We are delighted to have entered a partnership with 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’ expertise in supporting the ambitions of SMEs is set to supercharge growth for Flight Story as it completes on a number of live acquisitions, including the recent 100% acquisition of Flight Performance (formerly Mint Performance Marketing). The unveiling of this new performance marketing offering comes in quick succession from 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.

At the heart of the partnership is ThinCats’ ability to provide Flight Story with flexible capital and back their ambitious vision for the future. The business has already identified another target for late 2023, and is in early discussion with further businesses, which will enhance the group’s offering, keeping clients ahead of the changing digital media landscape.

With the business’ entry into the US, the group now has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Manchester, boasting a team of over 120 experts, offering 360-marketing services to brands who want to be at the forefront of what’s possible.

With growth into new markets comes an expansion to the Flight Story team – Neil Gissler joins as a Non-Executive Director to lead on the agency’s global growth strategy. Neil is a recognised industry leader with extensive experience in building and scaling global marketing organisations, including his most recent role as Global Chief Operating Officer at £3.5B+ Dentsu, in which Neil designed and implemented a new growth-oriented operating model and global organisation design.

Dave Sherrington, Regional Head of Sales and Private Equity, ThinCats said: “Flight Story are building an incredible team, whose experience in the marketing and communications industries will help realise their ambitious growth plans. It’s gratifying that we can support investment into a business that is driving innovation and expanding its proposition to a growing, global client base.”

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

James Osbiston, Director of Business Development at ThinCats

Oliver Yonchev, Co-founder and CEO of Flight Story, adds: “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.”

The transaction was advised by Gerard Engelman. Legal support was provided by Wallace in the UK and Klehr Harrison Harvey Brandzburg advised in the US.