Base79

Brave Bison is a digital advertising and technology services company. The company provides a range of digital advertising and technology services to brand advertisers, and operates a digital media network of over 650 channels and 158 million followers. The company is headquartered in London with hubs in Manchester, New York, Singapore, Bulgaria, Egypt and South Africa.

History

The company was founded under the name Rightster in May 2011 by British entrepreneur Charlie Muirhead with the vision of enabling media businesses to “overcome huge fragmentation in the online video market with a single technology platform for engaging audiences and transacting with optimal efficiency”. The initial focus of the business was on the fashion industry, Rightster's first customer being the British Fashion Council (BFC).

IPO

In November 2013, Rightster raised £22.4 million ($36 million) via an IPO on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM), making it the first YouTube MCN to go public. Rightster said it intended to use money raised via the IPO to fund platform upgrades and acquisitions.

In May 2016, it was announced that the company was relaunching under the name Brave Bison.

In June 2019, UK entrepreneurs Oli and Theo Green acquired a 27% shareholding in Brave Bison through their digital media and technology group, Tangent. Oli Green joined the board of Brave Bison in December 2019 and in January 2020 it was announced that Oli would take over from Sir Robin Miller as chairman. Theo Green joined as chief growth officer soon afterwards.

Acquisitions

VML

In October 2012, Rightster acquired approximately 25 percent of the share capital of VML. VML operates under the brandname ‘Viral Spiral' and connects third party brands, agencies, production companies and publishers with the owners of viral content. Rightster entered into an agreement with VML such that it is the exclusive global syndication distribution and monetisation partner for all VML content being uploaded to third party publishers platforms, including YouTube.

Preview Networks

In February 2013, Rightster acquired Preview Networks, a European distributor of film trailers and branded content.

"The deal extends Rightster's YouTube services across Europe and makes Rightster the leading distributor of movie trailers in this region. Preview Networks brings over 300 content rights holders and 2500 publishers to Rightster's global community and broadens Rightster's geographic presence in key European markets including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Nordics."

Sport Syndicator

In September 2013, Rightster acquired Sport Syndicator, a UK display advertising sales agency.

The Hook

In April 2020, Brave Bison acquired The Hook Group, a social marketing and publishing company.

Greenlight

In August 2021, Brave Bison acquired digital advertising and technology company Greenlight for just over $9 million. With more than 120 employees in the UK and across Eastern Europe, Greenlight works with blue-chip brands and omni-channel retailers on digital advertising and eCommerce technology systems. Greenlight clients include Currys, Muller, GAP, Furniture Village and New Balance.

Social Chain

In 2015, Social Chain was investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority for 19 marketing campaigns which the Chain did not disclose to its combined audience of 4 million followers. It also contacted the 15 businesses who were represented by them and the 43 social media influencers who published content on their behalf, informing them that by not clearly stating and labelling the content as adverts, that it may result in breaching consumer protection law. The outcome of the case ensured that Social Chain agreed to ensure all advertising it posts will be clearly labelled or identifed.

In February 2023, Brave Bison acquired Social Chain founded by Steven Bartlett for a total sum of $10m.

Engage Digital Partners

In December 2024, Brave Bison acquired global sports marketing business Engage Digital Partners for up to £10m. As part of the deal, Engage will combine with the Brave Bison Media Network of sports and entertainment channels, which partners with leading rights holders such as the PGA Tour, Ryder Cup, US Open, Australian Open, CPLT20 and Le Mans to offer channel and rights management services alongside content strategy and production.

Clients

Brave Bison has worked with clients including:

* P&G
*NBC Universal
*PGA Tour
* US Open
*Paramount
*Australian Open
* Hearst US
*Comic Relief
*European Tour
*Alofoke Radio Show
*20th Century Fox
*Associated Press
* Link Up TV
*Caribbean Premier League
* VOXI
*New Balance
* Curry's
*General Mills
*KFC
*Asus

Television appearances

* ''Toast TV (2013–2014)''
* '' Alex Strangelove'' (2018)
* ''World's Worst Flights: Landings'' (2019)

See also

* Multi Channel Network

References

External links

*

{{Authority control

Multi-channel networks
Companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market