2016-2017

Co-founders Olly and Alex met at WPP working on the EE Telecoms transition. Their partnership merged Olly’s digital ad expertise with Alex’s full-channel media planning.

Moving together to Essence, WPP’s digital agency, they continued managing top-tier accounts. This era cemented the strategic bond that now defines Bambu.

A portrait image of Alex Kaplan and Oliver Springate

Close-up of yellow and green bamboo stalks with some leaves and background foliage.

2018

Olly made the decision to leave his role at Essence, to work as a freelancer helping SMEs to accelerate their marketing.

Alex, our other co-founder, also decided to leave Essence to be able to spend more time with his parents who were living in Thailand.

2019

The concept was born at the Lore of the Land pub in Fitzrovia. Discussing their shared potential, Alex and Olly realized their combined skills could offer something unique to clients.

Months of planning across London turned the idea into reality. They chose "Bambu" to symbolize rapid growth, adopting the Asian spelling to reflect their presence in the region and stand out.

Dense bamboo stalks with green leaves in a natural outdoor setting.

Sunlight shining through tall bamboo stalks in a dense bamboo forest casting long shadows on the ground.

2019 - 2020

In September 2019, Bambu achieved its first breakthrough by signing a startup interior design client for web development and ad campaigns.

By 2020, Alex relocated to Bangkok to establish operations in Asia. Shortly after arriving, he took what was intended to be a brief two-week trip to Manila to connect with potential clients.

Everything after

COVID stranded Alex in the Philippines just as Bambu incorporated on the first day of the UK lockdown. Despite the timing, the agency turned the challenge into an opportunity by pivoting quickly to support the e-commerce boom.

By 2021, Bambu had leveraged Manila’s technical talent to stabilize and grow, serving 20 clients globally. What began as a logistical nightmare became a key strategic advantage.

Dense bamboo forest with tall, green stalks and leafy branches.

Sunlight filtering through tall, dense bamboo stalks in a vibrant green bamboo forest.

Bambu today

Today, the agency operates a dual-hub model with Alex in Manila and Olly in London. This structure provides near 24-hour coverage, blending technical expertise with high-level strategy to drive client growth

What brand leaders say about working with Bambu

See how we’ve helped brands achieve their goals

What I love about working with Bambu is the open communication and active collaboration I have experienced with their teams. We’ve experienced robust digital growth and gained helpful insights and learnings that have helped build our online channels”

Bambu offers best practices and is committed to working with digital marketing. Highly advised for digital marketing. Awesome!

Mark Claus

from Google Reviews

Bambu excels in delivering targeted digital marketing solutions with a focus on innovation and results. Their strategic approach and creative campaigns consistently drive client success, making them a top choice in the Philippines market.

Aldrin Miguel

from Google Reviews

Bambu is a reliable and expert digital marketing agency. They are systematic and knows how to navigate their client's needs. Definitely recommended for your digital marketing needs!

Joanabel Adorino

from Google Reviews

Bambu: A top-tier digital marketing agency in the Philippines. Exceptional results, creative strategies, and client-centric approach. Strong industry presence and continuous growth. Trusted partner for businesses seeking impactful online presence. Highly recommended.

Ryan Luha

from Google Reviews

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