BBC, Wildbrain & KKR alums launch ‘digital-first’ prodco, eye acquisitions

Rachel Taylor

Former execs from Sony Pictures Entertainment, the BBC and private equity firm KKR have linked up to launch a Berlin- and London-based digital-first content firm that is on the hunt for acquisitions.

Lunar X has been founded by CEO Lucas Kollmann, who previously spent seven years with Leonine investor KKR, alongside former Sony and WildBrain exec Rachel Taylor and BBC alum Rafi Nizam.

Taylor becomes SVP of commercial at the nascent firm while Nizam is SVP & showrunner at Lunar X, which will aim to produce audio and video content for global audiences via platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.

The company is launching with more than 60 employees across four locations – London, Berlin, Madrid and LA – and is focusing on digital content across education, entertainment, music and children’s animation.

Lunar X said it would create a portfolio of “world-leading new brands and franchises” through organic activity and acquisition, “with the management team looking at a raft of exciting opportunities next year.”

Kollmann added: “We’ve launched this media company for a new generation of creators and audiences. We are passionate about partnering with extraordinary people to bring their unique stories to life and give global audiences access to exciting new content.

“With creativity and community at the heart of what we do, we want to inspire the next generation to push the boundaries of what’s possible and develop ‘first-of-its-kind’ content. We will utilise our expertise, reach and talent to accelerate our growth and enable more world-renowned content franchises.”

Kollman had stints at private equity firm Blackstone before KKR, while Taylor was previously VP of commercial at kids firm WildBrain Spark, having also worked at Sony, Twentieth Century Fox and Australian toyco Funtastic.

Nizam will lead IP development and joins following spells at Sony, NBCUniversal and the BBC.