Jellysmack Acquires Network Media in a Deal at the Forefront of the Creator Economy
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips client Network Media LLC, a high-growth innovator in the creator economy, has been acquired by Jellysmack, the global creator company. With 350 billion combined video views since 2020 and an innovative, data-driven content creation system, Network Media is a proven leader in supporting emerging content creators building social media careers.
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips served as the exclusive financial advisor to Network Media and its founder and CEO, Rick Lax, in the transaction. “When we met Rick, we knew there was something extraordinary about Network Media,” said Jay Kirsch, who led the ODP team. “Beyond the financial results, which were fantastic, it was clear that Rick was building a company for the future, not the past.”
“Jellysmack is the perfect partner for that journey,” Kirsch added. “Its leadership team understands how value is developed in the creator economy, for consumers, creators, advertisers, and investors. They used their knowledge of all four to build a plan that will continue to grow Network Media.” Likewise, Network Media strengthens and deepens Jellysmack’s capabilities across the creator lifecycle. “Rick and his network of creators are going to be an important part of their growth story,” said Kirsch.
“Jellysmack is the single most valuable multi-platform partner a digital creator can have,” said Lax. “It’s no fluke that all the biggest names across YouTube and TikTok have partnered up with Jellysmack. Network Media is honored to join forces.”
The Network Media-Jellysmack deal represents the leading edge of a creator economy that is just getting started. “We are excited to meet with founders who see the world differently,” Kirsch said. “You have to learn the new paradigm of media. Changing consumer behaviors and platforms are fueling extraordinary opportunities.”
Reed Phillips, co-founder of ODP, Partner John Kaiser, and Senior Advisor Steven Rosenbaum served on the ODP deal team. Meredith Beuchaw and Ed Zimmerman of Lowenstein Sandler acted as legal counsel for Network Media.
OAKLINS DESILVA+PHILLIPS DEAL TEAM
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We are investment bankers for technology, media and marketing companies. For nearly three decades we have helped our clients unlock billions of dollars in value through M&A.
Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips specializes in mid-market, sell-side and buy-side mergers & acquisitions advisory, corporate finance services, and valuations. Since our founding, we have helped over 400 clients achieve their personal and professional goals through M&A.
ODP has represented companies as diverse as Microsoft, The New York Times, Conde Nast, Deutsche Börse Group, and Abry Partners and sold businesses to buyers including Oracle, News Corporation, Deloitte, TripAdvisor, Ziff Davis, S&P Global, and Politico.
United by a strong belief that we can achieve the extraordinary. Oaklins is a global team of 850+ financial advisory professionals in 45 countries providing M&A, growth equity, ECM, debt advisory and corporate finance services to support entrepreneurs, corporates and investors in reaching their goals.
About Jellysmack
Jellysmack is the global creator company that uses technology to turn the talented video creators of today into the digital icons of tomorrow. Our powerful AI detects the most promising creators and helps skyrocket their social growth through multi-platform distribution, financial backing, and data-driven content ideation. Jellysmack’s all-encompassing infrastructure provides the world’s best creators with the solutions they need to save time, take risks, and maximize their value. Jellysmack is a trusted growth partner that helps top creators Go Bigger across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and more. Our exclusive roster includes names like MrBeast, Bailey Sarian, Brad Mondo, The Try Guys, KallmeKris, and Luisito Comunica.
| Transaction Type | M&A Sell-side |
| Client | Network Media |
| Sold To | Jellysmack |
| Industry | Media |
| Date | June 2023 |