Branded Cities Network

What Branded Cities Network does

Branded Cities Network is a private North American Out-of-Home (OOH) media company founded in 1998 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with additional offices in New York. The company operates a portfolio of digital spectaculars (large-format full-motion LED displays) and static billboards concentrated in the most premium advertising locations in the United States and Canada — including Times Square, the Las Vegas Strip, Yonge & Dundas Square in Toronto, Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal, and high-traffic corridors in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Denver, and multiple Canadian markets. The company has secured long-term exclusive contracts with marquee landlords including Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts (ARIA), The Durst Organization, Rudin Management, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Lightstone, Cadillac Fairview, and Triple Five Group (American Dream), giving it exclusive sales rights over trophy assets such as the 18,000+ sq ft Caesars Palace digital spectacular, the 17,000 sq ft Horseshoe, the 10,500+ sq ft Midtown Financial at 3 Times Square, and the trans-Atlantic 'The United' network developed jointly with Ocean Outdoor.

The company's core technology platform combines proprietary LED hardware with creative formats including Dreamroom 3D and Deepscreen, and it has integrated with VIOOH's Supply-Side Platform to enable programmatic digital out-of-home (DOOH) buying through 34 global Demand-Side Platform partners including The TradeDesk, Yahoo DSP, and AdQuick. Additional integrations include Environics Analytics for audience demographic targeting and DIVE Networks for mobile/live social integration with displays. Branded Cities serves enterprise advertisers including Apple, Netflix, OpenAI, Microsoft, Nike, Gucci, Prada, Disney, UFC, AMEX, Rolex, Ray-Ban|Meta, and Johnnie Walker, selling premium OOH inventory through direct enterprise sales, media agency partnerships, and programmatic channels on a quote-based pricing model. The company is owned by EL Media (affiliate of The Ellman Companies) and Shamrock Capital, with Steven Ellman serving as Chairman & CEO and Vaibhav Gupta as President & COO of the US division.

Name

Branded Cities Network

Legal name

Branded Cities Network

Website

https://brandedcities.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Branded Cities Network is a North American Out-of-Home media company operating premium digital spectaculars and static billboards in Times Square, the Las Vegas Strip, and 18+ major US and Canadian markets, selling advertising inventory to enterprise brands like Apple, Netflix, Nike, and Disney through direct sales and programmatic DOOH channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Out-of-Home Advertising Media

NAICS

Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (54185), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (541850)

SIC

Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro primary industry

Large-Format / Spectacular OOH (Building Wraps, Digital Spectaculars) (MPAAAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Large-Format & Spectaculars (Building Wraps, 3D, Landmarks) (BPAFALAH), Static Billboards & Posters (Roadside, Wallscapes) (BPAFALAA)

Keywords

• Out-of-home advertising
• Digital spectacular signage
• Programmatic DOOH media
• Static billboard advertising
• Premium advertising inventory

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. OOH Advertising Sales: Branded Cities generates revenue by selling advertising space on their digital and static Out-of-Home media inventory across premier locations in North America. This includes iconic digital spectaculars in Times Square, Las Vegas Strip, and major Canadian intersections. Revenue is earned through direct sales to brands and agencies, as well as through programmatic platforms.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Branded Cities Network sells advertising space on a portfolio of large-format digital spectaculars and static billboards positioned in iconic, high-traffic locations across North America (Times Square, Las Vegas Strip, Yonge & Dundas Square, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Port Authority Bus Terminal, and others). The company sells media inventory directly to brands and media agencies, including programmatic DOOH access through VIOOH's SSP, and offers campaign planning, creative/production, activation, and real estate services to support OOH buys.

Product overview

Branded Cities is an Out-of-Home (OOH) media company operating a network of digital and static signage across North America. The company offers a platform of premier digital spectaculars and static billboards positioned in iconic locations including Times Square, the Las Vegas Strip, and major Canadian intersections. The core product portfolio consists of Digital Spectaculars (large-format full-motion LED displays) and Static Billboards, supplemented by campaign planning tools including the Mapping Tool, Creative & Production Services, and Activate services. The company also provides Real Estate Services for property owners seeking to develop OOH signage opportunities. Geographic coverage spans 9 U.S. markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas) plus Canadian markets (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). Notable premium offerings include The United (trans-Atlantic DOOH network with Ocean Outdoor) and specialized capabilities for Dreamroom 3D and Deepscreen creative formats. The company is owned by EL Media and Shamrock Capital.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Spectaculars Large-format full-motion LED digital displays located in iconic, high-traffic North American environments. Advertisers and media agencies buy media placements on these screens to reach captive audiences with dynamic, real-time creative content across 9 U.S. markets and 4 Canadian markets.
• Static Billboards Large-format static signage installations in high-traffic urban locations, providing 24/7 brand presence without animation. Sold to advertisers and media agencies as part of integrated OOH campaigns.
• The United Trans-Atlantic DOOH Network Super-premium transatlantic digital out-of-home advertising network co-developed with Ocean Outdoor, offering simultaneous domination of premier digital screens in New York, Los Angeles, and London (Piccadilly Lights). Targeted at global brands seeking trans-border iconic media placements.
• Creative & Production Services In-house creative and production services that help advertisers develop and execute high-impact, eye-catching creative for OOH placements on Branded Cities' digital and static inventory. Sold to brands and agencies purchasing OOH media.
• Activate Campaign Services Campaign activation services that enable brands to leverage Branded Cities' iconic media assets for immersive brand experiences and marketing activations.
• Real Estate Services Full-service real estate capabilities for property owners and developers seeking OOH signage opportunities, including master planning, brandscape evaluation, sign massing, financial modeling, technology assessment and integration, governmental process/entitlements, construction and operations, and sales and marketing support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 860,000 daily visitors reached at Yonge & Dundas Square
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• MGM Resorts / ARIA Resort & CasinocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2025Exclusive agreement to manage advertising on prominent LED display at ARIA Resort & Casino on Las Vegas Strip. Full-motion digital spectacular providing premium visibility to upscale travelers, featuring during key tentpole events including Las Vegas Grand Prix, AWS re:Invent, and CES.
• Triple Five GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2025Exclusive agreement for American Dream's exterior digital and static spectaculars in New Jersey meadowlands. Includes ten large-format digital faces, four static bulletins, and 'The Dream' - an 18,000 sq.ft. digital spectacular spanning nearly two football fields.
• Jamison PropertiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2024Exclusive agreement to represent and sell advertising on digital spectacular at Opus luxury high-rise on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. The 'Wilshire East' is a 1,600+ sq.ft. digital display at intersection linking Beverly Hills to Downtown LA.
• Caesars EntertainmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2023Exclusive partnership for 'The Horseshoe' digital spectacular at Las Vegas Strip intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road. Standing 180 feet tall with 17,000 sq.ft., one of the largest digital signs on the Strip. Also later added Caesars Palace spectacular at 210 feet with 18,000+ sq.ft.
• Ocean OutdoorflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 January 2023Launch of 'The United' - a super premium transatlantic DOOH network combining four premier digital screens: New York's TS2 (Nasdaq and Midtown Financial), Los Angeles' The Moxy, and London's Piccadilly Lights. Enables simultaneous 30-minute dominations across three cities. Incorporates Dreamroom 3D and Deepscreen technologies.
• Rudin ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2022Partnership for re-development of $9 million 'Midtown Financial' (MiFi) digital spectacular at 3 Times Square. At over 10,500 sq.ft. with 40% size increase over predecessor, one of the largest displays in North America reaching nearly 300 feet.
• VIOOHcoreTechnology or Integration · 5 October 2021Partnership enables programmatic digital out-of-home advertising through VIOOH's Supply-Side Platform. Provides access to 34 global Demand-Side Platform partners including The TradeDesk, Yahoo DSP, and AdQuick, allowing more advertisers to create high-impact, data-driven DOOH campaigns at Branded Cities' landmark destinations.
• LightstonecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 September 2021Exclusive rights to market premium digital and spectacular advertising at new Moxy and AC Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles. Over 22,000 sq.ft. of signage including 15,000 sq.ft. of continuous full-motion digital display directly across from LA Convention Center and STAPLES Center.
• Rogers Sports & MediacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2021Long-term agreement for re-development of Rogers Tower at Yonge & Dundas in Toronto. Installation of 34ft x 90ft digital display offering 10-second ad spots over 3-minute loop. Fourth media acquisition at Canada's busiest intersection.
• GH Media GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 December 2020Exclusive long-term representation agreement for 'bLVd' digital spectacular at Las Vegas Strip intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sands Avenue. At 7,875 sq.ft., one of the largest digital signs on the Strip. Partnership enables Branded Cities to reach 90% of Las Vegas market.
• The Durst OrganizationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 December 2020Exclusive representation agreement for 'Broadway Plaza Digital' full-motion LED display at 151 West 42nd Street in Times Square. At over 1,800 sq.ft., the screen targets high-income consumers and business professionals near Nasdaq Stock Exchange.
• Port Authority of New York and New JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2020Exclusive agreement to develop and sell digital and spectacular advertising at Port Authority Bus Terminal and George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Digital signage deployment anticipated to roll out in 2021 with state-of-the-art displays providing real-time alerts and dynamic content.
• BentallGreenOakcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2019Partnership to add 24,856 sq.ft. of signage including 10,995 sq.ft. of digital media and 13,861 sq.ft. of large format static at 10 Dundas East in Canada's busiest intersection (Yonge & Dundas Square). Reaches 860,000 daily visitors.
• Cadillac FairviewcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2019Roll-out of new digital spectacular network at CF Toronto Eaton Centre featuring 5 new installations: South Elevator, Central Elevator, Service Desk, and curved digital by Urban Eatery food court. North America's busiest mall with 53+ million annual visitors.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• JCDecaux: Global OOH leader with a strong street furniture and transit-advertising portfolio. Comparable to Branded Cities as a large diversified OOH incumbent; competes indirectly through scale and digital capabilities.

Regional players

• Pattison Outdoor Advertising: Canadian outdoor advertising company (part of the Jim Pattison Group) with transit, billboard, and digital formats across Canada. Closest Canadian competitor to Branded Cities Canada in the Toronto and other major-market OOH landscape.
• Stroer SE & Co. KGaA: Leading German OOH media company with significant digital out-of-home (DOOH) operations across Europe. Comparable to Branded Cities through its DOOH premium-location strategy, though primarily a European competitor.

Direct peers

• Lamar Advertising Company: One of the largest outdoor advertising companies in North America with a heavy billboard focus. Comparable to Branded Cities as a static-billboard operator expanding into digital, though Lamar's footprint is far broader geographically.
• Outfront Media: Major US-based OOH media company operating billboards, transit, and digital displays nationwide. Closest direct competitor to Branded Cities in US premium digital spectacular inventory and agency-relationship scale.
• Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings: One of the largest OOH media owners globally with a broad portfolio of billboards, transit, and digital signage across the US. Directly comparable to Branded Cities as a competing inventory owner; Branded Cities' own Canada business originated from acquiring Clear Channel Outdoor Canada in 2017.
• Ocean Outdoor: UK-based premium DOOH operator in landmark locations including Piccadilly Lights. Direct peer in the high-end digital spectacular niche and current partner via 'The United' trans-Atlantic network.
• Intersection: US-based OOH and place-based media company that operates premium digital signage in transit hubs and iconic urban locations. Closely comparable to Branded Cities in the high-traffic digital spectacular space, particularly in NYC and transit environments.

Emerging players

• Captivate: North American digital OOH network focused on elevator and office-building screens. Adjacent DOOH operator with narrower venue focus than Branded Cities; competes for digital ad budgets rather than physical locations.

Others

• Vistar Media: Leading programmatic DOOH supply-side platform enabling automated buying across OOH inventory. Comparable as an ecosystem enabler partnering with Branded Cities; indirectly competes as the SSP layer that could disintermediate media owners over time.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BrandedCities
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHUdiFXlh-uPmWuZlC1k7Lg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/branded-cities
• Instagraminstagram.com/brandedcities
• Facebookfacebook.com/brandedcities

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Branded Cities Network