ASTRSK may be a mainstay in the tech PR world, but take a look at the agency’s fast-growing wellness and CPG practice, and you’ll know they’re more than a niche firm. Founder and CEO Elliot Tomaeno’s agency has long been supporting startups, and today counts six unicorns on its client roster, not to mention B2B and B2C fintech businesses and brands in the Web3 space. Much of these successes can be credited to the way Tomaneo builds his team and fosters talent: by mentoring young PR minds and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Currently, 40 percent of ASTRSK staff belong to either the AAPI/BIPOC, Latinx and/or LGBTQ+ communities, and 80 percent of ASTRSK staff identify as women. A few years ago, ASTRSK started their annual pro bono contest, which is only open to female, AAPI/BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ founded startups; the winning company gets one year of free, full-scope PR work.
Leadership team:
Elliot Tomaeno, Founder & CEO
Notable long-term clients:
Lemonade Insurance, Industrious, Bonafide, PlayVS, Baked by Melissa, Majority, Motorsport Games, Grover, Out&Back
New client wins:
Swimply, Tandym, Starday, Mode, Pawp, Wally, Clean Origin, GO, Yami, MaC Venture Capital, Bubble
How are you innovating and moving the industry forward?
“We have always had to show quick results for our clients as 99% are startups that move extremely fast – we have always had to be as agile and fast-moving as them. Because of that, we've found a way to build flexible communications strategies that we can begin implementing the first week we kick off with a client. We're also doing a lot more on the metrics and reporting side, including coming up with our own proprietary 'points system' as a way to evaluate the impact of our coverage for our clients.”
Despite having launched less than two years ago, ScienceMagic.Inc (SM.I) is already a leader in the comms space, thanks to its industry vet leadership team and mission-driven strategies. Operating out of London and New York, the B Corp-certified agency works with talent, role models, startups and global brands, especially focusing on purpose-driven initiatives (including sustainability and DEI). Tasked with running campaigns at the forefront of luxury, this year SM.I opened Tiffany & Co's latest traveling exhibition in London at the Saatchi Gallery. The team also produced and amplified eBay's launch campaign for its Luxury Authentication business. New for SM.I: the agency is busy building out a new talent ventures arm, and is also developing capabilities to support clients in Web3.
Leadership team:
Ben Tauber, US President
Claire Birch, Global HR Director
David Pemsel, Chief Executive Officer
Gabriela Scardaccione, Chief Creative Officer
Hannah Matthews, Chief Brand Officer
Henry Holland, Chief Talent Ventures Officer
Julietta Dexter, Chief Growth & Purpose Officer
Simon Domone, Chief Science Officer
Sue Wakefield, Global Finance Director
Notable long-term clients:
Tiffany & Co, Versace, AllBirds, Glossier, diptyque, Canada Goose
New client wins:
eBay, Whispering Angel, SoulCycle
How is the agency advancing DEI in the industry?
“SM.I is constantly evaluating its impact on DEI initiatives and continues to address areas of advancements whenever possible, especially with our pro bono program, which serves and supports the wider community, and specifically Black-owned businesses.”
