Teal

High-Level Overview

Teal (tealtech.com) is a managed IT services provider specializing in cybersecurity, automation engineering, and AI consulting for small- to medium-sized businesses. Formed in 2023 through the merger of Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen, it delivers proactive IT solutions, including compliance certifications like CMMC and ISO 27001, with a focus on business outcomes, ultra-responsive support, and genuine partnerships.[1][4][6]

The company serves organizations seeking secure, scalable growth, solving challenges like cybersecurity threats, IT inefficiencies, and digital transformation through tailored managed services, chat support, and award-winning customer service (e.g., Silver Stevie Award).[1][4] With demonstrated growth via mergers increasing resources and talent, Teal emphasizes people investment, community involvement, and using technology for positive impact.[1][4]

Origin Story

Teal emerged in 2023 from a "merger of equals" between Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen, long-time collaborators in a peer group aiming to expand client access to advanced security, tools, and processes.[1] Aligned contributed cybersecurity expertise and compliance know-how (e.g., CMMC), while TechGen added robust project management and ISO-certified documentation.[1]

Aligned was co-founded by Gar Whaley, a restaurant industry veteran who applied computer systems knowledge to small business IT, and Don Sauer, with 35 years of IT experience from the U.S. Navy, public sector, and enterprises.[1] United by a vision for a human-focused MSP that balances business goals and IT needs, the founders built Aligned before the merger elevated it to Teal, enhancing economies of scale and service sophistication.[1]

Core Differentiators

• Business Outcome-Oriented Expertise: Combines dedicated cybersecurity, automation engineering, and AI consulting to drive secure, scalable growth, with proactive quality assurance and ISO 27001 certification.[1][4]
• Ultra-Responsive Service: Features instant chat support, sense of urgency in help desk assistance, and exceptional customer service recognized by Silver Stevie Award and Channel Futures Next Generation list.[1][4]
• People-Centric Investment: Recruits service-focused talent, provides skill-enhancing training, incentives for excellence, and fosters a culture of helpfulness, selflessness, resilience, persistence, and talent.[4]
• Proven Process: Follows a structured Discovery-Design-Deploy model for minimal-disruption implementations, backed by accreditations, specializations, and community involvement.[1][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Teal rides the wave of rising cybersecurity demands and AI-driven automation for SMBs, where complex threats and compliance needs (e.g., CMMC) outpace in-house capabilities.[1][4][6] Timing aligns with post-merger scaling in 2023, capitalizing on market forces like increasing ransomware attacks and digital transformation pressures amid hybrid work.[1][6]

By merging complementary strengths, Teal influences the ecosystem as an accessible MSP alternative to giants like Microsoft or Cisco, empowering small businesses with enterprise-grade tools and human-focused support, thus democratizing secure IT for economic development.[1][2][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Teal is poised to expand its AI consulting and cybersecurity niches, leveraging merger momentum for more certifications, talent growth, and SMB market penetration. Trends like AI automation and stricter regulations will fuel demand, potentially evolving Teal into a broader digital transformation leader for mid-market firms. Its human-first ethos positions it to deepen ecosystem impact, turning IT challenges into thriving business outcomes—just as its foundation promised.