Tampa startup Outbound.com has made its first move for growth after launching in February.
The artificial intelligence marketing startup, founded by serial entrepreneur Aaron White, acquired Tampa digital marketing firm Red Wall Marketing for an undisclosed amount. The deal is a milestone for the startup as it aims to become a player in the digital marketing and AI space.
"For [Outbound.com], when we needed to bring institutional knowledge into the company, it was a no-brainer," CEO and founder White said.
Tampa entrepreneur JR Griggs founded Red Wall Marketing in 2009. Griggs holds mentorship positions at the University of South Florida, Tampa Bay Wave and Think Big for Kids, according to his LinkedIn.
"For 15 years, we've delivered high-level results for our clients," Griggs, founder and CEO of Red Wall Marketing, said in a statement. "Now, we can apply that knowledge and expertise to Outbound.com's AI platform and shake up the advertising world."
Griggs joined Outbound.com with the acquisition. Griggs, the sole full-time employee with Red Wall Marketing, also worked with part-time contractors and may contract with them at Outbound.com, White said. It operated from a coworking space and will join Outbound at its Carrollwood location.
Red Wall Marketing was the 32nd largest marketing firm in Tampa Bay in 2022. It brought in $260,000 in annual revenue in 2021, according to Tampa Bay Business Journal research.
Griggs was one of White's first friends after he embedded himself in the Tampa Bay entrepreneurial ecosystem in 2017. The acquisition deal stems from a recent phone call when White called Griggs to pick his brain. Griggs was impressed by Outbound.com's goals and wanted to partner.
