Transaction highlights ongoing momentum in creator marketing and the increasing importance of this channel for global brands
PALAZZO served as financial advisor to GateMaker Community Marketing (“GateMaker”), a leading influencer marketing agency specializing in community management through paid, earned, and owned creator partnerships, on its acquisition by Residence, a global network of independent creative companies. The transaction expands Residence’s social and creator marketing capabilities, adding a scaled influencer marketing platform that helps brands drive engagement, cultural relevance, and measurable business outcomes through
authentic creator relationships.
Founded in 2021, GateMaker was established by marketing industry veterans who recognized the growing influence of creators and communities in shaping brand perception and consumer behavior. The agency quickly emerged as a trusted partner to leading consumer brands, managing more than $20 million in creator contracts annually and delivering integrated influencer marketing programs across earned, paid, and owned channels. GateMaker serves a blue-chip client roster that includes Estée Lauder Companies, Glossier, LG,
L’Occitane en Provence, NARS, Reebok, Starbucks, and other Fortune 500 brands. Female-founded, GateMaker runs a fully remote, 98% female team, demonstrating a model for intentional hiring in an environment where people can do the best work of their lives with the best brands in the world.
“GateMaker has built something rare in the creator and influencer economy: real relationships and the discipline to activate them at scale,” said Ryan Honey, CEO and Co-Founder of Residence. “What drew us was the founders’ conviction behind how they work and their proven results for their clients. That’s exactly the kind of company Residence was built to support.”
The addition of GateMaker further enhances Residence’s growing portfolio of creative businesses and expands its capabilities across social media, content, and community-driven marketing. Residence operates as a network of independent creative companies, providing resources and shared services while preserving the entrepreneurial cultures, brands, and creative identities of its member agencies. The partnership enables GateMaker to continue operating independently while benefiting from Residence’s collaborative model and cross-company growth opportunities.
“It is remarkable what our team and clients have achieved in such a short amount of time,” said Ashton Wall, Co-Founder of GateMaker. “After meeting the other founders in Residence and hearing more about the collective vision, it was clear this was the perfect home to take GateMaker to the next level.”
Strategically, the transaction brings together GateMaker’s expertise in creator relationships and influencer activation with Residence’s broader creative, design, content, and social capabilities. Together with Residence portfolio companies such as OK COOL, BUCK, Giant Ant, ACRONYM, and others, GateMaker broadens the network’s ability to deliver end-toend social and cultural marketing solutions, from creative strategy and content development to influencer activation and community engagement.