Digital Marketing Transactions by USA-Based Investors

The digital marketing industry has experienced significant capital market activity, receiving $147 billion in investments from Q2 2020 to Q1 2023. USA-based investors have predominantly focused on the domestic market, while there has been some interest in other regions with growth potential. The industry is witnessing a surge in startups and new entrants, accompanied by notable mergers and acquisitions, indicating a trend of market consolidation.  

This report focuses on the capital market transactions by USA-based investors. Investment size, deal counts, and geographical preferences of investors are the key metrics highlighted below. 

Digital marketing covers a broad spectrum of techniques and platforms, from search engine optimization (SEO) and social media advertising to content marketing and data analytics. As consumer behavior continues to shift towards online channels, businesses across all industries are allocating significant resources to enhance their digital presence and connect with customers in new and innovative ways. 

• Since Q2 2020, digital marketing companies have attracted $147 billion in investments through more than 6,000 transactions with an average deal size of $24 million.
• In Q4 2021, over $30 billion was invested in digital marketing companies, the highest capital invested between Q2 2020 and Q1 2023. This includes the $12 billion acquisition of Mailchimp by Intuit.
• In 2022, despite declining investments in digital marketing companies following a peak in capital deployment during Q4 2021, the overall number of deals remained high. This could suggest numerous startups are entering the market, leading to smaller investment amounts in individual deals.

• As noted above, the biggest transaction conducted by a USA-based investor in the sector was the acquisition of Mailchimp by Intuit in November 2021 for $12 billion.
• Mailchimp’s founders opted to bootstrap the company prior to the acquisition. The company grew to generate $700 million in annual revenue while remaining consistently profitable.
• Intuit has acquired Mailchimp to combine QuickBooks’ financial services with Mailchimp’s marketing tools, consolidating their service offering for business. 

• From Q2 2020 to Q1 2023, 70% of the capital deployed in digital marketing transactions occurred in mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the industry’s significant consolidation activities.
• With only 4% of the capital deployed, venture capital (VC) firms were responsible for 2,340 deals in total, accounting for 39% of the total deal count. Small ticket sizes across multiple deals in the same period may indicate the growth of new market entrants.
• Private equity firms accounted for 22% of the capital deployed in digital marketing transactions for 1,320 deals. This could suggest the digital marketing sector’s maturity and abundance of growing and profitable companies.

The digital marketing industry continues to attract substantial investments, driven by the increasing reliance on digital platforms for businesses to connect with consumers. Numerous startups and new players entering the market, coupled with the industry’s maturity and profitability, provide fertile ground for investors seeking opportunities in this dynamic sector. Moreover, large mergers and acquisitions have been driving market consolidation, shaping the future of digital marketing. As the digital landscape evolves, J&A expects further developments and transformative transactions that will shape the future of digital marketing.  

Sources: Pitchbook Data, Inc.

Fintech and Insurtech Transactions by USA-Based Investors

Since 2020, over $568 billion has been invested in financial technology (fintech) and $33 billion in the insurance technology (insurtech) sectors by USA-based investors.

The convergence of finance and insurance with technology presents both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities. As these sectors continue to redefine traditional financial and insurance services, understanding the investment landscape becomes crucial for investors, industry players, and stakeholders. 

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of investment activity in the fintech and insurtech sectors by USA-based investors. The data set analyzed focuses on capital deployment, transaction types, geographical distribution, and investor preferences within the industry. By analyzing the data and trends from Q2 2020 to Q1 2023, this report reviews the dynamic landscape of fintech and insurtech investments, offering insights into market dynamics and growth opportunities.  

• The fintech industry has received over $568 billion from USA-based investors over 13,616 transactions, with an average deal size of $41 million since Q2 2020.
• The first quarter of 2022 saw the largest capital deployment of $102 billion in the sector over the period. Square, a California-based payment platform, significantly contributed to that by acquiring Australian-based Afterpay for $28 billion. 
• From the fourth quarter of 2020 to Q1 2023, investment numbers have kept a steady pace, with Q3 of 2022 being the quietest quarter so far.

• USA-based investors have focused heavily on domestic opportunities, deploying $353 billion (62%) within the United States, particularly in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, known for their robust financial sectors and startup ecosystems.
• The United Kingdom has received significant investment from USA-based investors, accounting for 10% of capital received in the sector, totaling $57 billion. This is due to the established financial markets and supportive regulatory environments.
• Fintech markets in Asian countries like India (2%) and Singapore (2%) have attracted $11 billion from USA-based investors. These countries have witnessed rapid growth in their fintech ecosystems, increasing smartphone penetration, and rising demand for digital financial services.

• USA-based investors deployed $193 billion through mergers and acquisitions within the fintech sector. Established companies enhance their market position, expand their product offerings, or gain a competitive advantage through domestic and international acquisitions.  
• Venture capital investments contributed 14% of capital deployed by USA-based investors in the fintech sector over the period. The $80 billion deployed could illustrate the growth potential of the sector and the focus on disruptive technology.
• USA-based private equity firms deployed $266 billion (47%) in fintech companies. These investments typically involve larger funding amounts and may target companies in later stages of growth.

• The insurtech market has received $33 billion in the last three years, with a total of more than 900 transactions from USA-based investors. The average deal size in the period was $36 million.
• The first quarter of 2021 saw the largest deal count and capital invested. Conforming to an insurtech briefing from Willis Towers Watson, the largest funding rounds included companies like Next Insurance, Coalition, Zego, Sidecar Health, Pie Insurance, Clarify Health, and Corvus Insurance.
• As in 2020, the current insurtech market continues to see advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analytics. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the insurtech industry in 2020, driving the need for digital transformation and highlighting the importance of resilience within the insurance sector.

• Private equity firms have increasingly shown interest in the sector, investing $17.8 billion, contributing 54% of the total capital deployment.
• Venture capital investments have been a major source of funding for insurtech startups. USA-based venture capital funds have deployed $5.3 billion in insurtech companies since Q2 2020.
• Complete buyouts of insurtech companies have also been an active deal type in the market with a participation of $5.6 billion, particularly those businesses with a strong customer base and the potential for value creation.

The future of fintech and insurtech industries will be shaped by various factors, including technological advancements, market dynamics, and consumer preferences.

While the outlook is positive, it’s crucial for industry players to pay attention, adapt to changing times, and continue to innovate to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in these dynamic sectors.  

Sources: Pitchbook Data, Inc.

Education Technology Transactions by ASEAN-Based Investors

The education technology (edtech) sector has witnessed an influx of funds, securing approximately $8.5 billion through 400 transactions from ASEAN-based investors between 2020 and Q1 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for edtech solutions as remote learning spiked, sparking investor interest. Favorable market conditions, supportive government policies, and a focus on innovation have led ASEAN investors to actively contribute to edtech’s growth.  

This report provides an overview of the edtech investment landscape by ASEAN-based investors, analyzing key trends, notable deals, and regional preferences. 

Edtech has grown significantly across various subsectors, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), e-learning, artificial intelligence, gamified learning, and video-based learning programs. Technology has enhanced learning by increasing interactiveness, accessibility, and effectiveness for diverse learners in the digital age. 

Video learning enhances e-learning experiences through movies, graphics, and other visual elements. Advanced features like 3D or AI help students grasp concepts better, automate processes, and personalize learning experiences. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and gamified learning are transforming education by providing immersive experiences, increasing engagement, and making learning enjoyable. 

• Since 2020, edtech companies have attracted $8.5 billion in investments from ASEAN-based investors through 400 transactions between 2020 and 2023 Q1. The average deal size in the sector throughout this period was $21 million. 
• The first quarter of 2021 saw the largest capital deployment of approximately $2 billion in the sector across 23 deals. 
• Investment figures fluctuated from Q2 2021 onwards, with periods of growth and decline. Notable fundraising activities by Unacademy, BYJU’S, and Kakao Entertainment played a major role in driving these significant investments.

• The largest edtech investment by ASEAN-based investors was a $2 billion financing round in BYJU’S in March 2021. Notable participants in this round included venture capital firms like BlackRock and QIA.
• BYJU’S, an Indian edtech company, provides online learning programs for students from kindergarten to grade 12. It has grown into one of the largest global edtech companies and expanded through acquisitions, including Aakash Educational Services. 

• ASEAN venture capitalists accounted for 7% of the total capital deployed in edtech companies for 282 deals in the period. The average ticket size of $2 million may indicate the growth of new market entrants.
• ASEAN private equity firms invested $7 billion into this sector (87% of the capital deployed) for 97 deals, suggesting an appetite for more established edtech companies among ASEAN PE firms.
• Only 24 mergers and acquisitions in the sector indicate a focus on strategic acquisitions with higher average deal values (around $21 million).  This could suggest that larger edtech companies are acquiring complementary technologies and expertise and expanding their customer base.

ASEAN investors actively support the education technology market, investing billions to drive innovation and digital transformation. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for personalized eLearning, accelerated by the impact of COVID-19, has fueled market growth. Collaboration, innovation, and adaptability are vital for the sector’s success in meeting evolving learner and institutional needs. With advancing technology and growing demand for online education, the edtech market presents vast opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.  

Sources: Pitchbook Data, Inc.

Media Technology and Data Storage Transactions by USA-Based Investors

USA-based investors have deployed $18bn into the media technology sector, and $44bn into the data storage sector since 2020. The most significant capital market activity in both industries occurred within mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the appetite for market consolidation. Businesses within these industries should be mindful of market trends and opportunities.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of investment activity in the media technology and cloud storage sectors by USA-based investors. The data set analyzed focuses on capital deployment, transaction types, geographical distribution, and investor preferences within the industry. By analyzing the data and trends from 2020 to 2023, this report reviews the dynamic landscape of media technology and cloud storage investments, offering insights into market dynamics and growth opportunities.

• Since 2020, media technology companies have attracted $18bn in investments through 479 transactions with an average deal size of $38mn.
• In Q4 2021, over $7bn was invested in media technology companies, the highest capital invested between 2020 and Q2 2023. This was driven by four large mergers and acquisitions in the sector, including Blackstone’s acquisition of Foundry (foundryco.com) for over $1bn.
• In 2022, after the strong outlier of Q4 2021, there was a significant decrease in investments in media technology companies, in line with broader trends in technology capital markets.
• The recent uptick in investments during Q2 2023 could indicate a renewed interest amongst investors in the sector, suggesting that investors see increased opportunities at lower valuations, and as a result, are now willing to re-engage with the sector.

• USA-based media technology companies received 66% of all the capital allocated by USA-based investors globally. This indicates investors’ preference for domestic transactions within the sector.
• Of the capital deployed in the sector, 20% was made to companies based in Canada. The largest transaction was the acquisition of Score Media Ventures by Penn National Gaming for $1.9bn in October 2021. The similar market conditions, business culture, and time zone resulted in simpler integration processes for USA acquisitions in Canada compared to other global regions.
• The relatively lower percentages of 7% for Europe, 6% for East Asia, and 1% for other regions represent a smaller market share for media technology companies outside of North America. This suggests that these regions are yet to fully establish themselves as notable hubs for media technology companies, attracting a relatively smaller proportion of USA-based investments.

• From 2020 to Q2 2023, 38% of media technology transactions were mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the industry’s significant consolidation activities.
• A large portion of investments in media technology companies came from venture capital (VC) firms, accounting for 26% of funding. This could indicate the growing attractiveness of early-stage and high-growth companies.
• Of the investments in the sector, 23% were conducted by private equity firms, highlighting the media technology sector’s maturity and abundance of growing companies.

• Between 2020 and Q2 2023, data storage companies attracted a total investment of $44bn through 614 transactions, with an average deal size of around $70mn.
• In Q1 2022, the sector experienced more than 60 transactions, with over $17bn deployed, with the largest transaction being the acquisition of CyrusOne by Global Infrastructure Partners and KKR for $15bn.
• The capital invested in the sector gradually decreased in subsequent quarters, suggesting a temporary downturn or a possible shift in investor sentiment.

• Of the announced deals by USA-based investors, 92% were deployed in data storage companies located within the USA during the period. This could indicate an emphasis on development in domestic data storage companies. This might be due to factors like data privacy and compliance, local infrastructure and connectivity, and the fact that the US economy is transforming digitally faster than the rest of the world, creating a need for more data storage technologies.

• The chart shows a relatively smaller share of interest in the European market, with only 6% of investments in data storage companies. This could be due to various factors, such as market dynamics, geopolitical events, regulatory differences, or differences in perceived opportunities.
• Only 2% of the announced deals were in regions other than the USA and Europe, highlighting a restricted presence and investment activities in other markets, suggesting potential untapped opportunities for future expansion and exploration in these  regions.

• Of the transactions involving data storage companies, 61% were classified as mergers and acquisitions, highlighting a strategic approach by investors to combine companies, assets, and capabilities to strengthen market position and drive growth.
• The data indicates limited participation of venture capital (VC) firms in transactions involving data storage companies, accounting for only 2%. This lower percentage can be attributed to the capital-intensive and heavy nature of the data storage industry, which requires significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and research.
• The data storage sector attracts a higher proportion of investments from other investors, such as private equity (29%), who are better positioned to handle the industry’s CAPEX-intensive nature.

In conclusion, the above report reveals a robust ecosystem of media technology and data storage companies, driven by substantial investments from USA-based investors. The data showcased a notable emphasis on domestic investments, particularly in data storage companies within the USA, indicating a robust and flourishing sector. While the USA dominates the investment landscape, there are opportunities for collaboration and expansion in international markets, as indicated by the relatively smaller share of investments in regions such as Europe and East Asia.

Sources: Pitchbook Data, Inc.