Graphicacy
Graphicacy is a Washington, DC-based data visualization consultancy (founded 2012, 1-10 employees) that designs custom interactive dashboards, scrollytelling narratives, geospatial maps, and motion graphics for nonprofits, research institutions, government agencies, and foundations including the World Bank, WHO, Gates Foundation, and Johns Hopkins.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Graphicacy does
Graphicacy is a Washington, DC-based data visualization consultancy founded in 2012, operating with a team of 1-10 employees as a private professional services firm. The firm designs and builds custom interactive dashboards, scrollytelling narratives, motion graphics, geospatial mapping applications, and information design artifacts for mission-driven organizations across nonprofit, advocacy, government, and research sectors. Its portfolio includes named platforms such as VIEW-hub (global vaccine data for Johns Hopkins), the World Bank Gender Data Portal (~1,000 pages, 200+ countries), Gun Violence Data Hub (The Trace), LawAtlas (Temple University), Systems Change Lab (World Resources Institute), Pew Fiscal 50, Distressed Communities Index, and the Urban Upward Mobility Dashboard, alongside COVID-19 visualizations for Johns Hopkins recognized as a TIME Best Invention of 2020.
Graphicacy's technology stack combines modern JavaScript frameworks (Angular) with commercial and open-source geospatial and visualization platforms including Mapbox, Google Earth Engine, Tableau, DataWrapper, Flourish, and Redivis, along with content management systems such as Drupal, WordPress, and Airtable as backends. The firm's distinguishing technical capability is end-to-end data product delivery: discovery, design, engineering, UX/UI, and deployment of complex interactive experiences covering datasets at national and global scale (e.g., 25,000+ zip codes for EIG DCI, 113 map layers for VIEW-hub). Selectable backend solutions, including Google Sheets-as-database, demonstrate pragmatism in enabling non-technical client teams to update visualizations.
The business model is project-based professional services with direct sales motion to large institutional clients. Graphicacy engages through RFPs, networking at industry events (e.g., COP27), and client referrals, working with organizations such as the World Bank, WHO, Gates Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts, Urban Institute, Vera Institute, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Johns Hopkins. Revenue is generated via discovery-to-deployment project engagements priced individually; no public pricing exists. Marketing relies on a Medium blog, project showcases, and earned media from awards including Information is Beautiful 2023 Shortlist and TIME recognition.
Graphicacy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Graphicacy
- Legal name
- Graphicacy
- Website
- https://graphicacy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Graphicacy is a Washington, DC-based data visualization consultancy (founded 2012, 1-10 employees) that designs custom interactive dashboards, scrollytelling narratives, geospatial maps, and motion graphics for nonprofits, research institutions, government agencies, and foundations including the World Bank, WHO, Gates Foundation, and Johns Hopkins.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Graphicacy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Data Visualization Consulting Services
- NAICS
- Graphic Design Services (541430)
- SIC
- Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Graphic Design & Visual Content Production (BPAFAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Visual Identity & Brand Design Systems (BPAFAEAC), Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design (MPAHACAC)
Keywords
Where Graphicacy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Graphicacy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Professional Services - Data Visualization Projects: Project-based professional services engagements where Graphicacy designs and builds custom data visualizations, interactive dashboards, scrollytelling experiences, and motion graphics for clients. Engagements typically involve discovery, design, development, and deployment phases.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Graphicacy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Graphicacy is a professional services firm that designs and builds custom data visualizations, interactive dashboards, scrollytelling experiences, geospatial mapping applications, and motion graphics for mission-driven organizations. Engagements follow a discovery, design, development, and deployment process, transforming complex multidimensional datasets into accessible, interactive visual stories for policymakers, journalists, researchers, and the general public.
Product overview
Graphicacy is a data visualization consultancy offering interactive dashboards, scrollytelling narratives, motion graphics and animation, geospatial mapping, and information design services to government agencies, nonprofits, research institutions, and advocacy organizations. The portfolio is organized around distinct interactive web applications and visualization platforms—VIEW-hub (vaccine data), World Bank Gender Data Portal (gender statistics), Gun Violence Data Hub (firearms data), LawAtlas (public health law), Systems Change Lab (climate and biodiversity), America After 3PM (afterschool data), Equitable Value Explorer (higher education outcomes), Pew Fiscal 50 (state fiscal health), Distressed Communities Index (economic disparities), and Urban Upward Mobility Dashboard (upward mobility indicators)—each built as a custom interactive experience tailored to the client's data, audience, and policy goals. These platforms share core methodologies including scrollytelling, geospatial mapping, interactive data exploration, and real-time data management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Interactive Data Dashboards Custom-built interactive dashboards that allow non-technical users to explore, filter, and analyze complex datasets. Delivered to government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions. Recent examples include the Urban Upward Mobility Dashboard (24 indicators for 480+ cities) and the Pew Fiscal 50 platform (50 U.S. states across fiscal and economic indicators).
- Scrollytelling Data Narratives Narrative-driven data experiences that combine storytelling with embedded visualizations to walk audiences through complex data. Built for clients such as the Center for American Women and Politics, The New School, Everytown for Gun Safety, and the Institute for Higher Education Policy.
- Geospatial Mapping Applications Interactive map-based data visualization platforms using Mapbox and Google Earth Engine, enabling exploration of data across geographic layers. Notable examples include the VIEW-hub vaccine data platform (113 map layers), the EIG Distressed Communities Index, and the One Earth Global Safety Net Data Viewer.
- Motion Graphics & Animation Animated video and motion graphic content that communicates data-driven stories for advocacy and public awareness. Produced for clients such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Center for American Progress, and the New School's Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy.
- Information Design & Data Visualization Consulting Discovery, ideation, prototyping, and design of data visualizations and information graphics. Combines analytical thinking with visual storytelling to help organizations identify the most effective ways to present their data. Engaged by clients such as the Gates Foundation, World Resources Institute, and Pew Charitable Trusts.
- Data Management Solutions & CMS Integration Backend data architecture and content management integration, typically using Drupal, WordPress, Airtable, or Google Sheets. Enables non-technical client staff to update data and visualizations without developer support, as deployed for the VIEW-hub platform, World Bank Gender Data Portal, and the Afterschool Alliance.
- UX/UI Design & Interactive Engineering User experience, interface design, and front-end engineering services for interactive data products. Combines design thinking with technical implementation using Angular, React, and similar frameworks. Delivered alongside dashboard and application projects for clients across sectors.
Quantifiable outcome
- VIEW-hub platform reduced data update times from days to near-real-time
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Graphicacy
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Graphicacy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
Feature4 records
Graphicacy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and strategic.
- Google Earth EnginecorePartnership with Google Earth Engine for building interactive geospatial visualization applications. Used for One Earth's Global Safety Net Data Viewer, enabling advanced satellite imagery and Earth observation data integration.
- MapboxcoreGeospatial mapping technology partner used across multiple projects including VIEW-hub, EIG Distressed Communities Index, ADL H.E.A.T. Map, CAP Childcare Deserts, and other map-based data visualization tools.
- AirtablecoreCloud database platform used in rebuilding VIEW-hub for Johns Hopkins IVAC, enabling non-developer data management for the vaccine data platform.
- AngularcoreFront-end framework used for building interactive VIEW-hub platform for Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
- DataWrappercoreIndustry-standard data visualization tool used for The Trace's Gun Violence Data Hub, allowing staff to create custom charts without coding.
- RediviscoreCloud-based data analysis and sharing platform used for The Trace project, enabling journalists to wrangle complex data structures.
- Google SheetscoreOpen-source backend solution using Google Sheets as database, enabling Centre for Cities staff to update data visualizations without technical support.
- TableaucoreDashboard platform used for North Carolina DHHS COVID-19 dashboards redesign, enabling accessible self-service analytics for the health department team.
- DrupalcoreContent management system used for multiple projects including VIEW-hub, Aspen Institute CEP, and MESA websites, providing flexible backend for complex data sites.
- WordPresssupportingCMS platform used across various projects for clients who needed content management capabilities alongside data visualizations.
- 3 is a pattern (Eli Holder)strategicDesign and engineering partner collaborated with on LawAtlas revamp for Temple University's Center for Public Health Law Research.
- 3 is a patternstrategicPartner agency that built the scrollytelling overview page for IHEP's Equitable Value Explorer project.
- Allegiance GroupsupportingTechnology and marketing experts collaborated with on Everytown for Gun Safety mass shootings scrollytelling report, built in WordPress and React.
- Allegiance GroupsupportingBuilt the Everytown mass shootings report in WordPress and React, allowing full content control for the client.
- Neimand CollaborativestrategicPartnership with Neimand Collaborative on North Carolina DHHS COVID-19 dashboard redesign project.
- OutrightstrategicInteractive agency partner for Systems Change Lab platform with World Resources Institute and Bezos Earth Fund, collaborated on dashboard and visualization development.
- Daily KossupportingSource for unique tile cartogram used in Grassroots Analytics PrimaryCast tool, accurately sizing states by congressional district count.
- AdvomaticsupportingPartnered with Advomatic and their client ADL to visualize extremism and anti-Semitism incidents across the U.S.
- Bezos Earth FundstrategicCo-funded the Systems Change Lab platform alongside WRI, representing a strategic partnership for climate data visualization.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Graphicacy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Stamen Design: San Francisco-based data visualization and map design studio serving newsrooms, museums, and foundations—closely overlaps Graphicacy's mix of bespoke interactive dashboards, geospatial mapping, and storytelling for mission-driven clients.
- Periscopic: Portland-based data visualization and interactive design firm specializing in data-driven storytelling for nonprofits, journalism, and public-interest causes—directly comparable business model, client mix, and project types to Graphicacy.
- Column Five: Brooklyn-based visual content agency producing infographics, interactive reports, and data visualizations for brands and mission-driven organizations—competes for the same content-marketing and explainer visualization budgets as Graphicacy.
- Accurat: Data-driven design and research studio building editorial data visualizations, dashboards, and interactive stories for publishers and institutions—a similarly-sized boutique operating at the intersection of journalism, research, and design.
- Datawheel: Data visualization and analytics consultancy that builds platforms like Data USA for government and research institutions—shared focus on serving public-interest data clients with interactive dashboards.
Emerging players
- Mureed Sterling: Information design and visualization studio working on social-impact and editorial projects at smaller scale—occupies the boutique end of the same niche and competes for similar nonprofit/foundation RFPs.
- The Noun Project: Visual communication platform with a data visualization arm serving editorial and mission-driven organizations—an emerging player tapping adjacent parts of the explainer-design market in which Graphicacy operates.
Broad incumbents
- Flourish: Self-service data visualization platform (now part of Canva) used by newsrooms and nonprofits to build interactive charts—serves as a downstream tool for many of Graphicacy's clients (e.g., Rare's Climate Culture Index), making it an adjacent product vs. service competitor.
- Datawrapper: Widely-used data visualization tool used by journalists and NGOs (Graphicacy itself integrates DataWrapper into client work such as The Trace's Gun Violence Data Hub)—an enabling platform rather than direct custom-services competitor.
- Tableau (Salesforce): Enterprise BI and data visualization platform underpinning many of Graphicacy's deliverables (e.g., NC DHHS COVID-19 dashboards) and competing for the same dashboard budgets at large organizations—broader portfolio but overlapping use case.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Graphicacy social profiles
Digital presenceGraphicacy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Graphicacy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Graphicacy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Graphicacy 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 Graphicacy
What does Graphicacy do?
Graphicacy is a professional services firm that designs and builds custom data visualizations, interactive dashboards, scrollytelling experiences, geospatial mapping applications, and motion graphics for mission-driven organizations. Engagements follow a discovery, design, development, and deployment process, transforming complex multidimensional datasets into accessible, interactive visual stories for policymakers, journalists, researchers, and the general public.
Is Graphicacy a public or private company?
Graphicacy is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Graphicacy founded?
Graphicacy was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Graphicacy based?
Graphicacy is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Graphicacy make money?
One revenue line is on record: professional Services - Data Visualization Projects.
Who are Graphicacy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Stamen Design, Periscopic, Column Five, Accurat and Datawheel. Emerging players are Mureed Sterling and The Noun Project. Broad incumbents are Flourish, Datawrapper and Tableau (Salesforce).
Does Graphicacy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Graphicacy.
What industry is Graphicacy in?
Graphicacy's product category is Data Visualization Consulting Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAFAIAC, Graphic Design & Visual Content Production, with a secondary code of BPAFAEAC, Visual Identity & Brand Design Systems. Its NAICS code is 541430 and its SIC code is 7330.