Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) Software Space in 2020

Contract Lifecycle Management space is evolving at a rapid pace. Both the number of providers as well as the overall spend on contract lifecycle management has increased significantly over the past few years. A space that has traditionally been championed by the likes of SAP Ariba and IBM Emptoris is now being redefined by a new generation of technology companies who have taken a fresh outlook and are breathing in new life to CLM technology.

These new generation providers have given a tough competition to the existing leaders and have made their mark by consistently by quickly acquiring noteworthy market share coupled with significant startup financing. 

Here's what the CLM space looks like in 2020. 

Disclaimer: Please note that the below categorization is not a comparative listing and is simply an independent perspective on the CLM space based on various parameters.

The Undisputed Leaders 

This comprises of contract lifecycle management vendors that are frequently cited as the top providers with strong CLM capabilities and noticeable market share in various independent research reports.

• Apttus
• Agiloft
• DocuSign (SpringCM)
• Exari (Coupa)
• Icertis

Leaders of Tomorrow

Providers that are frequently recognized for their strong CLM capabilities and proven ability to deliver strong value for their clients. 

• Conga (Apttus)
• GEP
• SirionLabs

The Deep-Rooted Chiefs

Providers with significant market share, influential customer relationships, service delivery capabilities, support structure, and/or unique capabilities that enable them to hold a strong place. 

• Exigent
• Legal Suite CLM
• Oracle Contract Management
• SAP Ariba
• Seal (Docusign)

The Challengers

Providers with strong capabilities, demonstrated strength, noteworthy clients, and top of the mind recall in CLM space. Some of them offer CLM capabilities as part of the bigger software suites (

• CLM Matrix (Wolter Kluwer's)
• CobbleStone
• Concord
• Coupa
• Determine (Concentric)
• Ivalua
• Jaggaer Contracts+
• Symfact
• SynerTrade
• Zycus

Emerging Players

CLM vendors that have started to make their mark in this space, or have been present for sometime but aren't necessarily the most cited ones. One or more of these providers may have higher market share or revenues than players cites in some of the previous categories.

• Brightleaf Solutions
• Corridor Contracts 365
• Contract Express
• ContractRoom
• ContractPodAi
• ContractSafe
• Contract Wrangler
• Gatekeeper
• Ironclad
• Kira Systems
• Medius (Wax Digital)
• Onit
• OpenWindows
• OptimusBT
• Outlaw
• Ultria
• Volody