Blog Summary:
1. Izzy Software was built on a “listen first, build second” philosophy—prioritizing empathy and learning directly from frontline workers.
2. Founders Eric Jensen and Toby Biggs bring nearly 30 years of technical experience, shaping Izzy into a reliable, thoughtful partner for nonprofits.
3. Every feature in Izzy—from workflows to reporting—comes from real-world user feedback, not assumptions or trends.
4. Izzy’s growth is guided by trust: doing what they say they will do, showing up for clients, and treating organizations as true partners.
5. The platform continues to evolve responsibly, focusing on meaningful innovation like AI-driven accessibility and improved collaboration tools.
Reading Time: (5 Minutes)
When Eric Jensen and Toby Biggs founded Izzy Software in 2018, their goal wasn’t to build “just another tech company.” They created Izzy to address a clear gap: frontline organizations doing vital work weren’t getting the technology support they deserved.
Both came from decades in software development, but entering the nonprofit and crisis-response space required a new kind of expertise: humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn directly from those on the ground.
“We had to learn the sector,” Toby explained. “Understand the pain points, the systems, and where technology could actually help instead of complicating things.”
That mindset became the foundation for everything Izzy stands for today.
Experience That Builds Trust
Before Izzy, Eric, and Toby had spent nearly three decades running a custom software company, Ripple Group. Over the years, they integrated complex systems, delivered client-focused solutions, and learned what it means to solve problems that truly matter.
That experience prepared them for a defining opportunity: building a province-wide helpline system for the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS). The project “The One Line” was the start of Izzy’s journey and remains a point of pride.
“It was a good success,” Eric said. “We came away thinking: fantastic people, an amazing cause—and we realized these organizations were under-supported when it came to technology. We knew we could help.”
Since then, Izzy has grown from one project into a trusted partner for nonprofits and helplines across North America, supporting services that respond to some of the most sensitive and urgent human needs.
Expertise Rooted in Listening
At Izzy, expertise isn’t just about coding or compliance. It’s about listening deeply to clients and translating their needs into practical, reliable tools.
Each feature Izzy develops—from case management workflows to reporting dashboards—comes from real-world conversations with users. Every new implementation begins with the same process: understanding what organizations need most and ensuring Izzy adapts to their workflow rather than forcing them to change how they operate.
“We don’t sell for the sake of selling,” Eric said. “If Izzy isn’t the right fit, we’ll say so. We want to make sure what we build actually helps.”
That authenticity is part of why Izzy has become synonymous with reliability in the helpline and case management space.
Authoritativeness Through Action
As Izzy expanded, the team brought the same care and consistency to technical development. The platform is fully HIPAA and PHIPA compliant, equipped with detailed audit trails and fine-grained permissions that give organizations complete control over their data.
It’s that combination—deep technical rigor and client-centered collaboration—that sets Izzy apart. Rather than chasing trends, the team focuses on thoughtful innovation, especially when exploring emerging technologies like AI.
“We’re always improving Izzy,” Toby said. “Every time we meet with someone, we hear new challenges and find ways to make the software better. It’s not what it was in 2018—or even six months ago.”
That evolution is constant, deliberate, and always guided by the people using the software.
Trust: Izzy’s True Measure of Success
Ask Eric and Toby what they’re most proud of, and the answer comes without hesitation: trust.
“Trust comes from doing what we say we’ll do,” Eric said. “Listening, following through, and caring about the outcome.”
Support isn’t a department at Izzy—it’s a culture. Developers and customer success staff work side-by-side to ensure clients never feel left waiting. The feedback is consistent: Izzy feels less like a vendor and more like a partner.
Toby put it best:
“We treat our clients as the experts, because they are. We’re here to help them build capacity and support their communities.”
That approach has shaped long-term partnerships across the nonprofit sector, proving that empathy and excellence can coexist in technology.
Looking Forward
As Izzy continues to grow, its direction remains clear—listen first, build second. Eric and Toby’s leadership keep the company grounded in its mission: using technology to amplify care.
The next chapter includes exploring AI-driven accessibility tools, expanding cross-agency collaboration features, and continuing to refine Izzy’s helpline and case management systems. But even as the software evolves, one thing will stay the same: the values that started it all.
“We want to help,” Toby said. “That’s what drives us. If someone can use Izzy to make a difference, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
Behind every report, every intake form, and every call logged in Izzy’s system is a person trying to make someone else’s day a little easier. Eric and Toby built Izzy to make that possible.
Because meaningful technology doesn’t start with code—it starts with care.
Eric Jensen and Toby Biggs are the co-founders of Izzy Software, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience in software development and building practical, user-focused solutions. Izzy continues to work closely with Ripple Group, whose technical support and collaboration helped shape the platform in its early stages. Their shared philosophy—listen first, build second—guides how Izzy continues to grow today