UTA Acquires Influencer Firm Digital Brand Architects

– DBA Partners Reesa Lake, Raina Penchansky & Vanessa Flaherty

Stepping further into the digital space, UTA has bought up Digital Brand Architects, a firm representing some 140 influencers.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but DBA will operate as an independent company with more than 50 employees. The acquisition also encompasses an interest in Digital Brand Products and Dear Media. Brent Weinstein, UTA partner and Chief Innovation Officer, will oversee DBA and the other new entities.

DBA was founded by CEO Raina Penchansky in 2010 and today counts influencers Gabi Fresh, Song of Style, Pink Peonies, Amber Interiors, Skinnytaste, What’s Gaby Cooking, and many others as clients.

“Raina and her team have built an extraordinary company, with an inspiring, client-first culture, that has allowed them to be true leaders in the influencer marketplace,” Weinstein said in a statement who will oversee DBA and its associated entities. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with the entire DBA, DBP and Dear Media teams to help ensure that our organizations and clients continue to be leaders and innovators in this fast-growing space.”

The Azoff Company became a co-owner of DBA in 2013. Irving Azoff [who is a co-founder of Oak View Group] said in a statement: “When we invested in DBA in 2013 we recognized the future of the company. In the following five-plus years, we have seen tremendous success with the venture as DBA became an industry leader in the space. It’s great to put two friends together and we wish DBA continued success under the UTA banner.”

UTA has made a clear priority of gaining ground in the digital space, having added Spotify’s Vanja Primorac in November and the tandem of marketing agency Press X and management company Everday Influencers in June. 

The company also recently named eight new partners, including music agent Ken Fermaglich.