TO THE NEW acquires Singapore-based Techsailor

Digital services network, TO THE NEW has announced the acquisition of Techsailor, a Singapore-based company offering social, location and mobile media services. This acquisition is part of an aggressive expansion strategy by TO THE NEW to build an integrated digital services ecosystem across South East Asia. In addition to this acquisition, TO THE NEW is looking to invest US$ 10 million in the next two years to aid future growth in the region.

TO THE NEW will leverage on Techsailor’s network and operational expertise to strengthen its presence in the region. TO THE NEW plans to augment Techsailor’s offerings, by adding capabilities in digital content, media planning and buying, analytics and technology. TO THE NEW will also look to expand its network geographically and build further presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and China.

Commenting on the acquisition Puneet Johar, Managing Director, TO THE NEW, said, “Some of the key markets in South East Asian Market are similar to India, where consumption of digital media by young consumers is ahead of businesses embracing it fully as the primary media for communication and commerce. We see this as a huge growth opportunity and with the addition of Techsailor to our network, we hope to capitalize on this growth”.

Earlier this year, TO THE NEW had announced the intent to invest US$13 million in its Indian operations over the next three years.

“By joining TO THE NEW, Techsailor will be able to boost our service offerings to our clients, as we are supported by a larger team and able to manage projects that span across Asia Pacific. We are also delighted that Techsailor will be the primary vehicle for TO THE NEW to expand into the region,” said Rex Huang, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Techsailor.

Through its business units - Ignitee Digital Services Pvt. Ltd., Intelligrape Software Pvt. Ltd. and Tangerine Digital Pvt. Ltd., TO THE NEW offers expertise in digital and social media marketing, content creation for web and mobile, development of apps and solutions for web and mobile. The TO THE NEW network collectively manages the mandate for around 100 clients across Asia, in diverse sectors like BFSI, Automobiles, e-commerce, FMCG, Retail, Sports, Hospitality and Media & Entertainment.

Techsailor: An entrepreneurial journey that began at NUS
Techsailor was set up in 2005 by Rex Huangwith Wayne Chia and Leon Leong joining in as co-founders shortly thereafter. The three alumni from the National University of Singapore (NUS) met up during the NUS Overseas College Programme, a year-long overseas entrepreneurial internship initiative, which ignited their entrepreneurial spark. The company was first located at NUS Enterprise’s incubator, where it accessed mentorship support, and by 2009, Techsailor set up their own office. Techsailor’s staff strength has since grown to a team of 40, expanding regionally in the process. All staff, including the three co-founders, will remain with the company following this acquisition, and look forward to dynamic times ahead.

“We wish to congratulate the Techsailor team on its successful acquisition. As more of our NUS Enterprise incubatee companies grow and venture overseas – either on their own steam or through mergers and acquisitions, we are seeing the impact of our experiential education and entrepreneurial support activities,” said Dr Lily Chan, CEO, NUS Enterprise.