StartupTalky

Tag: WLDD

  • WLDD Makes Third Strategic Buy, Picks Up Creative Agency Imagined Studio

    Digital marketing agency Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD) has acquired Bengaluru-based Imagined Studio in an all-cash deal, as exclusively reported by Inc42. The move is aimed at deepening WLDD’s creative and AI-driven service capabilities, particularly for its international client base.

    According to the report, all employees of Imagined Studio will now join WLDD as part of the integration. Co-founder Ritvik Varghese is set to support the company in an advisory role following the acquisition. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

    Adding Motion Design and Video Production to the Mix

    Founded in 2024, Imagined Studio offers creative support to product and marketing teams, with a focus on motion design, video production, 3D content, and social media graphics. The studio has worked with clients including Zerodha, Simpl, and Armatrix.

    WLDD’s leadership stated that the addition of Imagined would enhance their ability to offer full-stack creative services, especially for clients in the United States. The integration is also expected to speed up content turnaround times and improve design-led storytelling across formats.

    Part of WLDD’s Expansion Through Acquisitions

    The acquisition of Imagined comes just two months after WLDD purchased Pune-based sneaker brand 7-10, marking its entry into the D2C space. At the time, WLDD co-founder Arihant Jain said the goal was to gain hands-on experience in building a consumer brand, so they could better support similar clients.

    Prior to that, the company also acquired digital media platform ScoopWhoop from The Good Glamm Group, further expanding its content ecosystem.

    WLDD Acquires Sneaker Brand 7-10, Expands into D2C Market
    Bengaluru-based meme marketing company, Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD) has acquired a majority stake in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) sneaker brand 7-10.
    StartupTalkyMuskaan Kapoor

    Industry Context and Observations

    As India’s digital marketing space matures, startups are increasingly seeking in-house creative firepower to differentiate themselves. Video-led campaigns, motion graphics, and tech-integrated storytelling are now critical to capturing consumer attention across platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and OTT.

    The acquisition of Imagined shows WLDD’s intent to move beyond meme marketing into full-service brand building. It also reflects a growing trend where marketing agencies are consolidating design, content, and commerce under one roof to meet performance and creative KPIs in global markets.

    Moreover, WLDD’s D2C acquisition of 7-10 shows a deeper push into vertical integration, something not traditionally attempted by digital marketing firms. This hybrid model of owning consumer brands and servicing external clients may soon become a differentiator in India’s competitive digital services space.

    About WLDD

    WLDD was founded in 2018 by Arihant Jain, Jaidev Kesti, and Vivekanand Kilari. The company began as a meme-led marketing firm but has since grown into a broader digital marketing platform. WLDD specialises in enhancing brands’ social media presence through meme marketing, short-form video content, and influencer collaborations.

    The Imagined Studio acquisition is expected to play a key role in WLDD’s next growth phase.

  • WLDD Acquires Sneaker Brand 7-10, Expands into D2C Market

    In a strategic move to diversify its portfolio, Bengaluru-based meme marketing company Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD) has acquired a majority stake in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) sneaker brand 7-10. This acquisition aligns with WLDD’s ambition to evolve into a comprehensive media tech company, offering deeper insights into brand building and operations.

    Acquisition Details

    WLDD has secured over a 70% stake in 7-10 through an all-cash transaction. Consequently, 7-10 will now function as a subsidiary under the WLDD umbrella.

    The Growing Sneaker Market in India

    The acquisition of 7-10 comes at a time when India’s sneaker market is booming. According to market research, revenue in the Indian sneaker market is projected to reach approximately $37.25 million by 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 6.97% from 2025 to 2029.

    This growth is mainly driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing fashion consciousness, and the growing popularity of streetwear culture. Global giants like Nike and Adidas have long dominated the space, but homegrown brands are gaining traction by offering affordable yet stylish alternatives. The direct-to-consumer (D2C) model has allowed brands like 7-10 to build a strong online presence, connect directly with customers, and bypass traditional retail markups.

    Why a Media Tech Firm is Investing in Sneakers

    WLDD, known for its expertise in meme marketing and influencer-driven content, has previously helped brands build their digital presence. By acquiring 7-10, WLDD is taking a hands-on approach to understanding the challenges and nuances of running a D2C business firsthand. This move allows them to experiment with marketing strategies, consumer engagement, and product positioning in real time.

    This is not the first time WLDD has expanded beyond media. It previously acquired ScoopWhoop, a digital media platform. The company’s broader vision is to evolve into a new-age media tech entity that not only markets brands but owns and operates them.

    About 7-10

    Established in 2021 by Shibani Bhagat, 7-10 is a Mumbai-based sneaker design house that prides itself on being entirely homegrown. The brand offers high-fashion designs combined with superior quality and affordability. Their product range includes unique high-top, low-top, and chunky sneaker designs, catering to both men and women. Additionally, 7-10 provides customisation options for its sneakers, allowing customers to personalise their footwear.

    About WLDD

    Founded in 2018 by Arihant Jain, Jaidev Kesti, and Vivekanand Kilari, WLDD is a digital marketing platform. The company specialises in enhancing brands’ social media presence through meme marketing, short-form video content, and influencer collaborations.

  • GoodGlamm is in Negotiations to Sell WLDD ScoopWhoop

    According to reports, the financially troubled The Good Glamm Group (GGG) is in negotiations to sell digital media platform ScoopWhoop to marketing firm Wubba Lubba Dub Dub (WLDD). According to a media report, WLDD has provided a term sheet, and due diligence is presently being conducted. The report went on to say that although the content-to-commerce unicorn paid INR 100 Cr for the digital media platform in 2021, GGG is aiming to sell ScoopWhoop for INR 18 Cr to INR 20 Cr.

    According to the article, the business, which is run by Darpan Sanghvi, intends to utilise the money it makes from the sale of the digital media vertical to cover some of its debts, such as vendor payments and staff salaries. The original ScoopWhoop founders are allegedly suing GGG for failing to pay the promised rewards, which include a second tranche of monetary consideration and stock upside.

    GGG Selling Sirona Hygiene Back to Founders

    As the group attempts to manage its financial responsibilities, this comes days after the ailing content-to-commerce startup returned Sirona Hygiene back to its original owners. According to earlier reports, the buyback would be mostly funded by the personal assets of Sirona cofounders Deep and Mohit Bajaj. It would also cover the repayment of debts accrued while Sirona was a part of GGG.

    Despite claiming profitability, preparations for an initial public offering, and aspirations to expand globally, GGG has been putting out fires on several fronts in the last year. But the reality seems to be very different from its hopeful predictions. Sukhleen Aneja, the CEO of Good Brands Co., resigned from her position last year. In addition, GGG has conducted numerous rounds of layoffs and offered several of its brands for sale in an effort to stay alive.

    GGG’s Financial Woes Continue

    Good Glamm is going through a reorganisation process. It anticipates raising money, but at a very low valuation because current shareholders have decided not to participate. Deferred pay, layoffs, and the loss of three board members representing significant investors Accel, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Prosus Ventures have all occurred at Good Glamm in the past two months alone.

    The business has also looked into selling a variety of brands, including Organic Harvest and The Moms Co., as well as media websites like Miss Malini, Bulbul, and PopXO. It has even attempted to merge with a sizable Thrasio-style company in India. Good Glamm raised money from investors like Prosus and Warburg Pincus, which allowed them to join the unicorn club in 2021. It focuses on creating and marketing beauty and personal care goods, utilising an approach that blends e-commerce with content production to advertise its products.

    Delta to Invest $500M for Major Expansion in India
    Delta is investing $500 million to expand its operations in India, reinforcing its commitment to growth and strengthening its market presence in the region.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde