Specialism: FinOps, sustainable cloud, GreenOps
Key vendors: QBO Cloud, OpExx, illapa Cloud,IONOS
Headcount: 5
The youngest firm in this report, Future Channel was established in February 2025 by serial distribution entrepreneur Grahame Smee.
Now boasting a full-time headcount of 5, it focuses on FinOps, sustainable cloud and GreenOps.
Future Channel’s sweet spots contrast with those of Smee’s previous three ventures (EquIP, Cohort and 4SEC Group), all of which had a cyber bent.
“We have ability to help partners turn interest into revenue”
Quickfire Q&A with CEO Grahame Smee
What’s your top priority over the next 12 months?
Continue to work with partners who want to move their businesses into the cloud transformation area.
What’s the most under-rated facet of your business?
Our ability to help partners turn interest into revenue.
Name a vendor or technology area that’s been a hit for you in 2025
illapa Cloud
Are you expecting to grow in this calendar year?
Yes
What distribution news story most grabbed your attention in 2025?
The sale of (part of) Exertis to a PE company.
3 of the 4 largest companies in this report have changed ownership in the last 12 months (or are about to). What does that say about the market?
That it’s often easier to buy growth than innovate.
How do you feel that one company featured in this report took out a full-page New York Times ad in March blasting the term ‘distributor’?
It’s marketing noise, it obviously caused some controversy and maybe that was the aim. Obviously being put in the distributor category doesn’t suit everyone.
On a scale of 1-10, how optimistic are you about the IT distribution market right now?
7
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