Falfurrias Capital Partners (FCP), a leading private equity firm focused on growth-oriented, middle-market businesses, has announced a strategic investment in Brainlabs, a globally recognized, full-service digital media agency. This partnership is set to accelerate Brainlabs’ already impressive international growth and solidify its position as a pioneer in data and technology-driven media solutions.
Founded in 2012, Brainlabs has rapidly distinguished itself in the competitive media landscape by delivering measurable and profitable results for a diverse portfolio of global brands. The agency’s commitment to a ‘high-performance’ approach, leveraging data and cutting-edge technology, has attracted significant industry attention and investment. Prior to Falfurrias Capital Partners, Brainlabs secured investment from Livingbridge in 2019, which catalyzed a period of explosive growth, witnessing an 800% increase in top-line revenue and the successful integration of eight strategic acquisitions. Brainlabs’ prestigious client roster includes industry giants such as WeTransfer, Estée Lauder Companies, and adidas, demonstrating its capability to deliver exceptional results for leading brands.
Daniel Gilbert, the founder of Brainlabs, will continue to steer the agency as Global CEO, while Stephen Allan will maintain his role as Executive Chairman. The leadership team will be further strengthened by the addition of Alexander Jutkowitz, Geordie Pierson, and Joe Price from Falfurrias Capital Partners, alongside Lisa Sherman from the Ad Council, who will all join the company board.
Gilbert reflected on the agency’s remarkable journey: “Starting Brainlabs over a decade ago from my parents’ attic, we always believed in the transformative power of data and technology in media. Our methodology is built on creating a culture of continuous testing and innovation, ensuring our clients benefit from both groundbreaking strategies and incremental gains. We’ve built something truly special at Brainlabs, signaling a new era for media agencies, and our partnership with Falfurrias Capital Partners is a testament to this vision. I am incredibly grateful to our Brainlabbers and to Livingbridge for their invaluable support over the past four years.”
Allan added, “Since joining Brainlabs, I’ve been impressed by its unique approach and its potential to scale. We’ve successfully attracted a growing number of multinational clients who are realizing significant value from our global teams. We thank Livingbridge for their support during our rapid growth phase and are excited to collaborate with Falfurrias Capital Partners to reach new heights.”
Geordie Pierson, Partner at Falfurrias Capital Partners, commented on the strategic fit: “Falfurrias Capital Partners has a deep understanding of the marketing and media landscape, making Brainlabs an ideal investment. We are eager to support and enhance Brainlabs’ already substantial impact in the industry.”
BrightTower served as the M&A advisor for Falfurrias Capital Partners in this transaction, with legal counsel provided by K&L Gates LLP. Canaccord Genuity and Cooley acted as financial and legal advisors, respectively, for Brainlabs.
About Falfurrias Capital Partners
Falfurrias Capital Partners, established in Charlotte in 2006, is a private equity firm founded by prominent business leaders Hugh McColl Jr. and Marc Oken, along with Managing Partner Ed McMahan. With $2.2 billion raised across six funds, Falfurrias Capital Partners invests in high-growth, middle-market companies. The firm leverages its operational expertise and industry relationships to support portfolio companies in achieving their growth objectives. Falfurrias Capital Partners utilizes its proprietary “Industry First” research process to identify promising markets and build strategic partnerships.
About Brainlabs
Brainlabs, founded in 2012 by ex-Googler Daniel Gilbert, has rapidly grown into one of the world’s leading independent digital media agencies. Driven by a team of engineers, statisticians, and data scientists, Brainlabs delivers high-performance media strategies for global brands. The agency’s client success stories include work with Adidas, American Express, Estée Lauder Companies, Mars, and WeTransfer. Brainlabs previously partnered with private equity firm Livingbridge in 2019 to accelerate its mission to become the world’s premier media agency. Since then, Brainlabs has expanded its global presence and service offerings through strategic acquisitions.
