Freelancer.com announced the acquisition of Fantero.com, a Ukraine-based virtual content marketplace within the design and freelance communities. Populated with a collection of almost one million unique items of digital content from over 100,000 users, the marketplace specialises in stock photos, web templates, audio, music, flash and video files, as well as 3D models, plugins and scripts. This diverse range of content is expected to be a valuable resource for Freelancer’s user base of 10.7 million users. 

Financial details of the acquisition were not released.

Fantero evolved out of BuyStockNetwork, an early pioneer in the virtual content landscape, which later changed its name to Albumo. Founded by entrepreneurs Max Basaraba and Zakhar “Zak” Chumak, Albumo provided a platform for up and coming photographers to monetise the images they owned. This image focused concept was expanded to become the diversified digital content marketplace, Fantero. 

Founders Max and Zak remain committed to helping Fantero grow as part of the Freelancer community and believe: “The acquisition will help expand Fantero’s vision to build a complete cycle ecosystem where job seekers meet employers and have all of the digital tools and assets in place to fulfill any job.” 

Freelancer CEO Matt Barrie recognises that: “Fantero is an excellent fit with our Freelancer community. Freelancers are constantly producing all sorts of digital content, and this is an excellent way to monetise these assets - in addition, the resource will help increase productivity and provide immediate value for those working on thousands of projects posted on Freelancer every day.”

The acquisition of Fantero will be funded from the Company’s existing cash reserves and is not expected to have a material impact on revenue in FY14.