EXCLUSIVE: Neon16, the company founded by former Sony Music boss Tommy Mottola, Lex Borrero and reggaeton producer Tainy, is set to produce content with the parent company of chef and former MasterChef judge Aarón Sánchez after striking a partnership.
Neon16 has struck a deal with Mecenas, which owns Sánchez’s company Cocina.
The two companies are developing long and short-form content that they say is “emotionally resonant” and “socially impactful” and focuses on “cross-cultural segments”, particularly in the brand space.
Neon16 comprises of Ntertain Studios and culture marketing agency. The deal will leverage Neon16’s access to talent such as Tainy, Alex Ponce, Frank Rio and Will Smith, which it recently signed to its record label, while Mecenas will handle distribution.
The two companies are currently developing programming around racing in Mexico City and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
“Neon16 has always been about creating culture and building platforms that allow talent and stories to thrive,” said Lex Borrero, Co-Founder and CEO of Neon16. “Partnering with Mecenas allows us to expand that vision with a company that shares our values and has the scale and infrastructure to make a meaningful impact across multicultural audiences.”
“Mecenas exists to connect brands with communities in an authentic, effective way,” said Emiliano Saccone, Founder and CEO of Mecenas. “This partnership with Neon16 allows us to scale that promise by bringing cinematic storytelling and creative firepower to our brand and distribution partners. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Lex, Tainy, and the whole Neon16 team.”
