused on Java. Millions of Java developers, hundreds of millions of devices and the world’s most highly regarded businesses trust Azul to power their applications with exceptional capabilities, performance, security, value, and success. Azul customers include 36% of the Fortune 100, 50% of Forbes top 10 World’s Most Valuable Brands, 10 of the world’s top 10 banks and leading brands like Avaya, Bazaarvoice, BMW, Deutsche Telekom, LG, Mastercard, Mizuho, Priceline, Salesforce, Software AG, and Workday. Learn more at azul.com and follow us @azulsystems.

About Thoma Bravo

Thoma Bravo is the world’s largest software-focused investment firm, with over US$181 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025. Through its private equity and credit strategies, the firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging Thoma Bravo's deep sector knowledge and strategic and operational expertise, the firm collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices and drive growth initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, the firm has acquired or invested in approximately 565 companies representing approximately US$285 billion in enterprise value (including control and non-control investments). The firm has offices in Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, New York and San Francisco. For more information, visit Thoma Bravo's website at thomabravo.com.

About Vitruvian Partners

Vitruvian Partners is a global growth-focused investor with offices across London, Miami, San Francisco, Stockholm, Munich, Madrid, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Singapore and Shanghai. Vitruvian focuses on dynamic situations characterized by rapid growth and change across asset-light industries. Vitruvian has over $20 billion of active funds which have backed many leaders in their sectors, including Just Eat, Arrive, Skyscanner, Marqeta, Wise, Global-e, CFC, Darktrace, and Bitdefender. Further information can be found at www.vitruvianpartners.com

About Lead Edge Capital

Lead Edge Capital is a $5 billion growth equity firm investing in software, internet, and tech-enabled businesses globally. The firm has invested in a number of major software and internet companies around the world, including Alibaba Group, Arrive Logistics, Asana, Azul Systems, Bazaarvoice, Benchling, Clearscore, Duo Security, Grafana, GrowthZone, Holistiplan, LeanStaffing, LiveView Technologies, Pacemate, Safesend, Signal Sciences, Tempo, Toast, Wise, and YouSign. One of the main drivers of Lead Edge’s success is its unique investor base, a network of 700+ executives, entrepreneurs, and dealmakers who have built and run some of the world’s most successful companies. In addition to providing flexible capital, Lead Edge leverages this global advisory group to connect portfolio companies with the customers, partners, talent, and advisors needed to accelerate growth. Lead Edge Capital was founded in 2011 and has offices in New York City, London and Santa Barbara.