DTI Software Changes President
Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Montreal-based DTI Software, a leader in interactive in-flight entertainment, has announced the departure of its president and co-founder Nicolas Bélanger and the appointment of Louis Bélanger-Martin, co-founder and current CEO, to the position of president and CEO, effective January 1. Daniel Laplante, the third co-founder, continues in his position as chief technology officer.
DTI holds a 90% share of its industry and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
“When we launched DTI Software 15 years ago, Nicolas Bélanger and I literally created the industry for interactive entertainment in set environments, or ‘People on the move’,” says Bélanger-Martin, who is a board member of Advanced Inflight Alliance AG, the German company that acquired DTI Software in 2008. “DTI Software is currently ranked at the top of the industry. Nicolas was a driving force in our rise to the top, and we offer him our heartfelt thanks for this.
“I will be taking the reins of a company that continues to grow, and new people will be joining the team in the near future to support DTI Software in its efforts to penetrate new markets within interactive entertainment in set environments, such as the hospital niche.”
DTI Software has developed multi-platform products that are compatible with all information processing systems installed on aircraft, including Panasonic, Thales and Archos. It provides passengers of over 100 airlines a broad selection of games and value-added applications developed in partnership with recognized content providers such as Disney, Berlitz, Atari, Electronic Arts and The Tetris Company.
It also counts train and shipping companies, hotels and hospitals among its clients. DTI Software has over 180 employees at its Montreal headquarters, as well as its offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Dubaï and Los Angeles.
Nicolas Bélanger will be devoting his energies to the management of Group W, a private investment fund that he co-founded and has managed for several years.
“During the initial years of operations at DTI Software, obtaining financing was sometimes a challenge despite the significant growth potential the company offered,” says Bélanger. “At Group W, we help Quebec-based entrepreneurs like us to develop and grow their companies by providing not only financial support, but also operational support and counsel. Our approach is unique; we think like investors but act like entrepreneurs.”
Since 2002, Group W has provided financing and support to some 20 Quebec-based companies with operations in a range of sectors and representing a total of over $150 million in revenue and more than 350 jobs solely in Quebec. As an angel investor and venture capital fund, Group W participated in the creation in 2008 of the Fonds Soutien Relève, a Fonds d’intervention économique régional on Montreal’s South Shore that specializes in business succession. Currently, Group W focuses on providing growth capital and is working on increasing its impact in the marketplace.
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