Tasktop is a Vancouver-based technology company founded in 2007 that pioneered Value Stream Management (VSM) software to integrate and optimize software development processes across tools and teams.[1][2][4] It builds products like Tasktop Viz (for measuring value streams, uncovering bottlenecks, and improving efficiency) and Tasktop Hub (for creating interoperable tool stacks, reducing data duplication, and enhancing traceability), serving large enterprises including nearly half of the Fortune 100 in sectors like financial services, insurance, government, and manufacturing.[2][5] These solutions solve critical problems in software delivery—such as siloed tools, poor visibility into workflows, and slow time-to-market—by providing a model-based integration hub that unifies teams and accelerates DevOps transformations for over one million users.[1][2][4] Tasktop's growth included rapid scaling of Viz to $9M ARR by mid-2022, culminating in its acquisition by Planview in 2022, after which its products were rebranded as Planview Viz and Planview Hub.[2][3]
Tasktop was founded in 2007 in Vancouver, Canada, by Dr. Mik Kersten, a software engineering expert who authored the best-selling book *Project to Product* and developed the Flow Framework®—the foundation for modern VSM.[2][3][4] Kersten's background in software supply chain challenges at large organizations inspired Tasktop's initial focus on tool integration to visualize, manage, and accelerate development across distributed teams and geographies.[3] Early traction came from addressing DevOps pain points for enterprises with thousands of developers, evolving into the first purpose-built VSM solution that connected tools like Jira, Azure DevOps, and ServiceNow without custom coding.[1][2] A pivotal moment was the 2020 launch of Tasktop Viz, which expanded VSM to non-technical leaders for prioritization and outcomes measurement; with investor Sumeru Equity's help in scaling sales, marketing, and onboarding, it achieved rapid growth and positioned the company for Planview's 2022 acquisition.[3]
Tasktop stands out in the DevOps and VSM space through these key strengths:
Tasktop rode the explosive rise of DevOps and Agile transformations in the 2010s, capitalizing on enterprises' shift from project-based to product-focused software delivery amid digital disruption.[2][3] Its timing was ideal as cloud-native tools proliferated, creating toolchain sprawl that demanded integration—market forces like increasing software velocity needs in regulated sectors (e.g., finance, government) favored its visibility and compliance features.[1][5] By influencing the ecosystem through OEM partnerships (e.g., CA, HPE, IBM) and the Flow Framework®, Tasktop helped standardize VSM, enabling high-performing tech orgs and paving the way for acquisitions like Planview's, which integrated it into broader work management platforms.[2][5]
Post-2022 acquisition, Tasktop's tech as Planview Viz and Hub will likely deepen integration within enterprise platforms, targeting AI-driven flow optimization and hybrid cloud environments amid rising demands for autonomous DevOps.[2] Trends like generative AI for code and multi-tool orchestration will amplify VSM's role in reducing delivery friction, potentially expanding to non-software value streams. Its influence may evolve from standalone pioneer to embedded standard in connected work solutions, sustaining momentum for adopters in high-stakes industries—echoing its origins in unifying chaotic toolchains for breakthrough efficiency.[1][2][3]
Tasktop has raised $22.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Tasktop's investors include Austin Ventures, Elsewhere Partners, Donna Wilkins.
Tasktop has raised $22.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $11.0M Series B in April 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2017 | $11.0M Series B | Austin Ventures, Elsewhere Partners, Donna Wilkins | |
| Jun 1, 2014 | $11.0M Series A | Austin Ventures, Elsewhere Partners, Donna Wilkins |
