(01)EngagementOverview

Strategic buyer acquires SketchDeck for growth.

Founded in 2013, SketchDeck is a modern creative agency that provides production, design, and digital solutions to B2B tech-focused companies. The agency is skilled across a wide spectrum of creative disciplines and platforms — from strategic positioning and branding design to UX and web development. More than 90% of clients are US-based and spread across all major cities, with some Silicon Valley concentration due to tech roots. They have strong core leadership as well as a contractor network that spans across the globe. SketchDeck provides a complete range of creative capabilities and serves as a “one stop shop” for all their client’s marketing needs. Their agile, accessible, and efficient operating model allows them to deliver 1,000s of projects per year. The agency offers flexible and transparent pricing structures with an average project size of $1,900 and an average retainer size of $24k / quarter.

(Details)

  • Engagement Sell-Side Representation
  • Type Full Sale
  • Category Digital Product & Web Development, SEO, Paid Media & Lead Generation
  • Buyer Type Holding Company
  • Deal Size $10M-$25M
  • Services Valuation & Market Positioning, Buyer Targeting & Outreach, Offer & Negotiation Support, Due Diligence Management, Closing & Transition Support

(02)Inside TheEnterprise

Who Is SketchDeck?

SketchDeck is a modern creative agency specializing in production, design, and digital solutions for B2B tech-focused companies. The agency delivers a wide range of services from strategic branding, UX, and web development, to digital marketing solutions. With more than 90% of its clients based in the U.S., SketchDeck has built a solid reputation in the tech sector, particularly in Silicon Valley. Known for its agile operating model and strong leadership, the agency provides clients with high-quality, efficient services, handling thousands of projects annually. SketchDeck’s services cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, business services, and healthcare, making it a go-to creative partner for global tech companies seeking impactful digital and creative solutions.

(03)Founder'sMotive

The Why Behind The Sale

The founder of SketchDeck is seeking a strategic partner who can provide the resources and operational support needed to scale the business to the next level. The founder recognizes that growing the agency beyond its current success will require a partner with a larger infrastructure and strategic leadership. The goal is to find a partner who values the agency’s creative excellence and strong culture while helping to expand its service offerings, particularly in the B2C and global markets. The founder is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and is open to continuing to support the agency in a post-acquisition role.

(04)Founder’s Vision

Criteria for the Perfect Acquisition Fit

The ideal buyer for SketchDeck is a partner with experience scaling creative and digital agencies, particularly in the B2B tech space. The perfect fit would be an organization with the operational infrastructure to support SketchDeck’s growth ambitions, especially in expanding the agency’s service offerings to include digital content creation, strategy, and production. The ideal buyer should also value SketchDeck’s strong culture and creative autonomy while being able to provide the resources necessary to scale operations, enhance service capabilities, and expand into new markets, particularly B2C.

(05)Setting the Stage

Preparing SketchDeck for Acquisition

Merge highlighted SketchDeck’s solid financial performance, with impressive year-over-year growth, an 84% retainer-based revenue model, and high margins. The agency’s proven ability to scale, combined with its strong relationships with major U.S.-based tech companies, made SketchDeck an attractive target for potential buyers. Merge also emphasized the agency’s ability to handle large volumes of projects while maintaining high-quality execution, positioning SketchDeck as an appealing acquisition target for firms looking to expand their creative capabilities or enter the growing digital marketing space.

(06)Attracting Suitors

Strategic Marketing of SketchDeck for Acquisition

Merge marketed SketchDeck as a high-growth, high-margin agency with a proven ability to deliver high-quality creative solutions for top-tier clients. By showcasing the agency’s strong client relationships, impressive financial metrics, and scalable operating model, Merge attracted a number of interested buyers. The agency’s expertise in digital solutions and creative branding made it particularly attractive to firms seeking to expand their footprint in the B2B tech and digital marketing sectors.

(07)Sealing the Deal

Perfect Matchmaking with the Ideal Buyer

The acquisition of SketchDeck by 24 Seven was a strategic match benefiting both organizations. 24 Seven, a global leader in creative talent solutions, recognized SketchDeck’s specialized expertise in production, design, and digital solutions for B2B tech-focused companies. By acquiring SketchDeck, 24 Seven expanded its digital service capabilities, leveraged the agency’s scalable operating model, and strengthened its presence in the tech sector, especially in Silicon Valley. The cultural fit between the two companies facilitated a seamless transition, ensuring continued growth and enhancing service offerings to clients.

(08)Unlocking Synergies

Positive Impacts Post-Transaction

Since the acquisition, SketchDeck has leveraged 24 Seven’s resources to scale its operations and expand its service offerings. The integration of 24 Seven’s sales infrastructure has led to a more efficient business development process, driving increased client acquisition and larger contract opportunities. SketchDeck’s focus on design and digital strategy has allowed the combined agency to expand its offerings and tap into new verticals. The acquisition has also opened new opportunities for SketchDeck to enhance its B2C capabilities, further solidifying its position as a leader in the creative and digital marketing space.

(09)Finding a New Home

The Merge Difference

Merge played a pivotal role in identifying the right buyer for SketchDeck. Through expert matchmaking, negotiation, and strategic guidance, Merge ensured that both parties were aligned with their vision for growth. By positioning SketchDeck’s strengths and scalability, Merge helped secure a buyer who could not only scale the agency’s existing foundation but also introduce new opportunities for expansion. This transaction demonstrates Merge’s ability to connect high-potential agencies with the right partners, driving long-term growth and value creation.