50,000feet Receives Investment from Erie Street Growth Partners
Strategic capital and transformational partnership to unlock next-level growth for growing brand transformation consultancy
CHICAGO, Ill. – June 15, 2023 – 50,000feet, an independent global brand consultancy and creative agency leading transformation and activation for the world’s most respected brands, including BCG, Mastercard, and Knoll, announced today that it has received a growth investment from Erie Street Growth Partners (“Erie Street”), a private investment firm that partners with founders, management teams, and family office investors to unlock next-level growth.
The investment will support the strategic growth of 50,000feet’s continued expansion of its offering, operational infrastructure, and geographic footprint as the business scales to meet increasing client demand for brand transformation in a digitally transformed world.
50,000feet will retain its independence, with CEO Jim Misener reporting to Jerry Graunke, President of Erie Street. Chris Prescher will continue as Chief Strategy Officer, 50,000feet, and Ken Fox will be elevated to Chief Creative Officer, 50,000feet.
“The work of brands has quickly become to develop and deliver significant business value through integrated, innovative, and creatively-driven transformation,” said Misener. “We’re excited to partner with Erie Street to deepen our capabilities and continue creating exceptional work for our clients, as we redefine the category of what it means to be a strategic brand partner in a digitally transformed world.”
“50,000feet was founded in 2001, not long after the internet began disrupting the way brands interact and engage with consumers. Since then, digital disruption – along with shifts in consumer behaviors and expectations – has only continued to increase the demand for brand transformation,” said Jerry Graunke, President, Erie Street Growth Partners. “We look forward to continuing the trusted partnership we have built over the last year with Jim, Chris and Ken as we turn disruption into transformational growth.”
The move further accelerates the agency’s growth momentum. Within three years, 50,000feet has grown its team by 30 percent to help clients define and design paradigms that enable brand and business transformation. In 2020, 50,000feet joined forces with the preeminent design firm, Carbone Smolan Agency, opening an office in New York City to bring the best in brand experience by delivering insightful strategy, content development, design and digital activation. The agency expanded its offerings in February 2023 with the launch of a health and wellness practice, which was followed by a May announcement with plans to open an office in London to serve its growing roster of global brand clients.
7 Mile Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor to 50,000feet on the transaction.
About 50,000feet
With offices in Chicago and New York, 50,000feet is an independent global brand consultancy and creative agency that develops integrated brand experiences for the world’s most respected brands. From brand identity systems, marketing communications and advertising to all facets of digital, 50,000feet uses strategy, design and technology to help brands connect more deeply with their customers.