Harris is a long-term buyer and operator of vertical market software companies. Founded in 1976, we are part of Constellation Software Inc. – one of the world’s most successful software groups, headquartered in Toronto and publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CSU).
We acquire and grow mission-critical software companies in the fields of:
We belong to a global network of over 1,000 software companies, alongside sister organizations such as:
While each group operates independently, we share the same DNA: Decentralized leadership. Long-term thinking. Shared values.
A Brief History
1976
Harris was founded in North America in 1976 as a software provider for the utilities sector. Over the following decades, Harris steadily expanded across vertical markets and geographies.
1996
In 1996, Harris became the first acquisition of Constellation Software Inc. (CSI) – laying the foundation for what is now a global group of more than 1,000 software companies.
2000s
Since then, Harris has grown through hundreds of acquisitions, focusing exclusively on vertical market software companies. Each company retains its identity, leadership, and operational freedom – with Harris providing long-term support, capital, and a peer network.
Today
Today, Harris operates across North America, Europe, and beyond – with a strong presence in the DACH region, the Nordics, the UK, and Southern Europe.
Our Values
Living our Values - every day!
Respect of the individual: Our first and most important value for a reason – so important that you’ll be asked to pursue your career elsewhere if you don’t live it.
We believe that discipline is far more effective than motivation and we use it to drive our focus on operational excellence in everything we do.
We all have problems, what we value are people who want to find solutions – often by standing back and applying common sense.
Dreams, both personal and professional, are the things that matter most to our employees. Dream realization creates highly engaged employees – just the people we want to work with and have engage with our customers.
While most of us don’t like receiving bad news, we believe it is the first step in allowing us to move forward and get back on track – the sooner we address it, the better.
The biggest problem with communication, is the illusion that it has happened. We focus on communicating and sharing what we have learned, so others can benefit and make better decisions.
We believe that learning is a journey – one that is never complete. We also believe in the importance of understanding the cause and effect of our experiences.
We believe that the best decisions are made by those closest to them. We also believe in empowering our employees to make their own decisions by helping them develop professional judgement.
Nothing is someone else’s responsibility – we all have a role to play and we all need to be willing to do our part. Blaming others doesn’t move us forward or solve problems – owning them does.
We don’t expect our employees to always like the decisions that need to be made, but we do expect them to understand their reality as it is and not as they would like it to be.
These principles aren’t just for posters. At Harris, they show up in everything we do:
In how we acquire and onboard new companies
In how we lead – without micromanaging
In how we build trust with teams, founders, and customers
In how we learn from each other – across borders, businesses, and markets
Join the Harris Network.
Whether you’re considering selling your company or looking to grow your career – you’ll find a culture that values autonomy, ambition, and responsibility.
