Tech

Chen stands behind BlackBerry's turnaround

BlackBerry's M&A strategy
VIDEO2:0102:01
BlackBerry's M&A strategy

BlackBerry CEO John Chen told CNBC on Friday he expects continued growth for the smartphone maker, in terms of both its hardware and software businesses, and plans to stay at the helm of the technology company for the foreseeable future.

BlackBerry shares edged higher in midday trading on Friday after the company posted a smaller quarterly loss and Chen projected its software revenue would double next year.



The BlackBerry Passport
Hannah Yoon | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Appearing on "Squawk Alley," Chen said he's "very confident" with the company's software business and is "pretty sure we'll grow," especially as the company readies to release its BES12 operating system on November 13.

Chen also expects a continued uptick in hardware revenue thanks to strong sales of its Passport smartphone and the upcoming release of its Classic smartphone "in a couple of months."

In turn, Chen said the company's cash flow will at least break even in the near term, only to grow later on.

Either way, Chen said he plans to run BlackBerry for "as long as it takes to get this company doing well."