Introducing Pembe The Pink Cat at Brands Retail Winter 25
Ian Downes director of Start Licensing talks about the IP they are representing for Licensed Merchandise in the the UK
What brand will you be presenting at Winter 25 ?
We will be presenting Pembe the Pink Cat.
Pembe has been created by the very talented Sertan Christoffersen. Sertan is based in Denmark and is a highly experienced designer. He has worked with brands such as LEGO and Disney. Through his consultancy Cute Explode he has worked on a number of successful character licensing franchises.
Pembe is the product of his creative approach to character development combined with his commerciality. Developing Pembe has allowed him to bring something truly personal to life – a character that reflects empathy, inclusivity, and self-expression, and resonates with a global audience.
What platforms is the IP on and are there any future release plans in 25 ?
Pembe’s launch platform has been Giphy – using GIFs and stickers. Sertan has developed a considerable library of assets for this platform and has been able to keep Pembe’s output on the platform fresh, contemporary and engaging. It is a strategy and route to market that is paying off. In mid-October Sertan was able to announce on Linked In that Pembe had reach a milestone – receiving over 1 million Gif and sticker views daily. As Sertan observed this really shows how Pembe is connecting with people and is a character brand consumers have an empathy with.
Are you looking for NEW licensees and Retailers ?
Yes.
Pembe the Pink Cat was a real hit at BLE. Collectively we left ExCel with a great list of companies to follow up with. Conversations are underway but we are happy to have more conversations. Hence attending this event. Some apparel product will be launching late in 2024 in the UK thanks to the support and endorsement of a retail buying team. They recognised that Pembe is ‘on trend’ for them.
We have a relatively blank sheet of pink paper in front of us at the moment…but one that I don’t think will be blank for long ! - Ian Downes - Start Licensing
