KOMI Group, an award-winning social media group has announced a significant investment from BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor.
The deal will provide a catalyst for ongoing investment, as the business continues to build on its existing digital publishing portfolio and 80+-strong team. Led by founder and CEO Andrew Trotman and MD Sam Lenehan, KOMI will continue to identify growth opportunities through investment in existing channels alongside strategic acquisitions.
Founded in 2015, KOMI exists ‘to serve the creator economy by making brands that matter’. It has built its reputation on creating and building social channels, such as It’s Gone Viral and Happiest, and today boasts a community of over 40 million followers across 12 brands. Housing some of the UK’s leading social brands that generate over 2 billion views per month, KOMI also provides clients with the expertise, skill and flexibility its employees have developed over years of building communities and reach for themselves.
The business partners with household names such as TikTok, Disney, DPD, AO.com, Wejo and content creator Arron Crascall, working with content creators, brands, media agencies and production houses to drive social media strategies that deliver against a business’ objectives. In addition, it licences expertly curated content utilised by the world’s biggest media outlets and supporting influencers’ content generation.
In addition, KOMI Group’s original founders Ryan Williams and Matthew Thomas will be stepping away to utilise their time on other pursuits.
Commenting on the deal, Andrew Trotman, CEO & Co-Founder, KOMI, said: “The business has experienced huge progress and considerable growth over the past few years, and we believe we have a significant opportunity to scale by working with more brands and individuals who could benefit from our creativity and reach. To do that, it’s crucial that we continue to invest in our people and emerging platforms, so we retain the innovative approach and commercial results KOMI is known for.
“Whilst this is fantastic news, it is also sad to say farewell to my fellow co-founders, Ryan and Matt. We understand their decision to step away and thank them for their hard work and commitment to KOMI’s growth over the last 7 years. We would not be where we are today if not for them, and I am excited to see where their future endeavours take them.”
Sam Lenehan, MD, KOMI, added: “As a business, we pride ourselves on serving our people and our clients. It was super important for us to partner with a supportive investor that had a strong track record, that shared our values and that believed in the importance of the growing creator economy. Culture and personality are also key – we wanted to find a partner we could trust, that could add value to what we’re already doing and that we’d enjoy sharing our growth journey with. BGF ticked every box and we’re looking forward to a successful partnership.”
Rhys Davenport led the deal for BGF with investor Courtney Walker. Rhys added: “KOMI is an exciting, creative and high growth business, that operates in a market which has huge potential both in the UK and internationally. KOMI’s existing platform is highly scalable, both organically and through M&A, with a disruptive offering and approach to market.
“With Andrew and Sam at the helm, we’re backing an ambitious and capable management team to expand a business already delivering world-class creative for brands, people and publishers. We’re excited to add value beyond the deal through BGF’s track record in scaling digital media, creator economy businesses, such as London and LA-based influencer brand agency, Genflow.”
KOMI was advised by Kaine Smith at Rickitt Mitchell. Kaine added: “KOMI is a fantastic business, led by an exceptional management team who have devised a highly differentiated strategic approach in a rapidly evolving sector. With the benefit of BGF’s investment and support, KOMI is now ideally placed to accelerate its already impressive growth trajectory. It has been a pleasure to support Andrew and Sam on the transaction.”
Other advisers to the deal:
For BGF:
- Legal – Squire Patton Boggs (Matt Canipa, Millie Woodruff and Tom McClusky)
- Tax – Hurst (Adrian Young and Sarah Haley)
- ESG – Apex
- FDD – Mark Wasley
For KOMI:
- CF – Rickitt Mitchell (Kaine Smith and James Kidner)
- Legal – Eversheds (Lizzy Tindall and Jonathan Edwards)
- Tax – MSA Law (Bernard McIlroy and Fiona Sutherland)
