Sportfive acquires build a rocket in Pursuit to further enhance its esports expertise
Following the announcement in August 2020 that SPORTFIVE established a global esports unit headed by Eike Gyllensvärd and Moritz Altmann, the acquisition of build a rocket marks the next milestone in SPORTFIVE’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in esports. Moreover, it highlights the agency’s strategy to further invest, grow and establish this sector as one of the most important global growth horizontals within the SPORTFIVE ecosystem.
build a rocket will remain as an independent brand in the market place and obtain the endorsement title “A SPORTFIVE Company”. Alexander Albrecht and Tobias Heim will continue to serve as Managing Directors of build a rocket and will report into Eike Gyllensvärd, Executive Vice President Global Esports Partnerships at SPORTFIVE. The existing build a rocket team of 15 employees will remain with the agency and work closely with their SPORTFIVE colleagues to operate as one team. The acquisition was signed and closed beginning of March. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the transaction.
With this new set-up, SPORTFIVE’s esports consulting and activation services will be delivered through build a rocket in the future. Brands and rights-holders alike will benefit from the combined industry know-how of both agencies in the field of esports & gaming, as well as the extensive partnership and sales expertise of SPORTFIVE in traditional sports that will be transcended to the esports ecosystem. The extensive experience of build a rocket as independent consulting and activation agency enables SPORTFIVE to expand its creative potential in esports and gaming for the benefit of both brands and rights-holders. The continuous success stories of SPORTFIVE and build a rocket in esports consulting, partnership sales and activation through activities for clients such as KitKat and Tchibo in the LEC, DKB for the Prime League, the streaming event concept development and delivery for congstar, the advisory on an esports strategy for SAP and enabling Disney to reach a new target audience all underline the strong capabilities of both agencies.
Eike Gyllensvärd, Executive Vice President Global Esports Partnerships at SPORTFIVE, states:
“The acquisition of build a rocket in combination with the endorsement as a SPORTFIVE company will certainly be a beneficial addition to our global esports team and ambition. build a rocket will therefore become a fully integrated part of our global esports organisation. Alexander and Tobias are true pioneers in the consulting and activation business in esports with over 30 combined years of experience. I am convinced that with their expertise, we will further enhance our capabilities and position ourselves strongly in the market. What belongs together is now growing together.”
Alexander Albrecht, Managing Director build a rocket, adds:
”build a rocket is driven by the vision to create valuable, long-lasting partnerships between brands and esports rights-holders. The fusion of build a rocket and SPORTFIVE gives our young and hungry team the opportunity to unleash its full potential. The fact that we now have direct access to SPORTFIVE’s resources, systems and partners creates valuable synergies that benefit both – our customers and us. We see the partnership as a fertile ground for strength and, above all, sustainable growth.”
ABOUT BUILD A ROCKET – A SPORTFIVE COMPANY
build a rocket is an esports consulting agency with unparalleled experience in the market. The company supports clients and partners in the development of highly customized esports solutions that are authentic and effective at the same time. The company specializes in the implementation, planning and conception of projects, strategies and campaigns in the esports segment and has worked with international clients such as SAP, Disney and Sony Playstation. The team offers a vast network in the gaming, esports, digital publishing and marketing sectors and shares a common interest in growing the market while staying authentic and preserving its spirit of playfulness. build a rocket was launched in 2016 by Alexander Albrecht and Tobias Heim and acquired by SPORTFIVE in March 2021 in order to create a leading global esports unit. To learn more, visit buildarocket.de.
SPORTFIVE utilizes the unique emotional power of sports to create and enable pioneering partnerships in sports. By delivering responsible commercialization, full-service-solutions and long-term value for all stakeholders in sports, SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rights-holders, media platforms and fans by leveraging a global network paired with decades of experience and innovative spirit. As market leader and with customer centricity and vast data intelligence at its core, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through its innovative digital solutions and thereby always aims to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports. SPORTFIVE operates as an international sports business and marketing agency with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in football, golf, esports, motorsport, handball, tennis, American football and many more. For more information please visit SPORTFIVE’s website, content hub and social profiles.
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