We’re proud to share some exciting news from within our local tech community: Christchurch-founded Comet Backup has officially been acquired by the global software leader WebPros.

WebPros is the powerhouse behind some of the most widely used tools in the web hosting and automation space – including cPanel, Plesk, and WHMCS. Their solutions power over 60 million domains across 227 countries, making them a cornerstone of the digital economy.

Now, Comet Backup joins this impressive web enablement ecosystem.

 

Comet Backup – Built in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Founded right here in Canterbury, Comet has grown into a trusted provider of backup and storage solutions used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams around the world. Comet’s software enables seamless data protection, whether for day-to-day operations or mission-critical disaster recovery.

The acquisition comes at a time of rising cyber threats, data loss risks, and disaster recovery needs. Organizations increasingly rely on robust technologies to safeguard their digital assets and maintain continuity. With Comet Backup, WebPros enhances its ability to deliver secure, dependable solutions that protect critical systems and enable rapid recovery.

“We are thrilled to welcome Comet Backup into the WebPros family. This is an important extension of our web enablement ecosystem, helping businesses address their backup and storage needs with greater efficiency and reliability,” said Christian Koch, CEO of WebPros.

“It was clear to us from the outset that WebPros’ leading global web enablement ecosystem is the perfect permanent home to take our business to the next level,” said Josh Flores, General Manager of Comet Backup. “The acquisition process itself gave both my team and me full confidence that the WebPros group is an optimal cultural fit for us. Our customers can expect the same great service, now with enhanced support and innovative new features as we continue to invest in the product.”

 

Why This Matters

The acquisition is more than just a business deal, it’s a milestone for Aotearoa’s tech innovation.

 “This is such a proud moment for our tech community,” said Liz Foxwell-Canning, CEO of Canterbury Tech. “Comet Backup’s success is a brilliant example of the kind of world-class talent and innovation we have right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It’s proof that you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build and scale globally competitive software – South Island smarts can and do go the distance.” 

When local tech companies hit a large milestone like an international acquisition, it can look like overnight success. But we caught up for an interview with Comet Backup’s General Manager Josh Flores way back in 2021 on our Canterbury Tech EPIC podcast, which you can re-visit here. But the business was founded nearly a decade ago, and has grown steadily with Kiwi ingenuity and a can-do spirit. 

“I am proud of the years of work the entire Comet team have dedicated to bring us to this point. We look forward to helping WebPros’ extensive customer footprint reach more businesses globally and accelerate our growth,” said Peter Thomas, Founder of Comet Backup. “Our product gives WebPros’ customers the tools they need to protect their businesses and safeguard their data resiliency with confidence.”

 

A Message for Our Community

At Canterbury Tech, we’ve long believed in the power of local innovation to make a global impact, and Comet Backup is a stellar example of just that. This acquisition is a testament to the quality of Kiwi talent and the growing influence of our tech sector on the world stage.

We congratulate the Comet Backup team on this exciting new chapter and look forward to seeing how their work continues to shape the future of data protection worldwide.

 

Want to Learn More?

Have a success story of your own to share? We’re always keen to celebrate wins from within our community. Get in touch with us here.