Established in 2012 by Lukas Snelling, Brave One is a digital advertising agency renowned for its expertise in scaling e-commerce brands. Specializing in acquisition and growth services, Brave One has been pivotal in the success of prominent clients like Peet’s Coffee and Olly. Known for its unique approach that combines full-service funnel management with a boutique, product-oriented delivery model, the agency has carved a niche in the e-commerce sector, fostering long-term, profound client relationships and setting a standard for sustainable growth in the digital space.

Inside the Enterprise: Who Is Brave One?

Brave One distinguishes itself in the agency world with its strategic focus on direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands, offering a bespoke blend of data-driven insights and creative marketing solutions tailored to rapidly scale online businesses. Their unique approach in harmonizing paid acquisition strategies with comprehensive funnel management sets them apart as innovators in driving tangible growth and enhancing performance across the digital e-commerce landscape.

Founder’s Motive: The Why Behind the Sale

Having devoted over a decade to the growth and success of Brave One, Lukas was ready to transition his focus towards incubating e-commerce brands. He sought a strategic partner who could take Brave One to greater heights, ensuring the agency’s continued success and providing new opportunities for growth. His vision was to secure a future for Brave One that would not only sustain its current success but also expand its horizons.

Founder’s Vision: Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

Lukas’s ideal buyer for Brave One was an entity that could integrate the agency’s deep e-commerce specialization into their business model. He envisioned a partner who could appreciate Brave One’s proven track record in digital advertising and conversion rate optimization, and who was eager to expand in the direct-to-consumer and consumer packaged goods sectors.

Setting the Stage: Preparing Brave One for Acquisition

With a solid foundation in e-commerce growth and a portfolio of over 21 retainer clients, Brave One boasted 100% recurring revenue and a unique combination of services including paid acquisition, conversion rate optimization, and email/SMS marketing. The agency’s industry specialization, coupled with a seasoned management team and low-overhead remote workforce, positioned Brave One as both a unique and profitable prospect for acquisition.

Attracting Suitors: Strategic Marketing of Brave One for Acquisition

In collaboration with Merge, Lukas set out to find the perfect buyer for Brave One. Merge’s expertise in agency acquisitions and vast network of pre-vetted buyers were leveraged to highlight Brave One’s unique value proposition in the e-commerce space, showcasing its potential for continued growth and expansion.

Sealing the Deal: Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The ideal match for Brave One was found in Single Grain, a larger agency with a focus on digital marketing and a commitment to driving growth for remarkable companies. This partnership aligned well with Brave One’s specialization and culture, promising to leverage each agency’s strengths for mutual growth.

Unlocking Synergies: Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

The acquisition by Single Grain opened new avenues for Brave One, providing opportunities to expand its e-commerce growth specialization and benefit from Single Grain’s broader digital marketing expertise. This strategic alignment was set to enhance both agencies’ service offerings and market reach.

Finding a New Home: The Merge Difference

Merge played a crucial role in facilitating this acquisition, ensuring that Brave One found a new home where its unique e-commerce specialization and growth potential would be fully realized. Their strategic approach and deep understanding of the digital marketing landscape ensured a successful and beneficial match for both Brave One and Single Grain.