Bloom Network ✳︎

Bloom Network carved out a distinct position in the influencer marketing world by focusing on mission-driven content creators who valued authentic audience relationships. The agency supported talent with 50K+ Instagram followers or 100K+ on TikTok or YouTube, helping them secure and manage partnerships that aligned with their personal brand and growth goals. From negotiation and campaign coordination to analytics and renewals, Bloom provided white-glove service to ensure both creators and brands achieved results. With over 40 influencers and 170 brand partnerships in the final year alone, Bloom earned a reputation as a go-to partner for both talent and marketers.

Kate Shaw launched Bloom after working on the brand side of influencer campaigns—and spotting the need for a more honest, relationship-first approach to talent management. She built Bloom on word-of-mouth referrals, winning trust by advocating for creators and delivering strong outcomes. Kate was ready to find a strategic partner who shared her values and could help take the agency to the next level with more support and operational resources. She remained open to staying on post-sale to ensure a smooth transition and continue fueling the agency’s growth.

Kate wasn’t just looking for a buyer—she was looking for a partner who aligned with Bloom’s culture of transparency, trust, and quality. The ideal acquirer would understand the influencer space and bring complementary strengths, such as operations, sales infrastructure, or connections to new brand categories. Someone who could help scale the team, expand Bloom’s niche offerings, and preserve what made the agency special: its ethical foundation and close-knit client relationships.

To position Bloom for sale, Merge highlighted the agency’s reliable commission-based revenue, strong influencer retention, and organic lead flow. With a 3.2x EBITDA multiple and a clear growth runway, Bloom stood out as a well-run business with major upside. The agency’s lean team and systems-driven operations made it easy to scale without sacrificing service quality. With minimal client concentration, high gross margins, and 100% recurring influencer contracts, the business offered buyers a strong foundation and clean financial profile.

Merge marketed Bloom as a premium influencer management agency with deep roots in lifestyle and wellness—two of the most in-demand influencer categories. The positioning emphasized Kate’s dual experience (brand and talent side), the agency’s ethical practices, and strong inbound brand interest. Buyers in the digital marketing, talent management, and creator economy spaces expressed strong interest, particularly those looking to expand into the influencer vertical with a team and platform already in place.

The buyer who emerged as the best fit was Nick Blake, the current CEO of Cascade Growth. He saw Bloom’s potential as a springboard into the fast-growing influencer economy. With complementary strengths in operations and media, Nick recognized the opportunity to support Bloom with more resources while keeping the core team and culture intact. With Kate staying on, the deal included a transition plan to ensure continuity and unlock long-term growth.

Post-sale, Bloom is already benefiting from new tech tools, expanded service offerings, and stronger brand partnerships. The team has grown to support more influencers, and Bloom is exploring new verticals like travel, fashion, and affiliate marketing. With improved backend support and business development resources, the agency is scaling while staying true to its values. Kate remains at the helm, continuing to drive strategy and nurture relationships with talent..

Merge played a central role in helping Bloom define its market story, identify aligned buyers, and guide the process from start to finish. From surfacing the right suitors to navigating diligence and deal structuring, Merge ensured the transaction reflected Kate’s vision and protected what she had built. With the right partner now in place, Bloom Network is poised for its next chapter—ready to grow, expand, and keep making a difference for creators who trust them.