IgniteTech Enhances Khoros with AI Focus and Customer Leadership Initiatives

In a bold move to redefine customer engagement, IgniteTech, an AI-first enterprise software company, has announced a series of strategic investments aimed at advancing its Khoros platform. The announcement, made on July 10, 2025, marks the next phase of development since IgniteTech's acquisition of Khoros in May 2025.

IgniteTech’s CEO, Eric Vaughan, emphasized that this initiative goes beyond merely investing in the existing product; it involves a comprehensive rebuild of Khoros. "We are establishing partnerships with our clients and engaging with experts to apply the operational discipline that has previously enabled us to transform numerous enterprise software companies," Vaughan noted. The aim is to deliver significant value via artificial intelligence, leveraging the strengths of the widely recognized Khoros Community.

Strategic AI Enhancements

IgniteTech is committed to accelerating the deployment of innovative AI features within the Khoros platform. The company is particularly focused on enhancing customer collaboration, fostering community innovation, and modernizing its product offerings. Future innovations will be built on Aurora, the next-generation architecture that streamlines AI integration and scalable customer engagement.

To further solidify its dedication to Khoros clients and the global community ecosystem, IgniteTech maintains a strong support structure. Michael Puhala, Chief Community Evangelist at Khoros, will spearhead client discussions and ensure strategic ties with a worldwide network of community professionals. Puhala expressed enthusiasm about IgniteTech’s urgency and clarity in adopting Khoros’s robust legacy. He views this initiative as an opportunity to navigate community leadership into the age of AI, ensuring that client voices shape the future.

To augment its community engagement efforts, IgniteTech has brought in Jake McKee, a renowned community strategist known for his previous work with notable brands such as LEGO and Apple. McKee will serve as a strategic advisor, helping align Khoros’s community strengths with IgniteTech's product vision. "IgniteTech's approach places citizens and clients at the forefront," McKee stated, emphasizing a focus on merging Khoros's legacy with the necessary clarity and AI capabilities for the next phase of communities.

Community-Led Initiatives

Additionally, IgniteTech announced its sponsorship of the Community-Led World Conference during London Community Week 2025. During this event, Puhala, McKee, and IgniteTech’s AI Director, Thibault Bridel-Bertomeu, engaged with global community leaders and Khoros clients as part of a dedicated outreach initiative. This effort aims to deepen their understanding of the ecosystem now under IgniteTech's responsibility, addressing both existing Khoros user requirements and broader trends in global community management.

IgniteTech is actively designing the next generation of Khoros to support a transition away from traditional support towards AI-driven community ecosystems. New capabilities will enable clients to maintain brand presence in AI-generated responses, highlight trustworthy content from active users, and encourage a shift from passive consumption to active engagement among community members.

Commitment to Innovation

Aurora represents the future of the Khoros platform, with all new innovations set to be integrated as the company strategically continues to support the Classic Community. IgniteTech promises a measured migration approach, ensuring clients transition only when the platform meets or exceeds their requirements. "Khoros is moving forward with a clear plan, a dedicated team, and clients at the center of its focus," Vaughan remarked. "We are not retaining the old model; we are building what comes next."

About IgniteTech

IgniteTech is a global enterprise software company focused on AI. With rapid innovation and a series of successful business acquisitions, IgniteTech's solutions empower companies around the world. Since its reorganization in 2024 as an AI innovator, IgniteTech has developed two unique, patented AI innovations – Eloquens AI and MyPersonas – along with enhancing AI capabilities across its product portfolio.

For further information, reach out via [email protected].

About Khoros

Khoros offers award-winning enterprise software that facilitates large brands to engage seamlessly with their customers across various digital and social channels. From service and support to communications and sales, Khoros leverages advanced automation and AI to unlock more coherent, personalized interactions between brands and their audiences. Serving over 2,000 prestigious global enterprises, including a third of the Fortune 100, Khoros is recognized as a top workplace. In May 2025, Khoros was acquired by IgniteTech. For further information, visit Khoros.