Digitalbox PLC (AIM:DBOX, FRA:RLXB) CEO James Carter talked with Proactive about the company’s 2025 results, highlighting a year of growth despite a mixed media market backdrop.
Carter explained that Digitalbox expanded its portfolio to ten operating assets through its “verticals program,” launching new products in targeted editorial spaces. The company delivered a 7% increase in revenue, outperforming broader market trends, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 10%. He noted that social media remains a key driver, with Digitalbox growing its total following by 31% to approximately 27 million users.
A major shift in strategy has been the company’s evolving monetisation approach. Carter said, “we grew our platform monetisation by 100% in the past year,” reflecting a stronger focus on platform-based audiences and diversified revenue streams. Digitalbox is also moving beyond pure programmatic advertising, with growing contributions from direct-to-consumer offerings such as paid subscriptions.
Looking ahead, the company aims to sustain its momentum through new product launches and potential acquisitions. Carter outlined the ambition “to build ourselves into an entertainment powerhouse,” with upcoming launches including Film Shrine, building on the success of existing brands like Reality Shrine.
With a combination of organic growth, M&A activity, and diversified revenues, Digitalbox is positioning itself for continued expansion in 2026.
Proactive: James, very good morning. You've published your 2025 results this morning. Could you take us through the highlights, please?
James Carter: Yes, of course. Good morning Stephen. The media market has been through a mixed time over the past 12 months. Yet Digitalbox has come through it with some pretty positive results. The company expanded to a portfolio of ten operating assets through the verticals program, launching new products into very specific editorial spaces.
The company drove revenues up by 7%, which is ahead of the market. The programmatic advertising digital market was weaker last year, so this was a strong performance. Digitalbox also grew its social following by 31% to around 27 million followers.
That is important due to changing consumer behaviour, with more time spent within platform walled gardens. The company has refined its monetisation strategies there and grew platform monetisation by 100% over the year.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10%, reflecting £700,000 spent on new product development. EBITDA reached approximately £330,000, beating guidance by just over £100,000.
Proactive: So, a year of growth. Can you explain how you plan to continue this, James?
James Carter: One year should lead to another year of growth. The ambition remains to build Digitalbox into an entertainment powerhouse by doubling down on existing strengths.
The company will continue its vertical strategy by launching more products. It is also looking at independent assets within platform walled gardens in markets that align with its open web operations.
Digitalbox is increasingly diversifying. Initially, the business relied entirely on programmatic revenues, but now it is moving away from that model. The company has direct consumer revenues, such as Daily Mash subscriptions, where users pay £20–£30 per year. It is also exploring additional revenue channels.
Proactive: So with M&A diversification and organic launches on the agenda, can you share any updates?
James Carter: While specific discussions cannot be disclosed, the company is reviewing more significant assets and remains active in acquisition discussions. Market conditions have encouraged more opportunities.
Digitalbox is also launching a new product in the coming weeks called Film Shrine, developed by its youth-focused division led by The Tab. This builds on the success of Reality Shrine.
The company will continue with organic product launches, acquisitions, and exploring new opportunities.
Proactive: I hope you'll keep us updated on any progress. James, good luck with 2026. Great speaking with you.