Charleston Software Firm Blackbaud Hikes Spending to Accelerate Growth

Blackbaud Inc. is looking to spend money to make money.

In reporting earnings last week, the Daniel Island-based software provider said its operating expenses climbed to $114.4 million in the first quarter, 16 percent more than a year before.

Higher spending comes as Blackbaud, one of South Carolina's largest technology employers with about 3,400 workers worldwide, increases the headcount on its sales team and pushes a growth strategy.

CEO Mike Gianoni told investors and analysts during a conference call Wednesday the sales force grew by 20 percent last year. The company plans to continue to hire aggressively in 2019, he added. Read more HERE.