The majority stake in mobile marketing start-up Mobkoi has been bought by US-based global ‘brandtech’ group, You & Mr Jones.
London-based Mobkoi has an “impressive” 3-year track record in creating and delivering marketing campaigns to guarantee high-quality placement at scale.
It has direct relationships with premium publishers, including the BBC, the Financial Times, Forbes, GQ and Vogue, and is now set to expand into the US.
Currently, the firm works with more than 1,000 publishers in 35 markets.
Founded in 2014 by brothers Quentin and Guillaume Le Pape, Mobkoi is a one-stop shop for mobile marketing – with a strong emphasis on mobile video.
The company’s integrated service provides bespoke media planning and buying, but also offers custom creative solutions, and optimized campaign delivery.
Guillaume Le Pape said: “Today Mobkoi is a unique model, which truly masters the art of premium brand-building on mobile, leveraging the finest mobile-first technologies.
“Technology is a fantastic and limitless tool, especially when it comes to mobile – the most personal device of all!”
His brother Quentin added: “After 3 years of hyper-growth we are thrilled to be part of You & Mr Jones.
“We share the same core values and a distinct vision when it comes to using technology to build brands.
“Collaborating with group companies such as Mofilm and fifty-five together with launching the NY office will be our immediate priorities.”
The deal will see Mobkoi open a new office in New York City with further outposts to follow in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney.
The majority stake acquisition marks another deal for the investment and development company, You and Mr Jones, which launched back in 2015 with a $350m pot helmed by former Havas CEO David Jones.
It has already acquired the likes of MoFilm and theAmplify in that time, and has made a total of 13 investments in companies ranging from content management system Pixlee to Pokemon Go developers Niantic.
Jones said: “The growth in mobile continues to be explosive. Mobkoi has built an extremely impressive business that combines the power of storytelling with the latest in mobile technology.
“Importantly, the company also helps luxury and premium brands address the key issue of brand safety and ensure that their content is appearing in the environments where it deserves to be.
“We’re excited to partner with Quentin and Guillaume and to be a catalyst for Mobkoi’s global expansion.”