AEA Elevate, AEA Investors’ growth buyout strategy focused on professional services companies across business services, healthcare services, and software, has made an investment in 829 Studios, an integrated, technology-enabled digital marketing firm. AEA Elevate acquired its position from CIVC Partners, with significant reinvestment from 829’s founder, management team, and employees. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Boston, 829 provides technology-enabled digital marketing services across performance marketing, brand and digital experience, earned and owned media, and strategic communications. The company is powered by its proprietary performance software platform, Apollo, which it uses to integrate data and insights across channels to help clients optimize decision-making and pursue more predictable marketing outcomes as the digital landscape shifts, including the growing influence of generative AI.
829 serves a broad client base, including Fortune 500 companies and global brands across retail, finance, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and professional services. The company will continue to be led by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Peter Ross and its existing leadership team.
AEA Elevate said the partnership is intended to support continued investment in 829’s Apollo platform and to expand offerings to meet client demand amid increasing complexity in marketing execution, analytics, and AI-driven change. CIVC highlighted the company’s progress over the past four years, noting a focus on measurable outcomes and operational performance.
Support: Canaccord Genuity served as financial advisor, and Ropes & Gray served as legal counsel to CIVC and 829.
KEY QUOTES
“829 has built a differentiated, technology-enabled platform that aligns marketing execution with measurable business outcomes. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve – with the increasing importance of data, analytics, and AI – we see significant opportunity for 829 to expand its technology and generative-AI focused offerings to help clients navigate change. We are pleased to partner with Peter and the broader 829 team to support the Company’s next phase of growth.”
James Stith, Partner, AEA Elevate
“This partnership represents a natural and exciting next step for 829. The AEA Elevate team brings not only extensive experience partnering with founder-led companies transforming industries through technological innovation, but also a shared belief that great marketing is grounded in data, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to client service. In this next chapter, we look forward to investing in the growth of our platform, while delivering even more powerful, ROI-driven solutions for our clients.”
Peter Ross, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, 829 Studios
“We are proud of the differentiated offering we’ve built at 829 – a model that combines a client-focused approach with deep technological expertise to solve the most complex marketing and strategic communications challenges and, importantly, deliver real results.
John O’Brien, Founding Partner, 829 Studios
“With AEA Elevate’s support, we are poised to accelerate our momentum and further invest in the technology, talent, and integrated capabilities that set 829 apart.”
Jan Wojtasinski, President, 829 Studios
“It has been a privilege to partner with Peter and the 829 team over the last four years. They have had enormous success in building a high-performing company with a clear focus on delivering measurable client outcomes.”
Scott Schwartz, Partner, CIVC
