PARIS — Communications agency Jin has raised €3 million in funding from French private equity and venture capital firm CITA Investment, as part of its ambition to grow into the leading European digital group, PRovoke Media can reveal.

The agency was co-founded in 2012 by digital, social and SEO specialists Edouard Fillias (CEO), Alexandre Villeneuve (chief performance officer) and Romain Boudre (CTO), and now has more than 80 employees across its offices in Paris, London, New York and Berlin. In 2019, it grew by 20% to fee income of €9.3 million.

The €3 million in new funds will be used for senior talent recruitment – including a new UK managing director – and strategic acquisitions. In particular, Jin has an eye on Spain, Italy and the Netherlands over the next three years. The funding will also boost the group’s development and presence in London and Berlin, increasing its network of partners in Europe to better support local and international clients.

Technological innovation will be another major use of the investment, with the launch of a new legislative and political monitoring tool and the use of new insight products.

Fillias (pictured) said: “It is clear to us that a digital and integrated approach to communication is key, especially during and after the current crisis. Our ambition at Jin is to help our clients build positive influence and to support a digital recovery, based on trust and transparency.”

Jin’s offer covers social media, digital marketing, technology, influence, media relations and public affairs, supported by proprietary digital media monitoring and performance tools. The agency has already developed in-house technologies to support communications via its Startup-Studio, including digital monitoring solution Plugr and Pitchboy, the first VR pitch training tool for sales and customer relationship management.

The agency's clients include Tinder, Chipotle, Coca-Cola, Philips, Samsung, Tarkett, Renault, Twinings and Bouygues.