Brainlabs, an AI-enabled independent media agency, has acquired Exverus Media, Adweek’s 2024 Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year, to enhance its full-funnel media capabilities in the U.S. This strategic move strengthens Brainlabs’ position as a single agency of record across all media channels, expands its West Coast presence, and integrates Exverus’ data-driven expertise with Brainlabs’ AI-powered Real Intelligence approach.
The acquisition of Exverus Media, a Los Angeles-based agency with a strong track record in full-funnel media planning, significantly enhances Brainlabs’ ability to serve as a comprehensive media partner. Exverus, recognized with three Ad Age Small Media Agency of the Year awards and eight Adweek Media Plan of the Year honors, brings expertise in traditional, programmatic, retail media, e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. As Daniel Gilbert, Founder and CEO of Brainlabs, states, “The future of media isn’t about choosing between digital or traditional channels – Real Intelligence is about mastering both to create real results.”
Brainlabs’ proprietary Cortex AI platform, combined with Exverus’ data-driven approach, enables the delivery of Real Intelligence—an optimal blend of artificial and human intelligence. This integration allows for deeper customer insights and actionable media strategies across all channels, driving measurable business outcomes for clients like Capital One and UNICEF USA. “Combining their full-funnel media capabilities with our digital and AI capabilities is essential to Brainlabs delivering Real Intelligence,” Gilbert adds.
Exverus’ co-founder Bill Durrant emphasizes, “The real magic happens when you can seamlessly orchestrate across media channels—TV, retail media, programmatic, and social—while measuring impact in real time.” Clients, including Premier Protein and New Belgium Brewing, will continue working with the same Exverus team, now enhanced by Brainlabs’ global resources and technology. Talia Arnold, Managing Director at Exverus, notes, “This partnership represents the evolution of what modern media agencies can achieve when data, technology, and human insight work in perfect harmony.”
The acquisition grows Brainlabs’ U.S. media billings to $1 billion and its workforce to 1,060 globally, establishing a coast-to-coast presence. Backed by Falfurrias Capital Partners, Brainlabs is positioned to compete with larger holding companies while maintaining its independent, results-driven ethos. This move responds to growing client demand for integrated, transparent media strategies across fragmented digital and offline channels.
Brainlabs’ acquisition of Exverus Media marks a pivotal step in redefining modern media agencies. By combining AI-driven innovation with Exverus’ cross-channel expertise, Brainlabs is poised to deliver cohesive, high-impact campaigns that maximize ROI for brands navigating complex media landscapes.
Brainlabs is an AI-powered media agency, founded in 2012 by Daniel Gilbert, that pioneered the use of AI in advertising. Its early adoption of AI has propelled it to become one of the fastest-growing independent media agencies globally, scaling from a single employee to over 1,000 team members and achieving No. 7 global ranking by COMvergence.
Founded in 2014 by William Durrant, Talia Arnold, and Jack Win, Exverus Media is a Los Angeles-based media agency elevating brands through full-funnel media planning, programmatic advertising, retail media and e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth," the agency has built its reputation on transparency and data-driven expertise, serving category-leading brands including Premier Protein, Dymatize, and New Belgium and Bell's Brewing. With a team of 50 professionals across North America, Exverus has earned industry-wide recognition for combining precise market research with creative strategy to maximize return on media investment.
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