ThinCats signs funding deal with global marketing firm
ThinCats, the Ashby-headquartered alternative finance provider, has partnered Flight Story, the marketing and communication company co-founded by Steven Bartlett and Oliver Yonchev.
It has been appointed to support Flight Story as it realises plans to become a leading marketing and digital communications agency for brands looking to embrace new opportunities.
ThinCats will help provide funding for Flight Story as it completes on a number of live acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Flight Performance (formerly Mint Performance Marketing).
The deal comes after the recent launch of Flight3, Flight Story’s new innovation arm, and Flight Deck, a world-first tool that measures the impact social media has on stock prices.
The business has already identified another target for late 2023, and is in early discussion with further businesses.
Flight Story now has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Manchester, and a team of over 120 staff.
Neil Gissler joins as a non-executive director to lead on the agency’s global growth strategy. He has extensive experience in building and scaling global marketing organisations, including his most recent role as global chief operating officer at £3.5bn-plus Dentsu.
James Osbiston, director of business development at ThinCats, said: “We’re thrilled to be backing a business that is in the vanguard of digital change. Steven and Oliver are building something special with Flight Story and we are delighted to be on this journey with them.”
Oliver Yonchev, co-founder and CEO of Flight Story, added: “With our ambitions, it’s critical our funding partner not only provides capital, but understands the requirements of a marketing business and can operate with agility and flexibility. ThinCats displayed that through this process, and demonstrated a deep understanding of our business, both operationally and directionally. We’re truly thrilled to have them as a partner on our journey.”
