Agency

Launchd Acquires Influencer Marketing Agency Hoozu To Strengthen Creator Economy Capabilities

Published on July 31, 2025

Adelaide-based talent and brand partnerships group Launchd has acquired influencer agency Hoozu from Izea Worldwide Inc, marking its second acquisition from Izea in two months. The deal follows Launchd’s purchase of Brisbane-based Huume from Izea in June and Australian speaker bureau ICMI in April.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Bringing Hoozu into the Launchd Group is a strategic and natural extension of what we’re building,” James Begley, CEO of Launchd, said in a statement. “Together, we’ll offer brands a more powerful, scalable and strategic way to engage talent and deliver measurable results.”

Founded by former Australian Football League stars Begley and Matthew Pavlich, Launchd began as online guest speaker marketplace Pickstar before expanding with institutional backing from Altor Capital. Private investors in the company include sports personalities Adam Gilchrist, Lleyton Hewitt, and Kate Campbell.

Operational Structure and Leadership

Hoozu will continue to operate under its own brand and leadership, maintaining its identity as a partner for brands seeking influencer campaigns. Its Sydney office will serve as a “centre of excellence for creator marketing” within the broader Launchd Group.

Nathan Ruff will remain as Hoozu’s CEO, with the company recently appointing Sarah Fischer Letts as head of creative and strategic partnerships. Fischer Letts brings over 20 years of experience in branded content, media, and compliant influencer work across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our award-winning team, long-standing brand relationships, and deep strategic and data capabilities perfectly complement Launchd’s technology and service offerings,” stated Ruff.

Hoozu joins Launchd’s collective of specialist platforms and agencies, which includes the Pickstar marketplace, W Sports and Media, Huume Talent, Pickstar Works, and ICMI. With these acquisitions, Launchd now connects brands with over 5,000 athletes, influencers, entertainers, and speakers, supporting more than 100,000 talent activations annually.

Launchd is growing across Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand into international markets in 2026.