Adrian Fagerlund (Linkby)
Overview
Adrian Fagerlund is a prominent business professional known for his role as a co-founder of Linkby, an innovative advertising technology platform. Fagerlund, along with his co-founders Chris Wirasinha and Andrew Chak, established Linkby in 2020 as a solution to help consumer brands drive growth through performance-driven editorial placements. Linkby has distinguished itself by enabling advertisers to pitch directly to a network of premium publishers, adopting a cost-per-click or cost-per-mille pricing structure. The platform has gained traction internationally, serving over 3,800 brands and engaging with more than 600 publishers. Under Fagerlund's leadership, Linkby has emerged as a significant player in the performance PR market, achieving significant funding and global expansion.
Recent Developments
In the past couple of years, Linkby has experienced substantial developments under the guidance of Adrian Fagerlund.
- July 2025: Linkby successfully raised $15 million in a Series B funding round led by Volition Capital, a Boston-based growth equity firm. This investment marks Volition's first Australian venture, reflecting Linkby's expanding foothold in the U.S. market. The funding is aimed at accelerating Linkby's U.S. expansion and advancing its platform's capabilities, particularly in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
- 2024: The company achieved a significant milestone by raising $4 million in a Series A funding round. This development was facilitated by backing from Perennial Private Investments and OIF Ventures. During this period, Linkby expanded its workforce and enhanced its technological infrastructure.
- Strategic Expansion: To capitalize on growth opportunities in North America, Adrian Fagerlund has relocated to New York. The move is part of Linkby’s strategic initiative to double its North American team and strengthen its U.S. operations.
- January 2024: Linkby broadened its international reach, establishing its presence in key markets like the UK and Australia, enhancing its platform to make campaign setup more intuitive and streamlining advertiser-publisher interactions.
- Technological Advancements: The company has continued to innovate by incorporating AI into its platform, focusing on creating smarter campaign planning tools that can better serve its extensive clientele.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adrian Fagerlund |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and CRO at Linkby |
| Known For | Co-founding Linkby, an advertising technology platform |
| Education | Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing & International Business, UNSW |
Early Life and Education
Adrian Fagerlund grew up in Australia, where he developed an early interest in business and marketing. He pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Marketing and International Business from 2007 to 2010. During his university years, Fagerlund displayed a keen interest in entrepreneurial ventures, often engaging in projects that honed his skills in strategic business planning and marketing execution. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the media and advertising sectors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Adrian Fagerlund's career is marked by notable achievements and entrepreneurial success:
- Pedestrian Group: Before founding Linkby, Fagerlund was associated with Pedestrian Group, a leading Australian media company. His experience at Pedestrian honed his skills in media management and content distribution.
- Co-founding Linkby (2020): Together with co-founders Chris Wirasinha and Andrew Chak, Fagerlund launched Linkby to address gaps in the advertising industry. The platform enables brands to achieve editorial coverage through a performance-based model.
- Series B Funding (2025): Fagerlund played a crucial role in securing $15 million in Series B funding, aiding the company's U.S. expansion and technological advancements.
- Awards and Recognition: Under his leadership, Linkby has been recognized as a leader in performance PR, significantly impacting how brands engage with consumers through media.
Current Work and Impact
Adrian Fagerlund currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Linkby. His focus is on expanding the company's reach in the United States, a region that has rapidly become Linkby's largest revenue source, accounting for over 55% of its income. Fagerlund's strategic vision and leadership have positioned Linkby as a pioneering force in performance PR, encouraging measurable and efficient media engagements for brands. His impact is further amplified through ongoing product developments and market expansions, placing Linkby at the forefront of marketing technology innovation.
Conclusion
Adrian Fagerlund's contributions to the advertising technology landscape are notable for their innovative approach to integrating performance analytics with editorial content. Through Linkby, he has provided a platform that effectively bridges the gap between brands and media publishers, enabling transparent and performance-driven campaigns. As Linkby continues to expand internationally, Fagerlund's leadership is instrumental in shaping the company's future, potentially setting new standards in advertising efficacy and engagement. Looking ahead, Fagerlund’s role in advancing the integration of AI and data-driven strategies promises to have a lasting impact on global advertising practices.