Founded in 2012 by Phil Shpilberg, GameChangerSF stands as a cutting-edge digital advertising agency specializing in mobile apps and games. With a portfolio boasting hundreds of successful apps, they have honed their expertise in full-service mobile marketing, creative services, and data science. GameChangerSF is recognized for its impressive track record in delivering results for high-profile clients like the Oprah Winfrey Network and Mattel, driven by a seasoned management team and innovative technologies like MultiVid and LaunchPad.

Inside the Enterprise: Who Is GameChangerSF?

GameChangerSF’s innovative approach in marrying data science with creative services sets them apart, enabling them to consistently deliver impactful marketing solutions and solidify their status as a go-to agency for renowned clients in the tech and entertainment sectors.

Founder’s Motive: The Why Behind the Sale

Phil Shpilberg, after dedicating a decade to building GameChangerSF’s robust foundation, sought to shift his focus from agency operations to product development and innovation. Believing that with the right business partner GameChangerSF could access new markets and enhance its service offerings, Phil decided to partner with Merge for a new-school approach to acquisition, aiming to find a partner who could amplify GameChangerSF’s growth trajectory.

Founder’s Vision: Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

Phil’s vision was to find a buyer who would not only value GameChangerSF’s industry-disrupting position but also contribute to its expansion and scalability. He sought a partnership that would preserve the agency’s innovative spirit and propel it into new realms of success in the mobile marketing domain.

Setting the Stage: Preparing GameChangerSF for Acquisition

With its unique position in the mobile video game space and proprietary technologies like MultiVid and LaunchPad, GameChangerSF was well-equipped for growth. These tools, which enhance ad creation and performance, set GameChangerSF apart in the industry, making it an attractive prospect for acquisition with potential to expand its reach beyond its current market.

Attracting Suitors: Strategic Marketing of GameChangerSF for Acquisition

In collaboration with Merge, Phil aimed to showcase GameChangerSF’s unique value and growth potential in the digital advertising space. Merge’s expertise in the agency market was leveraged to highlight GameChangerSF’s technological edge, client successes, and potential for expansion, attracting the right set of buyers.

Sealing the Deal: Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The ideal buyer for GameChangerSF was found in Pixis, a company aligned with GameChangerSF’s innovative approach and market potential. This partnership promised to leverage GameChangerSF’s strengths in mobile app marketing and expand its technological capabilities.

Unlocking Synergies: Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

The acquisition by Pixis opened up new opportunities for GameChangerSF, enabling it to tap into broader markets and utilize its technologies more extensively. This strategic alliance was set to enhance GameChangerSF’s service offerings and foster significant growth in the digital advertising sector.

Finding a New Home: The Merge Difference

Merge played a crucial role in this acquisition, aligning GameChangerSF with a buyer that matched its innovative spirit and growth aspirations. Their strategic guidance and deep understanding of GameChangerSF’s unique positioning in the market facilitated a successful match, reflecting Merge’s commitment to fostering successful, growth-oriented acquisitions in the digital space.