Meliora Company has expanded its Asia-Pacific footprint with the acquisition of Backchat Media, marking its entry into the New Zealand market.
The deal will see Mel Lee, Founder of Backchat Media, join Meliora as Partner, bringing the agency’s strategy, performance and content capabilities into the broader Meliora offering.
Expanding APAC capabilities
Founded in Auckland in 2015, Backchat Media has delivered digital strategy and content work for clients including Seven West Media, Singtel Optus, Mediaworks NZ, the New Zealand Government, Les Mills International and NBCUniversal.
The acquisition strengthens Meliora’s ability to deliver integrated advisory, creative and product development services for organisations navigating media, technology and digital transformation in an AI-driven economy.
Lee comments
Mel Lee
Lee said the move represents a natural evolution.
“Backchat has always focused on helping brands and organisations navigate the fast-moving digital landscape with smart strategy, strong storytelling and measurable outcomes.
“Joining Meliora allows us to scale that philosophy with an international team that sits at the intersection of technology, creativity and product thinking.”
Building an international network
Clive Dickens, Managing Partner at Meliora, said the acquisition adds to the company’s growing regional and global capabilities.
“Meliora was built to help ambitious companies navigate the intersection of AI technology, creativity and human intelligence.
“Mel has built a fantastic business with Backchat, and bringing that strategy and digital performance capability into Meliora further strengthens what we can offer clients across APAC and beyond.”
Backed by AI investment strategy
The move follows the recent launch of Meliora Ventures Fund One (MVF1), an AI-focused investment fund targeting CTO-led startups building practical applications of artificial intelligence.
The fund has already backed companies including IV.AI, Relevance AI and Source, with additional investments in Springboards.AI and StoryDesk.AI.
Strategic advisors to the fund include Chris Barton, Co-Founder of Shazam, and William Hedberg, former executive at Singtel Optus and Seven West Media.
With hubs in Sydney, Los Angeles, London and now Auckland, Meliora continues to expand its international network as it looks to scale its advisory, venture and creative capabilities globally.
Top Image: Jack Lonergan, Clive Dickens, Mel Lee