Chicago Software Firm ActiveCampaign Acquires AI Startup Feedback Intelligence

The deal strengthens the homegrown marketing platform's artificial intelligence tools.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Chicago-based software company ActiveCampaign, a $3 billion AI-driven marketing platform, announced it has acquired San Francisco-based AI startup Feedback Intelligence for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will bolster ActiveCampaign's AI engine, called Active Intelligence, which powers automated marketing services for businesses.

Why it matters

The deal highlights Chicago's growing reputation as a tech hub, with the city's West Loop area home to an increasing number of tech companies. The acquisition also underscores the importance of AI and automation in the marketing technology space as businesses seek more intelligent and efficient ways to engage with customers.

The details

ActiveCampaign, founded in 2003, uses AI to automate tasks like email marketing and social media. The company has about 300 employees in Chicago as part of a global workforce of 800. Feedback Intelligence's AI analytics tool will strengthen ActiveCampaign's AI engine, which drives interaction between users and AI software agents. Feedback Intelligence's models evaluate AI software performance and provide recommendations for improvement.

  • ActiveCampaign announced the acquisition on February 4, 2026.
  • ActiveCampaign was founded more than 20 years ago in 2003.

The players

ActiveCampaign

A $3 billion AI-driven marketing platform used by hundreds of thousands of small businesses worldwide. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Chicago.

Feedback Intelligence

An AI startup based in San Francisco that was acquired by ActiveCampaign. Feedback Intelligence's AI analytics tool will strengthen ActiveCampaign's AI engine.

Jason VandeBoom

The founder and CEO of ActiveCampaign, who started the company in 2003 in his apartment as a side project to support his studies in fine arts.

Chinar Movsisyan

The founder and CEO of Feedback Intelligence, who will join ActiveCampaign's technology and product organization and oversee a three-person Feedback Intelligence team.

Chai Atreya

The chief product and technology officer at ActiveCampaign.

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What they’re saying

“Basic metrics like conversation volume or thumbs-up/thumbs-down don't tell us why an AI agent succeeded or failed. Feedback Intelligence gives us the visibility to detect unmet customer needs, track sentiment shifts and provide specific recommendations.”

— Chai Atreya, Chief Product and Technology Officer, ActiveCampaign (suntimes.com)

What’s next

The acquisition is expected to strengthen ActiveCampaign's AI-powered marketing capabilities and help the company better understand and serve its customers.

The takeaway

The deal highlights Chicago's growing reputation as a tech hub, with the city's West Loop area attracting an increasing number of tech companies. It also underscores the importance of AI and automation in the marketing technology space as businesses seek more intelligent and efficient ways to engage with customers.