Launchd Acquires Hoozu to Expand Leadership in Talent Led Creator Marketing
Launchd, the Australian talent, technology and brand partnerships group that combines sport, entertainment, and influencer strategy under one platform, has acquired leading influencer agency Hoozu from Nasdaq-listed Izea Worldwide Inc, deepening its capabilities in the rapidly growing creator economy.
The acquisition strengthens Launchd’s position in a global sector now valued at more than AUD $31 billion in 2024, according to the Influencer Marketing Hub Benchmark Report.
“Bringing Hoozu into the Launchd Group is a strategic and natural extension of what we’re building,” said James Begley, CEO of Launchd.
“Nathan and the team have established a high-integrity, outcomes-focused agency with deep credibility. Their ability to combine creativity with commercial discipline aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we’ll offer brands a more powerful, scalable and strategic way to engage talent and deliver measurable results.”
Hoozu will now operate as part of Launchd’s collective of specialist platforms and agencies, which includes the Pickstar marketplace (talent engagement), W Sports and Media (talent management), Huume Talent (creator representation and content production), Pickstar Works (talent activation SaaS product) and ICMI (guest speaker and event bookings). The group offers end-to-end campaign delivery, powered by unrivalled access to talent, proprietary technology and data-driven brand partnerships.
“Launchd is such a powerhouse across the creator, talent, brand and entertainment industry, so bringing Hoozu into the fold is a natural fit,” said Nathan Ruff, CEO of Hoozu.
“Our award-winning team, long-standing brand relationships, and deep strategic and data capabilities perfectly complement Launchd’s technology and service offerings. Together, we can unlock stronger commercial outcomes for brands, better support talent, and provide smarter data-driven solutions for clients that elevate our entire offering.”
Hoozu will continue to operate under its own brand and leadership, maintaining its identity as a trusted partner for brands seeking smart, creative and brand-safe influencer campaigns. Its Sydney office will remain the centre of excellence for creator marketing within the Launchd Group, supporting group-wide initiatives while continuing to lead standalone projects for existing and future clients.
As part of its next phase, Hoozu has appointed Sarah Fischer Letts as Head of Creative and Strategic Partnerships, bringing over 20 years of experience in branded content, media, and compliant influencer work across the Asia-Pacific region. Her appointment completes a leadership team that includes Ruff, Lara Mowforth (Head of Strategy), and Analise Trotter (Head of Campaigns).
“The influencer economy is growing fast, but so is the expectation for transparency and performance,” said Begley. “With Hoozu in the fold, we’re able to meet that demand - combining expert strategic services, campaign management and genuine accountability in one offering.”
Influencer marketing continues to dominate digital strategies globally, with over 80 percent of marketers now allocating budget to creator-led campaigns. Micro and mid-tier influencers are proving to be the most effective at driving engagement and trust - a trend Launchd is well-positioned to capitalise on.
Backed by institutional capital and also prominent private investors including Adam Gilchrist, Lleyton Hewitt and Kate Campbell, Launchd is growing rapidly across Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand into international markets in 2026.
