The 13-member team of a technology startup focusing on construction equipment in Silicon Valley has officially joined Caterpillar Inc. as part of the machinery maker’s broader digital goals.

Cat first invested in Yard Club, a San Francisco-based developer of operating systems for contractors and equipment rental companies, in 2015 as part of then-newly formed Caterpillar Ventures’ inaugural deal.

Yard Club has since been working with Caterpillar dealers to manage inventory with custom web and mobile applications. Both entities agreed to a deal last week for Yard Club’s personnel to become Caterpillar employees while remaining in Yard Club’s office in California.

“Yard Club and Caterpillar share a similar vision to re-defining the digital experience for customers in our industry,” Colin Evran, founder and CEO of Yard Club, said in a prepared statement. “Over the past two years, we’ve had great success working with Caterpillar dealers and customers to do just that. We’re excited to expand our reach and make a truly global impact on the industry as a part of Caterpillar.”

The world’s largest manufacturer of earth-moving equipment has increased its focus on integrating digital technology in its machines in recent years, with analytics divisions in Peoria and Chicago.

Caterpillar opened a Digital and Analytics Hub in Merchandise Mart in Chicago last year, its first permanent office space in the city. The Yard Club represents Caterpillar’s first major technology presence in Silicon Valley.

Yard Club’s team became part of Caterpillar’s Marketing and Digital Division.

“Caterpillar is excited to welcome new colleagues from Yard Club,” Tom Bucklar, Caterpillar director for Innovation and Digital, said in a prepared statement. “They are a great addition to increasing our strength in user experience and user interface design, and will be heavily involved in designing and building digital solutions within our Cat Connect Technologies and Services to help our customers succeed.”

Matt Buedel can be reached at 686-3154 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JournoBuedel.


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