Storyclash Exit: “The acquisition is clearly designed as a growth project”

They are among the best-known scale-ups from Upper Austria and are now part of something larger: Storyclash, founded by Philip Penner and Andreas Gutzelnig, has completed its exit to French company Kolsquare (in turn part of the team.blu group). The team of more than 50 employees and the Linz location remain fully intact, and the brand will continue to exist as usual. Over the years, Storyclash had built a good relationship with buyer Kolsquare, which is why it eventually became clear that this was the best partner for the company’s next development phase. Kolsquare, in turn, is strengthening its position in the DACH market through the acquisition.

In the interview, Storyclash founder and CEO Andreas Gutzelnig talks about the path to the exit and his future role in the company

Trending Topics: How did the deal come about, and why did you ultimately decide to sell?

Andreas Gutzelnig: We were in regular contact as competitors over many years. There were always strategic conversations on equal footing about the market, technology, and the future of influencer marketing in Europe. Over time, it became clear that we think very similarly. This open dialogue gradually led to more. The decision was not a classic exit moment, but a conscious choice for the next development phase of Storyclash.

What does Kolsquare expect from the acquisition?

Kolsquare is strategically strengthening its position in the DACH market and gaining a very experienced team with deep AI and data expertise. At the same time, Storyclash brings additional know-how, operational experience, and speed to further accelerate international expansion. This growth step is very labor-intensive, and that’s exactly where both sides complement each other perfectly.

Why do you think Storyclash fits well with Kolsquare? Who was looking for whom, or who found whom?

Both companies share the same core: a strong focus on data, AI, performance, and responsible influencer marketing with European values. It wasn’t an active search process, but a mutual finding. Technologically, culturally, and strategically, it fit very well from the start.

What are Kolsquare’s plans regarding the team and Linz location?

The team and Linz location remain fully intact. The acquisition is clearly designed as a growth project, not as cost optimization. The integration of the two teams is proceeding very satisfactorily. There are many complementary skills, a lot of mutual respect, and enormous potential to become faster and stronger together.

What are your and your co-founder Philip Penner’s plans now? Will you remain operationally active?

Yes, we remain operationally active. Continuity was a central point for us. Together with Kolsquare, we continue to drive product, technology, and strategic positioning. For us, this is not a conclusion, but a new chapter with significantly greater reach.

The Storyclash story spans more than 11 years. What were the most important milestones?

We started very early with social media analytics, driven strongly by the Facebook boom. Even back then, we began building content-tracking technologies and data models. Over many years, we developed this technology together with our customers. In 2021, we deliberately repositioned Storyclash and clearly established it as an influencer marketing platform. This step emerged from genuine product-market fit and close customer collaboration and was, in retrospect, one of the most important milestones in our history.

What revenue and employee count did you reach in 2025?

In 2025, we’re operating with over 50 employees and profitable growth. We are not currently communicating specific revenue or financial figures publicly.

You started by doing social media analytics for publishers; today you’re an influencer platform. How did the pivot come about?

It wasn’t a hard break, but an organic evolution. Our customers increasingly used the data for creator identification, campaign management, and performance measurement. In 2021, we made this focus clear in our positioning as well. That was exactly the right step.

What factors were decisive in making Storyclash successful over many years?

Consistent product focus, early investments in AI, and the ability to constantly reinvent ourselves technologically and strategically.

Beyond long-term and almost obsessive customer orientation, building a strong community was crucial. Particularly in the German-speaking region, we built trust early with innovators and early adopters. Much of our growth came through referrals and word of mouth. That was always a strong signal for product and brand strength.

Social media bans for under-16s are under discussion. How does that change the influencer business?

The issue of responsibility becomes even more important. Influencer marketing remains a strong growth driver, but must follow clear ethical rules. Transparency, labeling, sustainability, and youth protection are central. We see it as our responsibility to balance growth and responsibility.

From the beginning, Kolsquare has clearly focused on responsible influencer marketing and actively advanced it. Quentin Bordage, founder of Kolsquare, is co-founder of EIMA (European Influencer Marketing Association), member of the Executive Committee of UMICC in France, and vice president of the Ethics Committee.