Dealership software provider Impel acquires Pulsar AI
Pulsar’s virtual assistant tool uses machine learning to communicate with online vehicle shoppers.
LINDSAY VANHULLE
Auto retail technology company Impel has acquired Pulsar AI, a conversational platform provider that helps dealerships respond to customer leads.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though Impel said the acquisition closed Tuesday. The New York-based company said in a news release that Pulsar’s technology and 30 employees will become part of Impel.
Impel is a digital merchandising software company whose technology includes virtual, 360-degree vehicle walk-arounds that appear on dealerships’ vehicle detail pages. Pulsar’s virtual-assistant tool uses machine learning and natural language processing to communicate with online vehicle shoppers, including outside of traditional business hours.
“This acquisition will enable us to accelerate our platform expansion efforts to meet growing demand for digital capabilities that deliver more engaging and personalized experiences to vehicle shoppers at every touch point,” Impel CEO Devin Daly said in a statement.
Impel said the acquisition will allow it to feature its own digital content and images in more communication between dealers and customers, including through email and text messages.
Pulsar’s headquarters and teams working in R&D, product development, engineering and operations are based in Tbilisi, Georgia, according to Impel. Its U.S. office is in San Francisco. Both locations will be part of Impel going forward, according to the company.
“Impel has established itself as a trusted partner to thousands of auto dealers around the world, and we share a common belief that technology can be used to drive operational efficiencies while also delivering a better shopping experience,” Pulsar AI CEO Dachi Choladze said in a statement.
The Pulsar AI name will go away as the company is integrated into Impel and Choladze “will become an active member of Impel’s executive leadership team,” Impel spokesman Alexis Cardona said.
