Meliora acquires Backchat Media to expand into New Zealand

Meliora has acquired Auckland-based digital consultancy Backchat Media, marking its entry into the New Zealand.

The deal sees Backchat founder Mel Lee join Meliora as an equity partner, with a remit to establish the business locally while integrating Backchat’s strategy, content and performance capabilities into Meliora’s broader offering.

Founded in 2015, Backchat has worked with clients including Seven West Media, Singtel Optus, MediaWorks NZ, the New Zealand government, Les Mills International and NBCUniversal.

“Backchat has always focused on helping brands and organisations navigate the fast-moving digital landscape with smart strategy, strong storytelling and measurable outcomes,” Lee said.

“Joining Meliora allows us to scale that philosophy with an international team that sits at the intersection of technology, creativity and product thinking. I’m incredibly excited to become a partner in Meliora and help establish its presence in New Zealand while bringing our digital and digital performance capabilities into the wider Meliora offering.”

The acquisition adds digital strategy and performance to Meliora’s mix of advisory, ventures and creative services, as the company builds out its capabilities across media, technology and product development.

“Meliora was built to help ambitious companies navigate the intersection of AI technology, creativity and human intelligence,” said Clive Dickens, managing partner at Meliora. “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.”

The move follows the launch of Meliora Ventures Fund One, an AI-focused investment fund targeting CTO-led startups across vertical AI, generative AI and SaaS.

Meliora has already backed companies including IV.AI, Relevance AI and Source, with additional investments in Springboards.AI and StoryDesk.AI.