50,000feet Acquires Communications Firm Long Dash to Create a Global Brand Consultancy Powerhouse
CHICAGO (Monday, October 21, 2024) – 50,000feet, an independent brand consulting and creative agency with offices in Chicago, New York and London, has announced its acquisition of brand and communications firm Long Dash. The merger advances 50,000feet’s ability to deliver more comprehensive brand transformation solutions to a diverse global client base.
Founded by The Atlantic magazine, Long Dash brings a unique storytelling approach rooted in journalistic rigor, further enhancing 50,000feet’s ability to create compelling brand narratives that connect deeply with audiences. The acquisition expands 50,000feet’s client roster, bolsters its presence in its core markets and deepens its strategy, research, content and editorial capabilities. Together, the combined agencies will operate as a unified 50,000feet team.
Kate Watts, Long Dash’s CEO and a three-time consultancy founder, notably having served as President of Huge, will assume the role of CEO at 50,000feet.
“I am humbled and excited to lead our combined and talented team,” Watts said. “Long Dash takes a unique approach to helping our clients evolve their brand story with the integrity and accuracy born of a strong journalistic background.”
Watts continued, “50,000feet’s broader capability set within strategy, design and experience will enrich our ability to offer our clients a ‘whole brand’ approach to building their brand’s magnetism and seizing market opportunity.”
Jim Misener, 50,000feet’s current CEO, will transition to the role of President, strengthening the consultancy’s focus on fostering lasting client relationships and driving future growth.
“Long Dash’s unique journalistic approach, which helps clients identify and communicate the stories that best shift opinions, adds to our ability to transform businesses that deliver meaningful and measurable results for our clients,” Misener said. “Kate’s entrepreneurial and proven leadership make her ideal to lead 50,000feet into its next phase of growth.”
Charlie Wrench, Chairman, 50,000feet and former Global CEO of Landor, said, “The combination of these two powerhouse brands bring together an amazing combination of talent and clients which will best serve all involved in our bright future.”
With more than two decades of experience, 50,000feet has served as the lead agency for some of the world’s most respected brands, including BCG, Knoll, and Mastercard. Long Dash partners with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and NGOs such as Abbvie, Salesforce, and SPLC.
In 2023, 50,000feet received a growth investment from Erie Street Growth Partners to unlock next-level growth for the brand transformation consultancy.
About 50,000feet
Founded in 2001, 50,000feet is a global brand consultancy and creative agency with teams in Chicago, New York and London. From brand identity systems, marketing communications and advertising to all facets of digital, 50,000feet combines business acumen, creative excellence and technology innovation to help the most respected brands connect more deeply with their customers, clients and consumers.
About Long Dash
Long Dash, previously known as Atlantic 57, is a brand and communications firm with a unique approach to brand building, reflecting The Atlantic’s focus on journalistic rigor and compelling storytelling. Long Dash partners with Fortune 500 brands, nonprofits and NGOs.
About Erie Street Growth Partners
Erie Street Growth Partners is a private investment firm that partners with founders, management teams, and family office investors to unlock next-level growth. The firm brings strategic capital and value creation strategies to highly disrupted, changing business environments to empower people and organizations, maximize potential, and outsize outcomes. Erie Street invests in founder-led services businesses in the marketing, communications, technology, and entertainment industries. Partners pursuing next-level growth with Erie Street include APCO Worldwide, an advisory and advocacy communications consultancy, Quantum Rise, an AI-native services firm defining the consulting 2.0 model, and Trailer Park Group, the global leader in entertainment marketing and content production.