Wondrlab expands tech portfolio with BigStep acquisition

Wondrlab, a platform-first martech network, has acquired a majority stake in BigStep Technologies, marking its seventh acquisition and the second in the technology domain. This move aims to strengthen the Mumbai-based agency’s capabilities in generative AI, cloud-native software, and commerce solutions.

Founded in 2020 by Saurabh Varma, Wondrlab has rapidly expanded its operations, backed by $13 million in investments. Its latest acquisition aligns with its broader strategy of integrating digital transformation technologies into its operations.

This deal follows its September acquisition of OPA, an influencer marketing platform, which was Wondrlab’s sixth overall. Through these acquisitions, the company aims to offer a seamless full-funnel experience, bridging marketing and business transformation.

BigStep Technologies, established in 2008 by Vidit Paliwal and Niranjan Mangal, has delivered over 700 projects for more than 500 clients globally. The company specialises in product engineering, AI, cloud solutions, and robotic process automation, with a portfolio spanning sectors like healthcare, SaaS, BFSI, and gaming. Notable projects include a tenant experience platform with 1.5 million users, an AI healthcare assistant, and a redesigned booking platform for Vivanta Hotels.

The partnership gives BigStep access to Wondrlab’s network and its Poland hub, facilitating expansion into European markets. BigStep’s leadership, comprising Paliwal and Mangal, will continue driving innovation and growth.

Commenting on the acquisition, Paliwal said, “Joining Wondrlab marks a new chapter for BigStep. Their network and global reach provide us the perfect platform to expand our capabilities and drive innovation for our clients worldwide.”

Saurabh Varma, founder and CEO of Wondrlab, explained the rationale behind the acquisition, “The convergence of data, content, and technology to drive transformation across marketing and business is rapidly accelerating. The acquisition of BigStep perfectly aligns with our strategy of expanding our capabilities in digital transformation technologies, products, and services. Their expertise in generative AI and bespoke application development will significantly enhance our ability to deliver impactful solutions globally.”

BigStep’s COO, Niranjan Mangal, highlighted the company’s recent focus on assisting global startups in building digital products and scaling technology teams through Global Capability Centres (GCCs). “With the partnership with Wondrlab, we are looking at significantly scaling up these offerings to a wider base of clients across the US, Middle East, and Europe,” he added.

Wondrlab has been steadily growing its portfolio of services through acquisitions, including What’s Your Problem, Opportune, and WebTalk, a Polish digital marketing agency. These strategic moves reflect the company’s ambition to create a world-class martech network from India, encompassing marketing and digital business transformation.

Rajesh Ghatge, CEO of Wondrlab Technologies, noted, “BigStep has capabilities in AI, cloud, commerce, enterprise-grade digital product engineering, and launching large GCC mandates for tech-first companies. These strengths, coupled with our global capabilities in content, data, and media, provide a unique ecosystem across both digital and marketing transformation for our collective clients.”

Wondrlab’s recent ventures include expanding its European operations and plans to establish new offices in Vietnam, the US, and West Asia. The company also leverages proprietary technologies like Hector, a platform designed to help brands optimise expenditure on e-commerce platforms.

The acquisition signals a growing emphasis on integrating advanced technologies like AI and cloud solutions into marketing and business strategies. With BigStep’s expertise, Wondrlab is well-positioned to address evolving client needs in a fragmented marketplace.

BigStep’s previous projects demonstrate its ability to enhance customer experiences and drive engagement. Its AI healthcare assistant improved patient engagement, while its live video commerce platform helped over 1,000 eCommerce brands achieve higher conversion rates. These capabilities complement Wondrlab’s goal of offering holistic, tech-driven solutions.

Despite its rapid growth, Wondrlab faces the challenge of effectively integrating its acquisitions and ensuring seamless collaboration across its network. As the company continues to expand, its ability to maintain consistency in service quality and client satisfaction will be critical.

Wondrlab’s acquisition spree reflects its ambition to establish itself as a global player in the martech and digital transformation space. The integration of BigStep’s technology expertise is a step toward achieving this vision, but the success of this partnership will depend on how effectively the two companies align their goals and operations.

With plans to raise additional capital and further expand its footprint, Wondrlab is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of marketing and technology integration. For BigStep, the acquisition opens new opportunities for growth and innovation, backed by Wondrlab’s resources and strategic support.

As the industry continues to evolve, Wondrlab’s approach of combining marketing transformation with digital business transformation could serve as a blueprint for other agencies seeking to stay competitive in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.