Brandnew, a Berlin-based startup that connects brands with Instagram and Pinterest influencers to deliver native ads, just received $1.9 million in seed funding from the city of Berlin ($1.1M in form of a grant) and a group of investors including PubliGroupe, Berlin Ventures and Lukas Kircher. The fresh capital will be usded to further develop the startup’s technology, implement new marketing strategies and help forge new brand partnerships.
Founded in 2013, Brandnew already serves clients including Coca-Cola, Adidas, Ford, Uber and L’Oreal. Though based in Berlin, Brandnew’s global influencer network can reach audiences anywhere in the world. The German startup currently has the world’s largest international influencer network for native advertising on Instagram and Pinterest. Their technology automates the process of identifying influencers for brands as well as provides campaign tracking. Soon, they will implement a new tool that will allow brands to search through their network of influencers based on their specific targeting criteria.
The $1.1M grant comes from the City of Berlin’s Program for the Promotion of Research, Innovation and Technology (Pro FIT). Pro FIT’s goal is to support innovative science and technology companies that strengthen Berlin’s economy.