Space & Time, an independent growth marketing agency with offices across the UK, is supercharging its growth ambitions after Nazara-backed global advertising technology firm, Datawrkz, acquired a significant stake in the company.
The investment will accelerate Space & Time’s growth in Europe and across North America, as it continues on its mission to become Europe’s largest agency specialising in growth marketing.
The complementary capabilities and geographical locations of the two businesses, represent significant potential for collaboration, unlocking opportunities and efficiencies for clients. Space & Time is located in the UK, with its headquarters in London and further offices in Manchester, Edinburgh, Surrey and Bournemouth, while Datawrkz is located in the US, India and Singapore and has its headquarters in Texas.
The deal will enable Space & Time to access Datawrkz’s programmatic advertising technology and expertise to optimise campaign performance and outcomes for clients. It will also fast-track the development of the agency’s own proprietary products and technology, and accelerate its artificial intelligence strategy.
Launched in 2000, Space & Time has achieved 23% revenue growth over the last three years and is one of a select few Google Premier Partners in the UK. Earlier this year, Space & Time chief executive officer, Chris Jones, was named in the ‘CEO and Leaders’ category of the BIMA 100, a listing of the top 100 movers and shakers in the UK’s digital and technology industry.
Space & Time will continue to be led by chief executive officer, Chris Jones, managing director, Heather Connearn as well as the agency’s wider leadership team. Space & Time founder and chairman, Peter Jones, and chief operating officer, Sandy Gil, will exit the business as part of the deal. Senthil Govindan, chief executive officer and founder of Datawrkz will join the Space & Time board.
Senthil Govindan, CEO and founder of Datawrkz, comments: “Datawrkz is delighted to enter this relationship with Space & Time. We were searching for a firm that complements our desire to do the right thing by our clients, and Space & Time is a strong cultural fit. I look forward to working closely with the Space & Time team to accelerate our common goals – driving the best possible results for our clients, increasing the joint scale of our businesses, and expanding geographically across Europe.”
Chris Jones, CEO of Space & Time, adds: “Space & Time was founded with very clear principles focussed around client success. I’m incredibly proud to say these are more intrinsic and fundamental to our values than ever. The challenge was to find an investor that shares this passion for client-centricity and that’s exactly what we’ve found in Datawrkz. As two fast-growing and specialist businesses, the potential between us made this the perfect match and the investment in key areas such as data and technology that this deal brings will help future-proof our clients’ business as we continue to grow. The deal represents an exciting new chapter in the Space & Time story as we partner with Datawrkz to bring new opportunities to clients. We’re excited for all that lies ahead.”
Space & Time and its shareholders were advised on the transaction by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO.