Observed Signal · Jan 20, 2026 · M&A - Completed · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Storyclash Acquired by French Influencer Marketing Firm Kolsquare
The Austrian influencer marketing scale-up Storyclash, based in Linz and founded in 2016 by Andreas Gutzelnig and Philip Penner, has been acquired by French influencer marketing software provider Kolsquare. The Storyclash brand will continue to operate under the new owner, and both founders remain operationally involved. Kolsquare, founded in Paris in 2018 by Quentin Bordage and part of team.blue since October 2024, plans to combine the two companies' AI-powered influencer marketing capabilities. Together they serve roughly 2,000 brands, agencies, and public organizations in more than 30 countries. The deal represents a major exit for Upper Austria's startup scene, particularly for local investor OÖ HightechFonds, which had joined A Round Capital and existing investors in a €1.8 million funding round in 2020. Storyclash originally focused on social media analytics for publishers before pivoting to influencer marketing.
Cross-border acquisition consolidates European influencer marketing technology, creating a combined platform with roughly 2,000 customers and strengthening the regional startup ecosystem through a notable exit.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Storyclash was founded in 2016 in Linz by Andreas Gutzelnig and Philip Penner.
- Kolsquare acquired Storyclash; the acquisition was announced on 20 January 2026.
- The combined Kolsquare and Storyclash customer base is around 2,000 companies across more than 30 countries.
- Kolsquare has been part of team.blue since October 2024.
- OÖ HightechFonds, A Round Capital, aws Gründerfonds, Speedinvest and Michael Grabner Media backed Storyclash in a €1.8 million round in 2020.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“AI-powered digital enabler and parent company of Kolsquare since October 2024....”
“Existing investor that participated in Storyclash's 2020 financing round....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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