Ideas United
Ideas United is an Atlanta-based creative studio producing branded content, integrated campaigns, and live events for enterprise clients across sports, higher education, healthcare, and consumer brands, supported by a proprietary Commons platform and a global iU Community of creative talent.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersAtlanta, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Ideas United does
Ideas United is an Atlanta-based creative studio that produces original and branded content, integrated marketing campaigns, and in-person and virtual events for enterprise clients across four named segments: Brands, Universities & Nonprofits, Health, and Experiences. Founded in the mid-2000s (the firmographics record states 2003; a separate source cites 2015), the firm has operated for approximately twenty years and built a portfolio that includes the NCAA (since 2019), Bridgestone Golf, Invisalign/Align Technology, the Smithsonian Institution, Google, Starbucks, Emory University, and the PGA of America. Service lines span strategic creative, video production, digital and social content, campaign development, broadcast TV creative, and live experiential activations such as the TOUR Championship and Metro Atlanta Chamber annual meetings.
The studio's underlying technology stack is modest in ambition but functional: a proprietary platform called Commons powers custom campaign websites, microsites, and digital experiences for partners (e.g., the Realtor.com 'We Bought A House' contest site, the Emory 2O36 bicentennial website). The structural differentiator is the iU Community — a global network of filmmakers, writers, designers, and creative talent that the studio assembles into tailored project teams, enabling elastic capacity without commensurate fixed-cost headcount. Supporting this is the Emerging Voices Program (EVP), a structured pipeline that runs filmmaker-discovery competitions with partners including PlayStation, DC Universe, ABC, and Google, generating 700-2,500 submissions per program and producing pilots or limited series.
Ideas United generates revenue through project-based professional services fees for campaign development, content production, event execution, and digital platform builds. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and engagements are scoped per project. The go-to-market motion is relationship-driven, leveraging case studies, awards (CASE Circle of Excellence, Emmy nomination), and anchor client testimonials to win enterprise pitches and RFPs. Long-tenure multi-year relationships (NCAA since 2019, Everytown since 2020, Bridgestone multi-campaign) function as recurring revenue proxies in an otherwise project-based model. The company is privately held as Ideas United, LLC, incorporated in Georgia, and received a $15M capital infusion from Kayne Anderson Growth Capital in March 2019.
Ideas United firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ideas United
- Legal name
- Ideas United, LLC
- Website
- https://ideasunited.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Ideas United is an Atlanta-based creative studio producing branded content, integrated campaigns, and live events for enterprise clients across sports, higher education, healthcare, and consumer brands, supported by a proprietary Commons platform and a global iU Community of creative talent.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ideas United industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Creative Services
- NAICS
- Graphic Design Services (541430), Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (711510)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Integrated Full-Service Creative Agencies (MPAAAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Activation/Experiential Creative Agencies (MPAAAAAO), Content Studio & Creative Resourcing (In-house/Embedded Teams) (BPAFAIAJ), Creative Concepting & Campaign Development (BPAFAEAD), Content & Creative Studio for Creators (Concepting/Production) (MPAAAHAD)
Keywords
Where Ideas United is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Atlanta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ideas United business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Creative Services and Campaign Development: Project-based fees for campaign development, content creation, and creative strategy for brands, universities, and nonprofits. Work includes video production, branding, messaging, and multi-platform campaign execution.
- Event Production: In-person and virtual event production services including launch events, galas, conferences, and experiential activations for clients.
- Website and Platform Development: Custom website and microsite development using proprietary Commons platform for campaign launches and digital experiences.
- Original Content Programs: Emerging Voices Program and original content initiatives that create branded entertainment and filmmaker development programs.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ideas United product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ideas United is a creative studio that produces original and branded video content, develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns, and delivers in-person and virtual event production for brands, universities, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations. The studio layers campaign strategy, multi-platform media planning, and custom digital experiences (built on its proprietary Commons platform) on top of production, supported by a global on-demand creative talent community (iU Community).
Product overview
Ideas United is a creative studio and production company offering a unified portfolio of services centered on original and branded content creation, campaign development and execution, and in-person and virtual event production. The core offering includes strategic creative services, video production, digital content, and experiential marketing across four key verticals: universities & nonprofits, brands, health, and experiences. Supporting these services are the Commons platform (proprietary website and microsite builder), the Emerging Voices Program (talent development initiative), and the iU Community (global creative talent network). The studio operates from Atlanta with a distributed global creative community.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Emerging Voices Program (EVP): A program designed to find and mentor rising filmmakers and storytellers, providing opportunities for diverse creators to develop and pitch their concepts.
- Ideas Unwanted
- iU Community
- Commons
Products and services
- Creative Services and Campaign Development End-to-end campaign strategy, creative development, and execution including video production, branding, messaging, and multi-platform campaign rollout for brands, universities, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations.
- Event Production Services In-person and virtual event production services including campaign launch events, galas, conferences, annual meetings, and experiential activations such as AR installations and city-wide lighting takeovers.
- Website and Microsite Development Custom campaign website and microsite development delivered on the proprietary Commons platform, supporting video hosting, content management, and interactive features for partner campaigns and contests.
- Original and Branded Video Content Creation Original short films, docu-style athlete interviews, manifesto videos, anthem videos, and broadcast TV spots produced for brands, sports leagues, universities, and nonprofits.
Quantifiable outcome
- Campaigns have driven 20,000 pre-orders (Bridgestone Golf), $1.88 billion raised (Smithsonian), $1.5 million raised (Sasha Bruce), 292,456 championship attendees (NCAA)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Ideas United
Customer profileNamed customers44 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Ideas United technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Ideas United partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, notable and minor.
- Bridgestone GolfcoreMulti-campaign partnership for Bridgestone Golf including TOUR B Series launch campaign 'The Bridgestone Braintrust' featuring Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Chris Gotterup, and Jason Day. The partnership has produced TV spots, on-site activations, and digital content.
- Emory Universitycore'2O36' bicentennial campaign - the largest campaign in Emory's history. Two CASE Circle of Excellence Awards for campaign launch and website. Features 80+ individuals across 17 schools.
- Invisalign (Align Technology)coreNFL Partnership campaigns 2024-26 featuring NFL stars. Five campaigns produced with docu-style athlete interviews. Content reached 3.73M broadcast viewers on NBC.
- Shepherd Centernotable50th Anniversary video featuring 30+ patient and staff stories in rhythmic 'matching action' format without traditional talking heads.
- East Lake Golf Clubnotable'History in the Making' campaign for year-long course restoration. 36 media placements across golf media including Golf Digest and Golfweek.
- National Runaway SafelineminorYouth engagement campaign with anthem video, social templates, and outreach materials targeting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth.
- Emory HealthcarenotableBrand relaunch partnership including manifesto video, Aurora Portal AR installations, and 'City Pulse' city-wide lighting activation turning 40+ Atlanta buildings green.
- Metro Atlanta ChambernotableAnnual Meeting partnership for three consecutive years (2023-2025) at venues including Georgia Freight Depot and College Football Hall of Fame. Serves 1,000+ attendees including Delta, Southern Company, BlackRock representatives.
- Arnold & Winnie Palmer FoundationnotableArnold Palmer Invitational experiential exhibit and 'Sincerely, Arnold Palmer' legacy campaign. Transformed Palmer's cottage into immersive biographical exhibit with 5,636 attendees.
- Smithsonian InstitutionnotableCampaign celebration for $1.88 billion fundraising campaign. Produced video content and coordinated 6 appreciation events in DC plus 4 regional events in NYC, LA, Chicago, and SF.
- Grady Health Systemminor'Move For Grady' rebrand transforming VeloCity charity cycling event into community movement.
- Southern Companynotable'Tee Up ATL' kickoff celebration for TOUR Championship featuring hip-hop artists 2 Chainz, Jeezy, DJ Drama. Raised funds for Atlanta nonprofits.
- Mercedes-BenznotableEQ Experience internal training program for electric mobility transition. Reimagined guest journey from ground-up with new language, branding, and interactive experiences.
- Piedmont Healthcareminor'Wall of Thanks' campaign featuring surprise physician-patient encounters on backdrop of thank you notes.
- Jobs for the Future (JFF)minorStrategic rebrand including visual identity, mission statement refocus, and content creation for workforce development organization.
- Realtor.comminor'We Bought A House' contest encouraging homebuyers to create original short films. Custom website on Commons platform, 130 submissions, $70,000 in prizes.
- UC Healthminor'Dear UC Health' mini-campaign featuring patient letters for emergency department fundraising, inspired CEO's 'Dear Cincinnati' letter.
- CURE Childhood CancerminorVirtual Believe Ball during pandemic raising $800,000 with Jeff Foxworthy as host, featuring Rock of Ages Hollywood collaboration.
- St. Jude Children's Research HospitalminorVirtual volunteer event recreation maintaining engagement, empathy, and excitement during pandemic.
- Emory University Winship Cancer InstituteminorVirtual Winship 5K with $700,000+ raised, $200,000 over goal, 881 new participants.
- Everytown for Gun SafetynotableGun Sense University partnership since 2020, hosting annual volunteer conferences virtually during pandemic and in-person events featuring VP Kamala Harris (2023) and President Biden (2024).
- NCAAcoreMulti-year partnership since 2019 for championship attendance campaigns across 23 different sports. Created 'Fandom 101' campaign and provides comprehensive media production across broadcast, digital, and social platforms.
- PGA of AmericacoreOngoing partnership for content campaigns including 'Journeys' and TOUR Championship activations. Multiple marketing campaigns executed for PGA Tour events and member communications.
- The Elfenworks FoundationminorAnnual Emerging Voices Competition inviting filmmakers to pitch stories on climate and social justice.
- Gemstone StudiosminorRising Storytellers Search for 19th Amendment centennial. 1,750+ submissions, winner received $30,000 development deal.
- DC UniverseminorDC You: Unscripted fan engagement program with 2,500 submissions. 10 finalists flown to LA, 3 green-lit as limited series.
- ABCminorWomen Filmmaker Initiative discovering female storytellers. Top 10 flown to LA, winner's concept produced as promotional campaign.
- StarbucksnotableMulti-agency partnership for National Coffee Day campaign capturing content in 59 stores across 28 countries using 50 local filmmakers and photographers within a 24-hour period.
- Googlenotable'Infinite Deviation' partnership creating STEAM films by women filmmakers. Films screened at Cannes and Tribeca Film Festivals. Expanded to include game design with 'Infinite Deviation: Games'.
- PlayStationnotablePlayStation Emerging Filmmakers Program - year-long initiative producing shows using iU Community talent. 700+ concepts submitted, 5 pilots produced in Atlanta.
- Atlanta FalconsnotablePSL Campaign for Mercedes-Benz Stadium inaugural season and in-stadium hype video. 65% stadium seats sold, 200,000 social impressions.
Scale indicators30 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ideas United competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Big Spaceship: Mid-sized independent creative and digital agency producing branded content, campaigns, and platform work for major brands — closely comparable in size, structure, and integrated creative-services offering to Ideas United.
- The Sparks Group: Independent agency specializing in experiential marketing, events, and content creation for global brands, with a similar mix of campaign, content, and live activation work targeting enterprise clients.
- Mythology: Independent creative agency producing brand campaigns, video content, and integrated storytelling for major consumer brands — comparable in scale and creative-services positioning to Ideas United.
- Optimist: Independent creative studio producing campaigns, branded content, and digital experiences for enterprise brands, with a comparable mid-sized, project-based integrated creative model.
- MKG: Experiential marketing and creative agency delivering brand activations, events, and content for major brands, with significant overlap with Ideas United's experiences vertical.
- Movements + Shakers: Independent creative agency producing campaigns, video content, and digital experiences with an emphasis on social and cultural storytelling for consumer brands — comparable integrated creative offering.
Broad incumbents
- Huge: Large global digital agency offering strategy, creative, content, and technology services to enterprise brands — a scaled incumbent competing for the same integrated marketing and campaign RFPs as Ideas United.
- R/GA: Global creative innovation agency producing brand campaigns, content, and digital products for major brands — broader scope and scale than Ideas United, but directly competing for similar enterprise creative briefs.
Others
Emerging players
- Meow Wolf: Experiential art and entertainment company producing immersive brand-sponsored installations and original content — comparable in combining immersive experiences, original content, and brand-partnered activations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ideas United social profiles
Digital presenceIdeas United financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ideas United leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Ideas United funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ideas United M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ideas United
What does Ideas United do?
Ideas United is a creative studio that produces original and branded video content, develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns, and delivers in-person and virtual event production for brands, universities, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations. The studio layers campaign strategy, multi-platform media planning, and custom digital experiences (built on its proprietary Commons platform) on top of production, supported by a global on-demand creative talent community (iU Community).
Is Ideas United a public or private company?
Ideas United is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Ideas United founded?
Ideas United was founded in 2015. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Ideas United based?
Ideas United is headquartered in Atlanta, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ideas United make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Creative Services and Campaign Development is the primary driver. The others are event Production, website and Platform Development and original Content Programs.
Who are Ideas United's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Big Spaceship, The Sparks Group, Mythology, Optimist, MKG and Movements + Shakers. Broad incumbents are Huge and R/GA. VMLY&R is listed as an others. Meow Wolf is listed as an emerging player.
Does Ideas United have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ideas United.
What industry is Ideas United in?
Ideas United's product category is Creative Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAAAAAA, Integrated Full-Service Creative Agencies, with a secondary code of MPAAAAAO, Activation/Experiential Creative Agencies. Its NAICS code is 541430 and its SIC code is 7812.