Talent Collectives

Creator Management Firm UnderCurrent Talent Acquires Next Step Talent

Published on January 22, 2026

UnderCurrent Talent has acquired independent management firm Next Step Talent, expanding its creator roster to nearly 300 clients, per TheWrap.

The deal marks UnderCurrent’s second acquisition in six months, following its August 2025 purchase of boutique management firm Project15.

Next Step Talent brings creators including Sydney Morgan, Kelsi Davies, and Rachel Huh to UnderCurrent’s existing roster, which includes JoJo Siwa, Kira Kosarin, and Miranda Rae. Next Step’s client roster has collectively amassed more than 100 million followers and 18 billion views across platforms.

Next Step managers Amanda Smith and Rebeca Partida will join UnderCurrent and continue operating their own department. Founder Temima Shames will transition to an advisory role.

“I’ve had the pleasure of calling Temima a friend for the last five years as we built our companies in parallel – often comparing notes and thoughts about the industry,” UnderCurrent founder Eric Bogard said in a statement. “I’ve always admired her drive, entrepreneurial spirit and deep care for talent.”

Next Step’s Brand Partnership Record

Prior to the acquisition, Next Step Talent focused on cross-platform growth strategies moving talent from short-form to long-form content. Shames executed partnerships with YouTube, Meta, Coach, Converse, Skims, NYX Cosmetics, and Moose Toys.

Recent Next Step achievements include client Rachel Huh becoming the face of Skims’ back-to-school campaign and Sydney Morgan launching a collaboration with Gui Gui set to reach retailers in 2026.

“When we recently caught up, the timing was undeniable. It just felt right,” Shames said. “As I move into a new chapter and step into a more advisory role, I want to bring my talent and team into a space that truly champions entrepreneurs and gives them room to grow.”

Founded in 2019 by Eric Bogard, Adam Bogard, and Aaron Hoffman, UnderCurrent positions itself as a management company focused on brand partnerships, content strategy, product development, and long-term career growth for digital creators.