Work Here?
Overview
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) builds a global brand portfolio by acquiring the intellectual property of established brands and licensing them to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. Its asset-light model means ABG earns revenue from licensing fees and royalties rather than owning stores or inventories. The company distinguishes itself by owning valuable IP and likeness rights (like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis) and growing through large acquisitions, supported by a network of over 1,900 partners in 150 countries. Its goal is to grow and monetize a wide range of consumer and entertainment brands through long-term licensing deals that provide steady revenue.
About Authentic
Industries
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Private
Total Funding
$1.4B
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2010
Get referred to Authentic
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Authentic closed Guess on January 2026, adding a $38 billion retail-sales franchise.
- The May 2026 Lee deal and June 2026 Care Bears agreement expand denim and character IP.
- OVO’s August 27, 2026 transaction deepens Drake-led streetwear reach with Vince operating worldwide.
What critics are saying
- ABG depends on licensees; Eddie Bauer operator Catalyst filed Chapter 11 in March 2026.
- Aston Martin creditors threatened July 2026 litigation over Authentic-linked IP transfers, delaying financing.
- If partners underperform, royalty streams erode and Authentic’s portfolio loses credibility with sellers.
What makes Authentic unique
- Authentic turns acquired IP into licensing cash flows, not store operations or inventory.
- Jamie Salter keeps buying culturally durable brands; OVO, Guess, Lee, and Care Bears prove it.
- Vince, Kontoor, and other operators handle execution, letting Authentic scale without heavy capital.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Funding
Total Funding
$1.4B
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
3 Rounds
Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 13%1 year growth
↑ 13%2 year growth
↑ 13%Authentic Brands Group has acquired a majority stake in Drake's lifestyle brand October's Very Own (OVO). The Canadian rapper will retain a minority stake and continue to shape the brand's creative vision. Authentic is partnering with Vince Holding Corp. on design, product development and retailing of OVO products. Drake described Authentic and Vince as "the perfect partners" to help grow the brand he started in Toronto 20 years ago. Jamie Salter, founder and executive chairman of Authentic, praised OVO's cultural influence and sees opportunities to expand into new markets globally. Authentic has become the second largest licensor in the US behind Disney through celebrity partnerships and brand acquisitions including Brooks Brothers, Champion and Sports Illustrated.
"Our job is to protect what people already love about these characters while giving them new ways to feel it all over again," said Simon Philips, Executive Vice President of Character Brands at Authentic.
/PRNewswire/ -- Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand and entertainment platform, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Lee, one of...
Kevin Hart has just signed a deal to give his brand a stronger global presence.
Guess said on Wednesday it has agreed to be taken private by a group, including its co-founders, CEO and Reebok-owner Authentic Brands, in a deal valuing the designer apparel brand at $1.4 billion, including debt.
Authentic is Hiring for 3 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
About Authentic
Industries
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Private
Total Funding
$1.4B
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2010
Authentic is Hiring for 3 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today