ORLANDO, FL --(Marketwired - July 12, 2016) - IZEA , Inc. (
Bookings increased 36% to $14.3 million in the first half of 2016 from the same year-ago period. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2016, bookings increased 80% to $28.3 million.
"In Q2, bookings continued to grow at a double-digit rate, primarily driven by strong demand for Sponsored Social and, to a lesser extent, our larger salesforce," said Ted Murphy, Chairman and CEO of IZEA. "During the quarter, average deal size and new opportunity pipeline reached all-time record levels. However, the increase in average deal size was accompanied by increased transaction complexity and lead times, shifting some bookings to the third quarter."
During the second quarter, the company added 10 sales representatives, bringing the total number of sales representatives to 50. "We are currently onboarding the new sales reps that were added in the quarter, and expect them to gain traction beginning in the fourth quarter," said Murphy.
"Over the last three years, the majority of our bookings have been in the second half of the year," continued Murphy. "Given this bookings trend, our expanded sales force, and record new opportunity pipeline, we believe we are on track to achieve record bookings this year."
IZEA reiterates its outlook for the full year of 2016. Bookings in 2016 are expected to range between $33 million and $35 million, which would represent an increase of 35% to 43% from 2015. Based on historical bookings and current large opportunities in the pipeline, the company expects 30% to 35% of 2016 annual bookings to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2016.
The company plans to provide full financial results for the second quarter of 2016 on August 11, 2016.
About IZEA IZEA operates the premier online marketplace that connects brands with influential content creators. IZEA creators range from leading bloggers and social media personalities to A-list celebrities and professional journalists. Creators are compensated for developing and distributing unique content on behalf of brands including long form text, videos, photos and status updates. Brands receive influential consumer content and engaging, shareable stories that drive awareness. For more information about IZEA, visit http://corp.izea.com .
Important Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release that are forward-looking include future market values and launch dates. These forward-looking statements are based largely on IZEA's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond IZEA's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, competitive conditions in the social sponsorship segment in which IZEA operates, failure to popularize one or more of the marketplace platforms of IZEA, inability to obtain additional capital on a timely basis, difficulties in integrating platforms and achieving expected benefits from acquisitions, and changing economic conditions that are less favorable than expected. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this press release will in fact occur. Please read the full statement and disclosures here: http://corp.izea.com/safe-harbor-statement .
Investor Relations for IZEA: Ronald A. Both Liolios Investor Relations (949) 574-3860 Email contact
