The digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been a recurring topic on technology and political agendas for years. However, as Miguel Calejo Pires, CEO of the SaaS division at Team.blue, points out, the real challenge has not just been connectivity, but a lack of capabilities. In an exclusive conversation, Calejo Pires details how the company is using artificial intelligence (AI) and a SaaS ecosystem model to empower millions of SMEs across Europe.

A SaaS Ecosystem with a Pan-European Vision

Team.blue is not just a hosting provider. Its goal is to build an ecosystem of SaaS companies with the potential to become vertical leaders in their segments. "We look for founders with a proven product vision, solid recurring revenue models, and the ambition to expand beyond their local market," explains Calejo Pires. This strategy is reflected in its aggressive acquisition track record: 11 companies in 2025, including e-commerce platforms like Shoptet and Ticimax, and web applications like Macaly. In 2026, the trend continues with the integration of lead generation tools like Saleskit and AI-based solutions like Windsor.ai.

This approach allows Team.blue to offer a comprehensive portfolio covering the entire digital value chain: from domain and hosting to SEO, e-invoicing, social media management, and online brand protection. As a result, SMEs can access a set of tools that were previously only available to large corporations.

AI as a Technological Pillar, Not an Add-on

Calejo Pires is emphatic: "AI is not an add-on or a future promise, but a technological pillar." At Team.blue, AI is integrated directly into the tools that SMEs use daily. For example, SimplyBook.me offers smart bookings, iubenda automates regulatory compliance, Windsor.ai integrates over 330 business data sources in real time, and Macaly allows generating web applications through natural language thanks to "vibe coding."

"A small business that previously needed a marketing team to manage its social media presence can now do it with Metricool thanks to AI-based automation," he notes. The long-term vision is to become the "reference digital operating system for European SMEs," an "intelligent business copilot" that automates workflows, personalizes the customer experience, and generates quantifiable value.

A key aspect is digital sovereignty. Calejo Pires emphasizes that "all data and AI operations remain within European data centers," which is crucial in a context where GDPR and digital sovereignty are strategic priorities. This directly connects to current debates about the end of siloed data and the need for mature AI infrastructures.

Democratizing Access: Bridging the Capability Gap

Team.blue's mission is to democratize access to advanced technologies. "For years, the digital divide was not just about connectivity, but about capabilities: large corporations could afford data teams, automation platforms, and custom AI tools; SMEs could not," recalls Calejo Pires. To eliminate this asymmetry, the company designs products with integrated AI that simplify real operations, with assisted onboarding, ongoing support, and personalized guidance in every language.

This approach not only boosts productivity but also strengthens entrepreneurship. Each year, multiple European projects take their first steps or strengthen their digital presence. The key, according to Calejo Pires, lies in working with local brands that understand the needs of each market and offering a catalog that covers the entire digital value chain. "We don't sell complex technology disguised as simplicity," he clarifies.

This model of technological democratization resonates with other success stories in the sector, such as S2GRUPO, which has also seen AI and talent as growth drivers.

The Ecosystem Model: "Founders First"

Team.blue operates under a philosophy they call "founders first." When a SaaS company joins the group, it does not disappear into an anonymous structure. "It continues to operate with its own team, its own brand, and its own entrepreneurial DNA, but with immediate access to the resources, network, and experience of a pan-European group," explains Calejo Pires.

In practice, this means that a Spanish SaaS company can access an ecosystem of over 3.3 million SME customers in more than 22 countries, as well as specialized teams in finance, human resources, legal, sustainability, security, and privacy. This frees founders to focus on strategic growth and product development, in addition to offering cross-selling opportunities and complementary acquisitions.

A emblematic example is Metricool. "Its founders, Juan Pablo Tejela and Laura Montells, had already created a successful platform, used by over 3.5 million users. By joining Team.blue, Metricool retained that spirit and enhanced it. That's what Spain is generating: entrepreneurs with a European vision and genuine execution capability," concludes Calejo Pires.

Implications for the IT Channel and Businesses

Team.blue's model has profound implications for the IT channel. By offering an integrated ecosystem, companies can reduce the complexity of managing multiple vendors and focus on their business. Additionally, the commitment to AI and automation opens new opportunities for managed services and consulting. As noted in our article on sustainability as a business lever, integrating advanced technologies is key to competitiveness.

In an environment where cybersecurity and preparedness are critical, initiatives like Team.blue's can also help improve the security posture of SMEs, a topic we address in our analysis of the cybersecurity paradox in Spain.

Original source: ComputerWorld. Analysis and adaptation by ForgeNEX.