Llinkedin founder bankrolls Labour's TikTok push against reform

"Labour has appointed FourOneOne, a digital marketing agency set up by figures behind the party's 2024 general election campaign, to provide MPs with social media training and access to influencers. The firm has been tasked with helping Labour politicians sharpen their presence on platforms such as TikTok, which the party increasingly sees as critical to reaching younger voters. FourOneOne's work for Labour has included arranging influencer access to press briefings and high-profile events such as the party conference, in return for social media coverage."

"Corporate filings show that FourOneOne has a minority shareholder, Estratos Digital, a Vienna-based digital agency founded by two former Hungarian Socialist politicians. Estratos itself is backed by Higher Ground Labs, a US venture capital fund with close links to the Democratic Party in the United States. Higher Ground Labs has received funding from a number of prominent tech investors, including Hoffman, Ron Conway, an early backer of Google and PayPal, and Chris Sacca, who has invested in companies such as Twitter, Uber and Instagram."

Reid Hoffman and other Silicon Valley investors have funded organisations backing Labour’s digital push on TikTok to counter Reform UK. Labour engaged FourOneOne to provide MPs with social media training, influencer access, and coaching to strengthen presence among younger voters. Corporate filings show FourOneOne has a minority shareholder, Estratos Digital, which is backed by Higher Ground Labs, a US venture fund with Democratic Party links. Higher Ground Labs has received funding from prominent tech investors. FourOneOne has arranged influencer access to events and offered paid content arrangements, drawing scrutiny over paid progressive posts.

Read at Business Matters