Koto accelerates global growth with Stereo Creative acquisition
Shawbrook has supported existing customer Koto, backed by WestBridge, with funding for its acquisition of creative agency Stereo Creative.
At a glance
Koto has completed the acquisition of Stereo Creative, marking its first acquisition since WestBridge invested in the business in April 2025. Shawbrook provided funding support for the transaction, extending its existing partnership with Koto and WestBridge.
Stereo brings a portfolio of client relationships across sport, entertainment and technology, including Nike, Arsenal, FIFA, Converse, EA Sports, Twitch, Ripple and Bumble. The acquisition adds complementary capabilities and strengthens Koto’s worldwide presence as it continues to build a global creative group.
Founded in 2015, Koto provides integrated brand strategy, identity and digital implementation services. Its recent work includes reimagining Amazon’s global brand, shaping the identity for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and creating Instagram’s new wordmark with Meta. The combined Koto Group now employs around 230 people across eight studios worldwide, supporting its strategy of combining organic growth with selected acquisitions.
James Greenfield, CEO at Koto, said:
“This is an important milestone for Koto and a strong first acquisition for the business since WestBridge’s investment last year. Stereo brings an outstanding client portfolio, complementary capabilities, and further builds on Koto’s well established international scale and US presence.”
Having first connected with Deepak and the Shawbrook team during WestBridge’s investment in the business, working with them again was the natural choice. They understood our ambitions and the opportunity Stereo presents, while their responsive support and funding certainty helped us complete the transaction and begin this next phase of growth.
Ed Minton, director at WestBridge, said:
“The acquisition is an important part of Koto’s strategy to continue building a scaled global creative group through a combination of organic growth and carefully selected acquisitions. We believe that there is a significant opportunity to bring together high-quality, values-aligned creative businesses and give them the platform and international reach to serve a growing global market.
We’re delighted to welcome the Stereo team and look forward to supporting the Koto team as they continue to build a global studio network, with Shawbrook’s support helping to make this latest step possible.”
Deepak Parekh, Senior Director at Shawbrook commented:
“Koto has developed an outstanding global creative platform, and Stereo adds complementary capabilities, a strong client portfolio and further depth in the US. Having supported WestBridge’s investment in Koto, we know the business and its strategy well. It was a pleasure to work with James, Ed and their teams to support this first acquisition and Koto’s continued international growth.”
How can we help you build your business?
Our team of experts across the UK are ready and waiting to speak to you about how we can help you realise your business aspirations. Use our enquiry form to get in touch, or contact the team directly through our contact page.