Transaction set to fast-track Datawrkz’s ambitious growth plans

Datawrkz, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited (BSE: 543280) (NSE: NAZARA) has acquired a 100% stake in Space & Time, an independent growth marketing agency with offices across the UK for approximately GBP 4.8 million (~INR 52.3 crores) in cash and stock.

This acquisition is a key move in advancing Datawrkz’s growth ambitions across Europe and North America, positioning it as a scaled player in the global digital advertising market.

The collaboration brings together Space & Time’s expertise in growth marketing, media, and technology with Datawrkz’s strengths in programmatic advertising technology and optimization. This partnership will enable both companies to deliver more impactful digital advertising solutions and drive further expansion, especially in the European and UK markets. Additionally, Space & Time will gain access to Datawrkz’s cutting-edge technology and products, enhancing their ability to deliver effective campaigns and capitalize on growth opportunities in Europe and North America.

Datawrkz was founded in 2013 on the premise that digital advertising can be done better in every way. 

Senthil Govindan, CEO and founder of Datawrkz, will join the Space & Time board. He noted, “We are embarking on an inorganic strategy to complement our strong independent growth, and Space & Time is an ideal partner. The cultural alignment and shared focus on delivering value for clients make this acquisition a perfect fit. We anticipate this collaboration will significantly boost growth for both companies, with Space & Time driving our expansion in Europe.”

Launched in 2000, Space & Time has achieved strong revenue growth over the last three years and is one of a select few Google Premier Partners in the UK. Earlier this year, Space & Time chief executive officer, Chris Jones, was named in the ‘CEO and Leaders’ category of the BIMA 100, a listing of the top 100 movers and shakers in the UK’s digital and technology industry.

Chris Jones adds: “The company was founded with very clear principles focussed around client success. I’m incredibly proud to say these are more intrinsic and fundamental to our values than ever. The challenge was to find an investor that shares this passion for client-centricity and that’s exactly what we’ve found in Datawrkz. As two fast-growing and specialist businesses, the potential between us made this the perfect match and the investment in key areas such as data and technology that this deal brings will help future-proof our clients’ business as we continue to grow.

The deal represents an exciting new chapter in the Space & Time story as we partner with Datawrkz to bring new opportunities to clients. We’re excited for all that lies ahead.”

Richard Moffat, CEO, OLBG “We were initially worried about the rise in remote gaming duty rumours, as operators would likely have swallowed these costs by rolling out worse products, worse pricing and fewer offers for gambling consumers. When this happens, punters consider switching to the black market, where friction is lower because player protection is non-existent and taxes are not always being paid.

“The new Labour government has avoided this scenario by keeping tax rates consistent, which will come as a relief to many businesses in the sector that were preparing for the worst, and is ultimately great news for the consumer. The British horse racing industry will also breathe a sigh of relief as any increase in taxes may well have hit their income at a time when many stakeholders are in need of revenue growth.

“Trust in the former Conservative government was damaged by the election betting scandal, and Labour still have their work cut out, according to our latest survey with YouGov.

“Respondents didn’t differentiate vastly between the parties, with more than one-quarter (27%) suggesting that Labour will do no better at regulating gambling than the Conservatives. Only time will tell, but the budget has shown that gambling is some way down Labour’s new list of priorities.”

Jamie Walters, CEO and co-founder, QiH Group “The speculation proved to be just that, as an anticipated rise in remote gaming duty never materialised. While the industry clearly avoided a worst-case scenario, that does not necessarily mean this was a good budget for business.

“The rise in employer National Insurance contributions will be difficult for many small to medium-size businesses, but is at least in keeping with Labour’s pledge to protect the general working public from tax hikes.”

Neil Roarty, head analyst, ClickOut Media “Two weeks ago, when speculative proposals on taxation of the industry were announced, they had a huge deleterious impact on the market, with a total of £3.5bn in stock value lost by the industry’s biggest giants.

“These proposals never arrived, and may not even have been considered by Labour, which has pushed a gaming duty review back to next year. Gambling stocks have already bounced back as something of a correction, with Entain up 8% for example.

“This will come as a welcome surprise for the industry, and also for consumers, who would have been forced to shoulder the cost on behalf of bookmakers. The tobacco and vaping industry was in the ‘vice’ sector crosshairs instead on this occasion.”

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The growth in the global fantasy sports market is driven by several key factors, including the rising number of sports enthusiasts, increasing smartphone penetration, and the emergence of new sports formats. One of the primary growth drivers is the expanding global sports fan base, with sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and IPL attracting millions of followers across multiple regions.

Fantasy sports platforms capitalize on this fervor by allowing fans to engage with their favorite leagues in a more interactive manner. The ability to draft real-world players, make roster changes, and track player performances in real-time creates a sense of ownership and control that traditional sports viewership does not offer. This enhanced engagement is converting casual viewers into active participants, thereby expanding the fantasy sports market. Additionally, the increasing number of sports broadcasts and live streaming options is making it easier for fans to stay updated with player performances and match outcomes, further fueling the popularity of fantasy sports.

Another critical growth driver is the rising penetration of smartphones and mobile internet, which has made fantasy sports more accessible to a wider audience. Mobile apps have become the primary medium for fantasy sports participation, offering a seamless experience with real-time notifications, easy team management, and social features. The rise of daily and weekly fantasy sports formats has also contributed to market expansion, as these formats provide a faster and more flexible gaming experience compared to traditional season-long leagues.

Moreover, the growing popularity of new sports such as esports and mixed martial arts (MMA) is providing additional avenues for fantasy sports platforms to diversify their offerings and attract new user segments. Fantasy esports, in particular, is gaining momentum as it taps into the burgeoning gaming community, which shares a similar demographic with fantasy sports users. As technological advancements continue to enhance user experience and as the regulatory environment becomes more favorable, the global fantasy sports market is expected to witness sustained growth, driven by increased user engagement, diversified offerings, and broader market reach.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Application-based Platform segment, which is expected to reach US$49.5 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 14.6%. The Web-based Platform segment is also set to grow at 12.5% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, which was estimated at $6.4 Billion in 2023, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 13.3% CAGR to reach $9.4 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2023 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of major players in the Fantasy Sports market such as Blitz Studios, Inc. (Sleeper), CBS SportsLine, Draft Kings, FanDuel Inc., Fantasy Sports Tech and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Key Attributes:

Key Topics Covered:

MARKET OVERVIEW

• Influencer Market Insights
• World Market Trajectories
• Fantasy Sports – Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2024 (E)
• Competitive Market Presence – Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2024 (E)

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

• Rising Popularity of Digital Sports Engagement Drives Growth in Fantasy Sports Market
• Increasing Use of Mobile and Online Platforms Expands Addressable Market for Fantasy Sports
• Rising Demand for Interactive and Engaging Fan Experiences Spurs Growth in Fantasy Sports Market
• Increasing Focus on Social and Community-Based Gaming Drives Market Adoption
• Case Overview: Growth in Sports Betting and Gambling Legalization Bodes Well for Fantasy Sports Market Expansion
• Technological Advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Propel Innovation in Fantasy Sports
• Case Overview: Growth in Women’s Participation and Representation Expands Market Scope for Fantasy Sports
• Rising Integration of Fantasy Sports with Social Media and Live Streaming Platforms Expands Market Opportunities

FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS:Some of the 34 companies featured in this Fantasy Sports market report include:

• Blitz Studios, Inc. (Sleeper)
• CBS SportsLine
• Draft Kings
• FanDuel Inc.
• Fantasy Sports Tech
• FantasyPros
• Fantrax
• First Pick Labs, Inc. (MyFantasyLeague)
• Flutter Entertainment plc
• low6 LTD

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