No newsletter this week (but we just hit a record)

Hello from the trenches of VidCon — plus a key takeaway from my toast, a podcast, and what's next.

June 26, 2026

Hi readers,

No deal breakdown newsletter this week, and likely none next week either.

We've been jammed — hosting in LA, speaking at VidCon (I gave this morning's keynote on creator capital flows), and client meetings. Next week I'm taking some time off. Regular programming resumes in a couple of weeks.

One thing I can't not share…

This past month we hit a company record, with five offers coming in across different client mandates on a single day.

Demand for creative businesses is real right now.

The harder part is being a business that holds up under diligence, which is exactly what I spoke about in my toast at our event Tuesday night.

A few things worth your time while we're out:

  • Tuesday's event and the toast I gave. Special room, and the message is must-hear if you're building toward a sale.

  • Yesterday, Michael Booth and I hosted a roundtable with builders and owners working through exit prep in real time — fielding live challenges, trading solutions. People kept telling us how well we play off each other. We agree, and it's why we've been working together for 6+ years.

  • I joined the In/organic podcast. I explain my “bought the engine but sold the garage” framing for Whalar’s sale to Accenture Song.

  • And if you missed it, our detailed breakdown of Whalar's sale is a solid read. It got a great response.

One more thing — we're still hiring an M&A Coordinator. We've been picky and the right person hasn't come along yet. If you know someone who fits the criteria (creator passion, NOT from finance), send them our way.

That’s it all, have a great weekend.

Chris
Founder of RockWater

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If you're a qualified buyer, email [email protected] for details:

Agencies

  • Influencer Talent Mgmt (Beauty, Comedy, Sports) | >$1M EBITDA

  • Creator Marketing / Tech focus incl O&O YouTube | Coming Q3

  • Digital Brand Integration and Partnerships | Coming soon

  • Large talent rep and marketing business | Coming Q3

Media

  • YouTube Channel (Shopping / Deals) | $1.8M EBITDA

  • Social Publisher (70+ O&O Accounts) | $1.5M EBITDA

I'm the founder of RockWater. We do M&A and strategy advisory for creator economy and social / audio agencies. From buy and sell-side M&A to valuation diagnostics and go-to-market planning.