Riff City

What Riff City does

Riff City Strategies, Inc. is a privately held boutique public relations and public affairs firm founded in 2017 and headquartered at 3701 Sacramento St. #460, San Francisco, CA. The firm operates as a remote-first organization with approximately a dozen staff distributed across the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. It was founded by Brian Purchia (CEO) and Liz Purchia (Founding Partner), with Jess Montejano joining as President in 2018. Riff's communications platform is anchored by four service pillars: Media Strategy (media relations, thought leadership placement, media training, influencer engagement), Funding + Launches (messaging, brand strategy, and earned media campaigns for company and initiative launches), Marketing (awards and speaking placements, event strategy, online and social campaigns), and Advocacy (policy development, stakeholder relationships, issue campaigns, and community engagement). Technology under the hood is purely conventional agency tooling (earned media, content production, event execution) with no proprietary platform, APIs, or software product.

Riff's business model is professional services revenue billed against client retainers and project scopes spanning enterprise accounts (Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, UCSF Health, Cruise, Accela, Flock Safety, Pegasus Capital Advisors, Myriad Venture Partners, Seurat Technologies, Bird, Beam, Dutchie, Sceye, Seurat Technologies, Pico MES, Bird, Gladstone AI), VC-backed startups, political organizations (Way to Win, Young Black Lawyers Organizing Coalition, TogetherSF Action), and foundations and nonprofits (Protect Our Defenders, Donors of Color Network, The Kresge Foundation, Mosaic, Urban Alchemy, Green 2.0, Heartland Forward, Effective School Solutions). Go-to-market is sales-led via direct enterprise field sales, founder-led referral networks, and awards-driven inbound. Disclosed salary bands for Associate ($65K-$68.5K) and Manager ($80K-$95K) roles are the only quantitative revenue/cost signals in the public domain.

Riff positions itself at the intersection of humanity and technology, serving mission-driven organizations tackling climate, social justice, civic reform, and emerging-technology categories. Marquee outcomes cited include the most significant U.S. military justice reform in history, mobilization of $140M+ (and in some figures $160M+) for BIPOC-led climate groups via the Climate Funders Justice Pledge, Dutchie's $350M Series D and reported $3.75B valuation, and 2.7M+ meals delivered through a Cruise/San Francisco-Marin Food Bank pandemic partnership. Recognition includes PRWeek Purpose Awards (Small Organization of the Year, 2023), Fast Company Most Innovative Companies (2022), Bulldog PR Best Boutique Agency (2023), and Inc. Fastest-Growing Companies in California (2022). The firm is independently owned by its founders with no disclosed external institutional capital.

Name

Riff City

Legal name

Riff City Strategies, Inc.

Website

https://riffcitystrategies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Riff City Strategies is a privately held, San Francisco-based boutique public relations and public affairs firm serving mission-driven enterprises, VC-backed startups, political organizations, and foundations across climate, AI, civic, and emerging-technology categories.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Relations and Public Affairs Services

NAICS

Public Relations Agencies (54182), Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418), Marketing Consulting Services (541613)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Services-Advertising (7310)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAFAAAL

PR, Corporate Communications & Crisis Management

Business & Public Services/Marketing, Advertising & PR Services/Full-Service Advertising Agencies

SECONDARYBPAFAEAA

Brand Strategy & Positioning

Business & Public Services/Marketing, Advertising & PR Services/Brand Strategy & Creative Services

SECONDARYBPAFAIAG

Content Strategy & Planning

Business & Public Services/Marketing, Advertising & PR Services/Content Marketing & Production (Copy, Video, Design)

Keywords

• Public relations services
• Strategic communications
• Public affairs consulting
• Advocacy campaigns
• Media relations

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Strategic Communications Consulting: Professional services for public relations, public affairs, media strategy, branding, and advocacy campaigns for startups, foundations, nonprofits, government entities, and political organizations.
2. Media Relations and Thought Leadership: Earned media, thought leadership placement, media training, and influencer engagement services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Riff City Strategies is a boutique public relations and public affairs firm that delivers strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership, branding, public affairs, and advocacy services to mission-driven organizations. Its offerings are organized around four pillars: Media Strategy, Funding + Launches, Marketing, and Advocacy, provided to clients in climate, emerging technology, civic engagement, and political organizing sectors.

Product overview

Riff City Strategies is a boutique public relations and public affairs firm offering integrated communications services. The company provides four interconnected service pillars: Media Strategy (media relations, thought leadership, media training, influencer engagement), Funding + Launches (messaging, brand strategy, earned media), Marketing (awards, events, online/social campaigns), and Advocacy (policy, community engagement). As a services company, there is no standalone software product or platform—services are delivered through client partnerships across climate, technology, and civic sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Media Strategy Services

Quantifiable outcome

• $140+ million mobilized for climate justice through Donors of Color Network
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Mercedes-Benz High-Power ChargingflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Riff partnered with Mercedes-Benz to launch a new national network of reliable and fast EV charging stations open to all drivers regardless of car brand. First charging hub opened in Atlanta with expansion plans. This is a $1 billion commitment from Mercedes-Benz.
• UCSF HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCSF Health, the city's second-largest employer generating over 43,000 jobs and $8.9 billion in economic impact, partnered with Riff for communications as they expanded community-based and world-class care to more San Franciscans.
• Pegasus Capital AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneer in climate funding and UN partner, invested $2.6 billion in climate funds and over $1.5 billion in global project pipeline. Working with Global Fund for Coral Reefs and Subnational Climate Fund. CEO Craig Cogut attended Vatican climate conference.
• The Kresge FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentury-old foundation that has moved over $5 billion to build resiliency in mid-sized cities. Hosted centennial celebration in Detroit with surprise visit from former President Barack Obama. Funding public health and community leaders across the U.S.
• Donors of Color NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiff led launch of Climate Funders Justice Pledge with Donors of Color Network that mobilized $140+ million for BIPOC-led climate groups. Partnered with HBCU Green Fund to launch fellowship for students at historically Black colleges and universities.
• Way to WinflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolitical organization building winning multiracial, multigenerational coalitions. Riff helped launch in 2018 and hypercharged media efforts. Organization has moved $160+ million since founding to turn out voters of color, young people, and women in key swing states.
• Protect Our DefendersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRiff helped launch Protect Our Defenders 11 years ago to combat military sexual assault epidemic. Advocacy led to historic military justice reform signed by President Biden - most transformative reform in nation's history.
• Seurat TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner3D metal printing leader building factories with 100% renewable energy to decarbonize manufacturing. $99 million Series C backed by Nvidia. Building local printing factories for green manufacturing revolution.
• Flock SafetycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI and ML-powered public safety technology. Launched Solar Condor, a groundbreaking solar-powered video camera. Helping solve approximately 2,000 crimes per day. Partnering with MS2soft on AI-powered traffic analytics to reduce road fatalities.
• World Network (Worldcoin)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSam Altman's co-founded world largest identity and financial network providing humans tools to thrive in age of AI. World App has over 4 million downloads and 1 million monthly active users. World ID 2.0 integrates with Minecraft, Reddit, Telegram, Shopify, Mercado Libre.
• CruisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFully autonomous, all-electric rideshare service. First company to launch fully driverless rides in San Francisco. Expanded to Austin and Phoenix. Delivered 2.7+ million meals during pandemic through food bank partnership.
• Pico MEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFactory digitization platform for small to mid-sized manufacturers. $12 million Series A. Helping factories move from pen-and-paper to digital, boosting production by 50% with zero errors. Bosch-backed.
• Urban AlchemycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based safety model with formerly incarcerated and unhoused. Launched HEART program as alternative to law enforcement for non-emergency calls. Celebrated first anniversary of program in San Francisco.
• Myriad Venture PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVC firm investing in visionary founders in cleantech, AI, and B2B software. Launched to fuel next wave of innovation. Led Li Industries' Series B for EV battery recycling.
• DutchiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMost valuable cannatech company at $3.75 billion valuation. Riff led PR for their $350 million Series D. One of world's fastest growing tech companies for safe and easy cannabis access.
• AccelacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading govtech company serving 300+ million residents worldwide. Suite of digital services for state and local governments. Secured strategic investment from Francisco Partners in 2023.
• SceyecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) company that completed first 24+ hour flight in stratosphere. Partnering with NASA and USGS for climate tracking, extreme weather prediction, and global internet access.
• Gladstone AIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuthors of first U.S. government-commissioned action plan for advanced AI safety and security. Unveiled AI recommendations for Congress at National Press Club policy briefing.
• Young Black Lawyers Organizing CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of Black lawyers and law students helping restore faith in democracy. Unveiled 'Black Ballots, Black Futures 2024' campaign to mobilize, empower, and protect millions of Black voters in Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina.
• Heartland ForwardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerData-driven partnerships, programs, and policies building thriving, resilient communities across the U.S. heartland. Focus on high-speed internet, local entrepreneurship, workforce, and health and wellness.
• National GeographiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganized #NatGeoForum in Washington D.C. to bring together international experts to chart path toward 'the end of trash.' March National Geographic 'End of Trash' cover story featured.
• Effective School SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization working with school districts across the country to provide mental health services. Riff helped release nationwide poll showing 60% of administrators believe student mental health challenges are getting worse.
• BeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlexible cloud-based platform for equitable delivery of public benefits. Riff helped launch rebrand and expansion of services. Raised $6.4M Series A.
• BirdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneering shared electric scooter company. Riff helped scale global micromobility efforts and took Bird public via SPAC in 2021.
• Green 2.0minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMovement builder working to increase racial and ethnic diversity in green movement. Launched national poll on voters of colors' views on climate change. Sixth annual Diversity Report Card.
• MosaicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of largest participatory grantmakers in the country. In two years moved $11M to collaborative climate projects including The Black Church-The Green Movement featured in Fast Company.
• TogetherSF ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmpowers San Francisco residents with knowledge on candidates and ballot initiatives to hold officials accountable. Bold reform package for November 2024 ballot to improve city government effectiveness.
• Bonfire VenturesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeed stage B2B software VC firm. 85% of portfolio companies go on to raise Series A and beyond. Managing Director Brett Queener's advice featured in CrunchBase.
• U.S. Digital ResponseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with State of New Jersey, Google.org on generative AI tools for government services.
• Court AccountabilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivic organization working on court accountability initiatives.
• Mission TelecomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelecom organization with mission focus.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BerlinRosen: BerlinRosen is a purpose-driven communications and public affairs firm serving progressive causes, political campaigns, foundations, and mission-driven companies — a near-direct competitor to Riff City in the progressive/Democratic strategic communications niche.
• SKDK (Stanton & Company): SKDK is a top-tier political consulting and public affairs firm specializing in campaigns, corporate public affairs, and crisis communications for Democratic-aligned clients — directly comparable to Riff City's political and civic engagement work.
• Fenton Communications: Fenton is a social change communications firm focused on social justice, health, education, and progressive causes — closely aligned with Riff City's mission-driven, advocacy-led positioning and client base.
• Burness: Burness is a mission-driven communications firm serving nonprofits, foundations, and social impact organizations — a strong comparable in the cause-focused PR space with similar nonprofit and foundation client segments.
• Hattaway Communications: Hattaway is a strategic communications firm focused on purpose-driven campaigns for nonprofits, foundations, and mission-aligned companies — comparable boutique scale and values-driven client mix to Riff City.
• Precision Strategies: Precision Strategies is a Democratic political consulting firm specializing in rapid-response communications, paid media, and campaign strategy — directly comparable to Riff City's political organizing and advocacy engagements.
• West Wing Writers: West Wing Writers is a speechwriting and strategic communications firm led by former White House and political speechwriters — highly comparable in terms of political pedigree, boutique scale, and senior-team-led engagement model.

Broad incumbents

• Edelman: Edelman is the world's largest independent PR firm with purpose, sustainability, and public affairs practices serving Fortune 500 clients — a broad incumbent that competes for the same enterprise purpose-driven mandates Riff City targets.
• Weber Shandwick: Weber Shandwick is a global public relations leader with deep public affairs, social impact, and technology practices — competing with Riff City for enterprise and government technology accounts including Accela's peer set.
• Plate Launch (5W Public Relations): 5W Public Relations is a mid-sized PR agency with technology, cannabis, and consumer practices — comparable to Riff City in serving VC-backed startups and emerging technology sectors including cannabis tech (Dutchie competitor space).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/riffcitystrat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/riff-city-strategies
• Facebookfacebook.com/RiffCityStrat

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Riff City