Data and lead generation player Cohort has secured funding from a private equity firm to support its international expansion.

Listed investment company Oceania Capital Partners has outlaid $6m to purchase a 50% stake in Cohort, providing the fast-growing digital company with the necessary capital to fund its growth into key overseas markets including the UK, Europe and beyond.

Marcelo Ulvert, co-founder and CEO of Cohort, said: “This investment by Oceania Capital Partners validates the exciting potential of both our own business – and more broadly the smart data and lead generation sector in this country.

“Organisations are now seeking more intelligent insights, analysis and lead generating outcomes from their data. Cohort specialises in offering organisations a full-service solution from data growth strategy, development and deployment with a strong focus on data intelligence and delivery.”

Cohort, which was founded by Mr Ulvert and business partner Malcolm Treanor (a recognised and well known data expert) offers a range of lead generation, email marketing, data management and data deployment services to the advertising, marketing and publishing industries.

Established over an informal coffee chat in 2008, Cohort has grown rapidly from humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s leading data and digital marketing businesses, employing over 40 people and servicing more than 100 clients, including top-tier brands such as Westfield, Virgin Money, Ticketmaster and Foxtel.

The company has also just added another major client to its roster in recent days with the signing of a 12-month contract with DealsDirect Group, comprising DealsDirect.com.au and topbuy.com.au – Australia’s leading online superstores.

Malcolm Treanor, COO of Cohort said: “We believe the era of ‘big data’ is fast being replaced by the era of ‘smart data’ and we are clearly providing offerings to the market which is placing us at the forefront of this growth curve. We are continuing to experience fast growth on the back of display and click media being converted to cost per acquisition and performance-based spending. Our work helps businesses connect with consenting consumers in new and innovative ways.”