Likeable, a creative social media agency based in Washington, D.C., has been bought by 10Pearls, the latest in a trend of tech and consulting organisations buying creative shops for a more integrated strategy.
10Pearls bought the New York-based agency to enhance its creative output and social brand, similar to how Accenture bought Droga5. According to a release, Likeable will become part of 10Pearls, bolstering its strengths in brand strategy, customer experience, digital, and social media marketing.
In a statement, Imran Aftab, co-founder and CEO of 10Pearls, stated, “As businesses rush to digitally change, it is crucial that brands create digital experiences that have the potential to emotionally connect and inspire end users.” “Joining forces with Likeable will enable us to more strategically partner with our customers across the entire spectrum of digital needs and maintain brand consistency from content to digital experience,” says the company.
Likeable was one of the first pure-play social media firms, formed in 2006 by Dave and Carrie Kerpen as a digital agency offering social-first solutions to customers in the retail, hotel, health, financial, and CPG industries.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with a forward-thinking firm that provides transformational thinking to assist businesses re-imagine at scale. We looked for a partner whose principles aligned with our own when choosing a company with which to collaborate. In a statement, Kerpen continued, “10Pearls’ purpose, commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, and focus on the ‘double bottom line’ of giving back to the world is one that actually helps create a more likeable world.”
She went on to say, “I was particularly drawn to their commitment to gender equity.” “By working together, we will be able to give incredible value to our customers and better serve them across the digital spectrum.”
Kerpen will remain as managing director of Likeable while taking on the role of chief marketing officer for 10Pearls. With her, the entire Likeable team will make the shift.
