Brave Bison

Last updated
Brave Bison
Brave Bison Logo.png
Type of business Public
Type of site
Social Media, Performance Media, YouTube Channel Management, Fan Engagement, Influencer Marketing, Marketing Training
Traded as LSE:  BBSN
Founded2012 (2012)
HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
Area servedWorldwide
Founder(s) Charlie Muirhead
Key people
  • Oli Green (Chairman)
  • Theo Green (Chief Growth Officer)
Industry Social media
Revenue
Employees400
URL bravebison.com
Current statusActive

Brave Bison is a marketing and technology company. The company provides a range of digital marketing and technology services to global brand advertisers, and operates a digital media network of over 650 channels and 158 million followers. Brave Bison also owns MiniMBA, a leading marketing training and learning platform founded by Mark Ritson. The business is headquartered in London with hubs in Manchester, New York, Singapore, India, Australia and South Africa.

Contents

History

The company was founded under the name Rightster in May 2011 by British entrepreneur Charlie Muirhead with the vision of enabling media businesses to “overcome huge fragmentation in the online video market with a single technology platform for engaging audiences and transacting with optimal efficiency”. [2] The initial focus of the business was on the fashion industry, Rightster's first customer being the British Fashion Council (BFC). [3]

IPO

In November 2013, Rightster raised £22.4 million ($36 million) via an IPO on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM), making it the first YouTube MCN to go public. Rightster said it intended to use money raised via the IPO to fund platform upgrades and acquisitions. [4] [5] [6]

In May 2016, it was announced that the company was relaunching under the name Brave Bison. [7]

In June 2019, London-based entrepreneurs Oli and Theo Green acquired a 27% shareholding in Brave Bison through their technology business, Tangent. Oli Green joined the board of Brave Bison in December 2019 and in January 2020 it was announced that Oli would take over from Sir Robin Miller as Executive Chairman. Theo Green joined as Chief Growth Officer soon afterwards. [8]

Acquisitions

The Hook

In April 2020, Brave Bison acquired The Hook, a social marketing and publishing company with over 14m followers across social platforms. [9]

Greenlight

In August 2021, Brave Bison acquired digital advertising and commerce firm Greenlight for just over $9 million. With more than 120 employees in the UK and across Eastern Europe, Greenlight works with blue-chip brands and omni-channel retailers on digital advertising and eCommerce technology systems. Greenlight clients include Currys, Muller, GAP, Furniture Village and New Balance.

SocialChain

In February 2023, Brave Bison announced the acquisition of social media company SocialChain which was founded by Steven Bartlett for a total sum of $10m. The firm works with clients such as KFC, WWF, TikTok, Pernod Ricard and Arla Foods. [10]

Engage Digital Partners

In December 2024, Brave Bison acquired fan engagement and sports marketing business Engage Digital Partners for up to £10m. As part of the deal, Engage combined with the Brave Bison Media Network, which partners with leading rights holders such as the PGA Tour, Ryder Cup, US Open, Australian Open, CPLT20 and Le Mans to offer channel and rights management services alongside content strategy and production.

The Fifth & News Corp

In April 2025, News Corp announced that it was merging it's influencer and creator marketing business "The Fifth" with Brave Bison's social and influencer division, SocialChain. As a result, News Corp became one of Brave Bison's Top 10 shareholders.

MiniMBA

In June 2025, Brave Bison announced the £19m cash purchase of MiniMBA, a leading marketing and training platform, founded by industry heavyweight and renowned journalist Mark Ritson. Providing training courses across marketing, brand management and general management, MiniMBA trains over 6,000 marketers every year and boasts an alumni of over 50,0000 people from brands such as Red Bull, Salesforce, Google, American Express, Unilever and Nike.

Clients

Brave Bison has worked with clients including: [11] [12]

Television appearances

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Brave bison group plc" (pdf). Brave Bison. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  2. ↑ "Rightster Group plc First Day of Dealings". corp.rightster.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  3. ↑ Platt, Ryan (12 November 2013). "Online video marketing platform Rightster raises £20m in AIM IPO". startups. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "Rightster Group plc First Day of Dealings". Rightster. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  5. ↑ McGrath, Steve (12 November 2013). "Rightster Shares Rise After AIM IPO, Just Retirement Prices Its IPO". London South East. Alliance News. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  6. ↑ Plesser, Andy (21 November 2013). "Rightster CEO: Post-IPO, Acquisition Talks Already Under Way". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  7. ↑ Briel, Robert (10 May 2016). "Rightster becomes Brave Bison". Broadband TV News. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  8. ↑ "Tangent invests in social video group Brave Bison". The Drum. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  9. ↑ "The Hook enters administration, Brave Bison acquires IP and channels". The Drum. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  10. ↑ "Steven Bartlett-founded Social Chain agrees £7.7m sale to rival". 3 February 2023.
  11. ↑ "Home | Brave Bison". bravebison.com. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  12. ↑ "News". The Drum. Archived from the original on 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
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