Build in Amsterdam acquired by US-based Front Row to strengthen global e-commerce services

Front Row, a New York-based e-commerce agency and growth accelerator, announced the acquisition of Build in Amsterdam, a Dutch branding agency specialised in e-commerce.

Founded in 2013 by Daan Klaver and Tim Weers, Build in Amsterdam is a Shopify-focused agency that designs and develops digital stores for fashion and lifestyle brands. 

The company brings together strategy, branding, and technology in one setup, allowing it to manage projects from start to finish. 

Its work is guided by a design approach that connects with users while being supported by structured execution. The company’s guiding principle is: “We build. We lead. We care. We never stop.”

Aim of the acquisition

Front Row provides marketplace management, digital marketing, and retail media services to global brands. With the acquisition of Build in Amsterdam, Front Row expands its ability to provide end-to-end commerce services. 

Front Row can now support brands throughout the entire e-commerce process, from planning and design to development and continuous improvement across sales channels. 

This move aims to reduce fragmentation in the direct-to-consumer space. Build in Amsterdam adds clients such as Mammut, Polaroid, and Suitsupply to Front Row’s portfolio.

Yuriy Boykiv, CEO of Front Row, says, “At Front Row, we’re building a connected commerce platform that brings together strategy, technology, and creativity to fuel e-commerce growth for today’s leading brands.”

“Adding Build in Amsterdam’s world-class Shopify and design capabilities strengthens how we launch, scale, and optimise digital experiences. Their creative and technical excellence perfectly complements our full-funnel digital marketing and marketplace offering, helping brands stand out, convert more, and grow faster.”

The acquisition also expands Front Row’s Shopify and creative services and extends its reach in markets across North America and Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It combines services such as strategic consulting, digital branding, web development, performance tracking, and customer lifecycle management within a single organisation.

Daan Klaver, co-founder and Creative Director of Build in Amsterdam, adds, “At Build in Amsterdam, we always had the dream of becoming a global-full service e-commerce and branding agency.”

“By joining Front Row, we take a huge leap toward our dream becoming reality. By combining our services, we take a unique proposition in this fast-changing e-commerce landscape.”

The Front Row’s acquisition supports a focus on long-term client service through Build in Amsterdam’s recurring revenue model. The partnership allows brands to reduce the number of vendors they work with, maintain steady execution, and engage with a partner familiar with all stages of digital growth.

Brief about Front Row

Front Row is an e-commerce accelerator and marketing agency that supports brands in growing their online business. With offices in San Diego, Hamburg, and Bratislava, the company uses its own technology platform, Catapult, to manage and expand brand operations globally. 

Its services include brand strategy, market expansion, content production, logistics, design, and branding. 

Front Row also provides support in marketplace growth, e-commerce operations, digital marketing, and business analytics. It works with brands such as OUAI, Essity, Wella, and Tatcha.