Catcha Digital Acquires TechNave to Capitalize on Consumer Tech Advertising
The deal gives Catcha access to TechNave's search engine strength in Malaysia as it builds bundled ad solutions for tech brands.
Catcha Digital has acquired 100% of TechNave for RM6.125 million (~US$1.47 million) through its wholly owned subsidiary iMedia Asia, marking the company's entry into consumer technology media as it pursues consolidation in Malaysia.
The acquisition brings TechNave's multilingual platform, which attracts over 2 million monthly social media users and 1.5 million monthly video views across YouTube and TikTok, into Catcha's portfolio. The deal was structured with ~US$378,000 paid upfront and ~US$908,000 in deferred payments.
Adding a multilingual tech audience to the portfolio
TechNave operates as a consumer technology platform covering gadgets, reviews, and tech news in Malay, English, and Chinese. The platform has established partnerships with global device brands including Samsung, Oppo, and Huawei.
"Combining TechNave's credibility with global tech brands and our iMedia network creates a powerful new offering for advertisers," said Catcha Digital Chairman Patrick Grove.
The deal gives Catcha Digital access to TechNave's search engine strength in Malaysia, providing organic traffic advantages as the company builds bundled advertising solutions for tech brands across its network.
Steven Boon, TechNave co-founder, said Catcha's expertise will help scale the platform across the region.
Leighton Cosseboom
Part of an aggressive M&A strategy
This marks Catcha Digital's seventh acquisition in 12 months, following purchases of stakes in Digital Symphony, Framemotion Studio, and Nexible Solutions. The company recently completed a 78.25% oversubscribed rights issue that raised around US$5.11 million to fund continued expansion.
The capital raise demonstrates investor confidence in Catcha's consolidation strategy. New shares and warrants from the rights issue are set to trade on the ACE Market in mid-November.
Malaysia's digital media sector is experiencing a moment of consolidation as companies seek scale to compete for ad budgets in the region's high-growth verticals. Catcha Digital's acquisition pace reflects broader industry trends where media groups are combining properties to offer advertisers larger, more diverse audiences.
The TechNave deal is expected to be immediately value-accretive, improving Catcha's earnings and operational efficiencies through integration with existing properties. The company plans to marry TechNave's video content with iMedia's lifestyle offerings to create what it describes as Southeast Asia's first integrated tech-lifestyle ad network.
Catcha Digital continues to focus on strategic M&A and integration in Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a regional leader through both organic growth and mergers.
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