The history that has defined Direct Digital Holdings
With over 200+ clients, along with 125K advertisers, our business is focused on driving ROI for clients and diverse and general publishers.
TIMELINE
The Direct Digital Holdings Story
Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT), owner of operating companies Colossus SSP, and Orange 142, brings state-of-the-art sell- and buy-side advertising platforms together under one umbrella company.
HIGHLIGHTS
Direct Digital Holdings Fast Facts
Founder-led, technology platform that assists companies buy and sell media todeliver ROI
Exceeding the demands of the underserved middle market and penetrating multicultural audiences
Profitable, publicly-traded companywell-positioned to capitalize on the rapidly evolving digital advertising market1
Top performing diverse-owned supplier helping brands, agencies, and consultancy partners reach their social DEI objectives and budget commitments across our media and advertising technology platforms
Ninth black-owned company to go public in the U.S.
History 2012 - Present
2012
Huddled Masses founded
The story of Direct Digital Holdings, LLC begins with the founding of Huddled Masses in 2012. The following year Orange 142 was formed.
2013
Orange 142 founded
Demand generation and digital advertising expertise are core to Orange 142’s solutions. Based in Austin, TX, we are at the center of one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the country.
2017
Colossus SSP founded
In 2017, Mark D. Walker founded Colossus SSP in order to provide a diverse marketplace for brands to connect with multicultural and general market audiences, and to help more publishers participate in the programmatic marketplace.
2018
Direct Digital Holdings acquired Huddled Masses and Colossus SSP
In 2018, Direct Digital Holdings, Inc. was formed through the acquisitions of Huddled Masses, LLC and Colossus Media, LLC, bringing together state-of-the-art supply-side and demand-side advertising platforms under one umbrella company.
2019
Huddled Masses and Colossus SSP continue to add new customers and publishers
On both the sell-side and the buy-side, increased spend from our buying partners has resulted in an associated increase in our impression count and organic growth profile with a direct positive impact for the entire company.
2021
Direct Digital Holdings acquired Orange 142
In an effort to expand it buy side platform offerings we acquired Orange 142, LLC in 2021 to add to our portfolio of brands under the DDH umbrella of companies.
2021
Achieved record growth at +25% YoY driven by SSP growth +325% Yoy
In 2021, DDH hit a new high in revenue growth, growing more than 25% YoY. This growth stemmed largely from Colossus SSP, which grew at 325% YoY. Revenue topped $38 million.
2022
Organic growth of +134% over 2021
The hockey stick growth continued in 2022, with organic growth, growing of 124% over 2021. Total revenue: $89 million. in February 2022 - just four years after its founding - DDH went public.
2023
Organic growth of +43% over 2022 performance
In 2023, DDH expected to grow 35% over 2021, delivering $120 million in revenue. To date, DDH holding companies partner with over 200 clients and 125,000+ media buyers.
2024
Orange 142 and Huddled Masses merge
Direct Digital Holdings unifies Orange 142 and Huddled Masses to power client growth in digital marketing and advertising. The strategic merger of its buy-side businesses combines expertise and resources to expand capabilities and better serve Mid-Market & SMBs navigating the digital landscape.
We give advertisers of all sizes unparalleled reach within general market and multicultural media properties.
Direct Digital Holdings Leadership Team
Led veterans in the cross section of digital technologies and advertising, Direct Digital Holdings brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a bold vision to the table, helping out clients seize opportunities in an increasingly digital-first world.
