In a move that signifies a changing advertising landscape, Vancouver-based branded content analytics and reporting platform Pressboard has been acquired by Impact.com. 

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New York-based Impact is one of the world’s leading partnership management platforms, driving partnerships for more than 2,000 brands. So it’s probably not a huge surprise that—as the branded content market hits an approximate $20 billion valuation in 2021—Impact would make a play for Pressboard. After all, the latter provides a comprehensive suite of tools to measure sponsored content, e-commerce and social media programs.

“Impact.com’s acquisition of Pressboard aligns with our mission to revolutionize and power the partnership economy,” said Impact CEO David A. Yovanno in a release. 

“To succeed in this highly competitive landscape, publishers, brands and agencies must be equipped with best-in-class technology to drive profitable revenue. The future of commerce is content-driven, and this acquisition allows for more publishers to meet the demands of today’s digital consumers with authentic experiences that deliver real results.”

Pressboard was founded in 2014 by Jerrid Grimm and Tiam Korki, initially as part of the Highline startup accelerator. The company raised a seed round of $2 million from Rhino Ventures in 2017 before pivoting to a focus on software for publishers, with clients including NBCUniversal and The New York Times. Pressboard was named to the Deloitte Fast 50 List in 2019, thanks to 489 percent annual revenue growth. 

“We are thrilled to combine forces with Impact.com and continue to build the tools that allow publishers to partner with their advertisers and create powerful and engaging branded content programs for their audiences,” said Pressboard co-founder Jerrid Grimm. “Pressboard, combined with Impact.com, is uniquely positioned to help our partners capitalize on this enormous market opportunity.”

The terms of the deal were not released, but all Pressboard employees will stay on at Impact.com.