Apogee, a renowned professional and prosumer audio technology company, has been acquired by Dirk Ulrich and his Rockforce Tech Holding.
Dirk Ulrich is one of the leading figures in the music tech (MI) industry. He is particularly known for founding companies like Brainworx and Plugin Alliance. In 2022, these companies merged with Native Instruments.
Two years later, Dirk Ulrich left and embarked on a new path. Instead of retiring, he founded Rockforce Tech Holding. This was followed in July 2025 by the acquisition of Manley Laboratories (Labs), a renowned American manufacturer of professional and high-end audio gear. The shopping spree continues.
Today, another significant hand change. Rockforce Tech Holding has today announced the acquisition of Apogee Electronics, another renowned US-based manufacturer of pro audio gear, including audio interfaces, microphones, software (plugins), and more.
Here is the press release
Press Release: Apogee Acquired By Dirk Ulrich’s Rockforce Tech Holding
Apogee Electronics, a leader in professional and prosumer audio technology for 40 years, announced today that it has been acquired by Rockforce Tech Holding Inc., led by industry veteran Dirk Ulrich and parent company of Manley Labs.
The acquisition unites two highly respected audio brands with complementary strengths, creating a stronger, broader platform for innovation, engineering, and global market growth.
“We’ve reached an exciting moment in Apogee’s evolution,” said Betty Bennett, Co-Founder and CEO of Apogee Electronics. “To continue growing in today’s rapidly shifting audio landscape, Apogee needs expanded resources, new energy, and a broader operational foundation. Dirk brings all of that.His experience leading Brainworx and Plugin Alliance, and now Manley Labs, makes him uniquely equipped to guide Apogee into its next chapter. I’m profoundly proud of what our team has built, and I’m confident this partnership will elevate both companies in meaningful ways.”
“Apogee has been a huge part of my professional life for decades. I’ve seen firsthand the care, integrity, and innovation that went into every product we developed. Dirk understands the importance of that legacy, and I’m excited to see Apogee and Manley combine their strengths. This partnership creates new possibilities for artists, producers, and engineers everywhere—and I’m proud to see Apogee carried forward with that vision.”
By bringing Apogee and Manley together, we are creating a powerful ecosystem of high-end audio tools that will benefit professionals, creators, and music makers around the world. Whether it’s analog or digital, it’s all about the sound. I’m honored to continue the legacy that Betty, Bob and the Apogee team have built.”
First Impression
And the music tech company wheel is turning again. I’m curious to see if Dirk Ulrich and his Rockforce Tech Holding will acquire any more companies in the near future. It will be interesting to see how Apogee develops under the new leadership.
I wish all the best to those involved. I will follow it with great interest.
I can already picture the mashup of Apogee’s pristine digital and a Manley VoxBox or Core. It will be amazing. And completely unaffordable for me.
You are awesome, Dirk !!! Congratulations… 🎊🍾🎉 Thank you for introducing me to affordable pro audio… Rock on!
Might it be the sale of Brainworx to Native Instruments coincided with the acquisition of Wolfgang Palm’s VSTs, so his products got a bit undersnowed? We haven’t heard from these VST’s anymore since then.
PPG Apps is a Native Instruments company like Brainworx, iZotope and Plugin Alliance. They are discontinued and will probably never return. I still have hopes