Moguldom IPO: US media group taps the London market for cash
The head of US digital media group Moguldom yesterday unveiled plans to float on the London stock market in a bid to raise the profile of the business around the world.
Jamarlin Martin, founder, chairman and chief executive of the group, said listing on the junior stock market would provide a strong platform to help grow the company, which runs a host of pop culture websites in the US.
With a background in law and political science, Martin is not your average online media innovator.
He worked as a paralegal in New York before venturing into the world of digital media.
Growing up in Los Angeles, he dreamed of doing a PhD in political sciences, and studied at Morehouse College, Atlanta.
But during his time in New York he became interested in foreign exchange and set up a blog called the Detached Trader, which he monetised through advertising.
“I had readers from all around the world and saw an opportunity to tailor content towards underserved people,” said Martin.
“The London Stock Exchange popped out as a really good fit for a company of our size. We don’t see ourselves as Americacentric; it’s a global vision we have. We want to expand our traffic internationally and make sure everyone has heard of Moguldom.”
The Miami-based entrepreneur, who lists saltwater fishing, travelling and playing golf among his hobbies, puts his company's success down to innovation and adaptability.
“Our growth is consistent, regardless of market changes, and that's due to thinking outside the box.”
Martin originally launched Bossip.com as a digital media startup in 2006.
Since then, he has overseen the growth of Moguldom into a multiplebrand digital media and entertainment platform at a time when the majority of investors are giving online media ventures a wide birth.
“New digital leaders are being created now and we believe Moguldom is in that bracket.”
BEHIND THE DEAL: ALLENBY CAPITAL | MATT BUTLIN
1 Butlin joined as the company was being created in 2009. He is currently head of equities at the group
2 He previously worked at Goldman Sachs as a research analyst for nine years and before as a finance analyst for the World Food Programme of the United Nations in Rome
3 Butlin is also an analyst at Allenby covering media and technology stocks. He covers Moguldom and has been working with the group for the past year.
Also advising…
Allenby Capital is the company’s nominated adviser and sole broker. Redleaf Polhill acted as PR adviser.