Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLIN) announced a new partnership with a leading Midwest‑based wholesale distributor that will deploy the company’s AI‑powered HawkSearch platform on the Optimizely e‑commerce framework. The deal, announced on January 6, 2026, positions HawkSearch to enhance product discovery for the distributor’s construction, industrial, plumbing, and HVAC customers.
The distributor operates a network of distribution centers and retail showrooms across several states and will use HawkSearch to improve inventory visibility, streamline search, and drive higher conversion rates for its online shoppers. Integration with Optimizely will enable the distributor to leverage advanced analytics and AI‑powered recommendations, aligning with Bridgeline’s strategy to embed its core product in high‑growth verticals.
Bridgeline’s core product segment, led by HawkSearch, grew 16% in fiscal year 2025 and accounts for more than 60% of the company’s revenue. Gross margin remained steady at 66% in Q3 and Q4 FY2025, reflecting disciplined cost management amid a flat overall revenue trend. The company’s sales pipeline increased 65% entering FY2026, underscoring momentum in its subscription business.
CEO Ari Kahn highlighted the win as a “strategic milestone that reinforces our focus on AI‑driven search.” He noted that HawkSearch’s #1 ranking in Gartner’s 2025 Critical Capabilities Report for B2B Search underscores the platform’s market leadership and supports Bridgeline’s confidence in expanding its customer base in niche verticals.
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