Desksides
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| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | $20.0k | Grant | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Desksides is a public relations firm that has evolved its service delivery model to include a dual-sided digital marketplace connecting brands with journalists. The company was co-founded by Blish Mize Connor and Allison Hogan, two PR veterans with nearly 30 years of combined experience. Their professional relationship began in 2017 when Hogan started as an intern at Mize Connor's PR firm, quickly developing from a mentorship into a dynamic partnership.
The inspiration for Desksides emerged during the pandemic when traditional in-person 'deskside' meetings with journalists went virtual, proving to be just as effective. This realization prompted the founders to create a more streamlined and cost-effective way for brands, particularly smaller businesses, to access media relations services. The initial version of the Desksides platform launched in May 2023 after receiving funding from Digital Sandbox KC. Following the appointment of former Meta and AWS principal engineer Jeffrey Barber as fractional CTO, the platform was relaunched in October 2023.
The core of the business is a digital hub where brands can apply and specify their press goals, while journalists and freelance writers can sign up to indicate the types of stories they are looking to cover. Desksides then facilitates matching on the backend, connecting brands with relevant media professionals for virtual meetings. This model aims to reduce the significant costs associated with hiring a traditional PR firm, making media relationship-building more accessible. In addition to the marketplace, Desksides operates as a full-service PR and branding agency, offering services such as strategic communications, brand narrative development, influencer marketing, strategic partnerships, and affiliate marketing management. They serve a range of clients, from emerging startups to established luxury brands.
Keywords: public relations, media relations, PR platform, brand development, strategic communications, storytelling, influencer marketing, affiliate marketing, media marketplace, journalist connections, brand narrative, PR agency, media outreach, startups, small business PR, digital PR, media partnerships, content strategy, brand awareness, crisis communications