Paylocity to Acquire Airbase for $325M, 40% Lower Valuation

Sep 4, 2024, 09:16 PM

Paylocity, a prominent HR and payroll software company, has announced its planned acquisition of corporate spend startup Airbase for approximately $325 million. The acquisition, which was revealed on Wednesday, aims to create a unified experience across finance, payroll, and HR solutions. Airbase, known for its procure-to-pay software, will integrate its services with Paylocity’s complete HR platform. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. Notably, the acquisition price is over 40% lower than Airbase's Series B valuation, though early investors such as Bain Capital Ventures and First Round Capital are expected to have fared reasonably well. Airbase's run rate revenue is estimated to be around $15 million, contributing to approximately 1% of Paylocity's 2025 fiscal revenue, with an expected EBITDA margin dilution of 100 basis points.