What Brooklyn Story Lab does

Brooklyn Story Lab is a Brooklyn-based media-strategy and content-creation firm founded in 2015 by CEO Lance Gould. It serves purpose-driven organizations, including nonprofits, NGOs, UN entities, and social enterprises, by teaching them to "think and behave like media companies." The firm operates at the intersection of journalism, strategic communications, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals ecosystem, with a stated portfolio of 77+ projects across 109 countries aligned to all 17 SDGs. Its client base spans international development (Chemonics), water and sanitation (Water.org), youth entrepreneurship (Enactus, UNLEASH), renewable energy (Blue Planet Alliance), girl empowerment (Girl Scouts of the USA), business leadership (The B Team), climate solutions (Climate Curve), and conservation (Moving Giants / De Beers / Peace Parks).

BSL delivers two primary revenue streams. The first is project-based strategic advisory and content production, encompassing video, podcasts, microsites, documentaries, campaigns, op-eds, and live event production documented through 17 SDG-aligned case studies. The second is the Storytelling Symposium, a standardized training program offered virtually and in-person at price points ranging from $2,700 to $7,200 depending on format and class size. Signature content products include the GOALS Post platform (launched 2021), the Moving Giants seven-part documentary, the On the Ground and 10x Bolder podcasts, the First Fridays monthly video podcast, and the New Leadership Playbook. The firm does not develop proprietary software or technology.

Go-to-market is relationship-driven and community-led: BSL acquires and retains clients through long-standing strategic partnerships within the UN/NGO/sustainability ecosystem, presence at Climate Week NYC, COP conferences, and UN General Assembly events, and recurring engagement with anchor clients such as UNLEASH (since 2017) and Blue Planet Alliance. Distribution is primarily direct enterprise sales, supplemented by event-driven demand generation. In 2026 the firm plans to add a quarterly individual-enrollment tier to the Storytelling Symposium, signaling a move toward more standardized, self-serve revenue. BSL is privately held, bootstrapped, operates with 1-10 employees out of a single Brooklyn office, and has not raised external capital.

Name

Brooklyn Story Lab

Legal name

Brooklyn Story Lab

Website

https://brooklynstorylab.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Brooklyn Story Lab is a Brooklyn-based, founder-led media-strategy and content-creation firm founded in 2015 that helps nonprofits, NGOs, and UN entities communicate their missions through strategic storytelling, content production, and standardized training workshops.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Media Strategy and Strategic Communications Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries (51219)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Creative Nonfiction & Memoir Workshops (EDAMAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Screenwriting Workshops (Film/TV/Web) (EDAMAMAE)

Keywords

• Media strategy consulting
• Storytelling training
• Content creation services
• Strategic communications
• Purpose-driven storytelling

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Strategic Advisory and Consulting Services: BSL provides strategic communications, media strategy, and storytelling advisory services to purpose-driven organizations, UN agencies, and NGOs. Revenue is generated through project-based consulting engagements.
2. Storytelling Symposium Training Programs: BSL offers virtual and in-person storytelling training workshops for organizations and individuals, with pricing ranging from $2,700 to $7,200 depending on format and group size.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Brooklyn Story Lab is a media-strategy and content-creation firm that teaches purpose-driven organizations how to think and behave like media companies. It provides strategic communications advisory, content production (videos, podcasts, websites, op-eds, campaigns, live events), and storytelling training through its flagship Storytelling Symposium program, primarily serving nonprofits, NGOs, UN agencies, and impact-driven organizations across global markets.

Product overview

Brooklyn Story Lab is a media-strategy and content-creation firm that teaches purpose-driven organizations how to think and behave like media companies. The company's offering centers on its flagship Storytelling Symposium training program, complemented by comprehensive content solutions including videos, impact stories, websites, podcasts, live events, op-eds, and campaigns documented through 17 UN SDG-aligned case studies. Key content products include the GOALS Post platform (for UN events), the New Leadership Playbook, the Moving Giants documentary video series, the On the Ground podcast, and the First Fridays monthly video podcast series.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Storytelling Symposium

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ChemonicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington D.C.-based development firm with 50+ years of experience delivering programs across 150+ countries. BSL served as strategic content and production partner for the Innovation Playbook launch, produced Impact Stories, and supported broader storytelling and communications for global development priorities.
• EnactuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal nonprofit developing next-gen entrepreneurial leaders across 1.4 million students in ~40 countries. BSL developing collaborative youth-solutions platform with Enactus as lead partner, and produced GOALS Post virtual livestream event.
• UNLEASH Innovation LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDenmark-based nonprofit convening 1,000 young innovators from 150+ countries annually. BSL has been strategic advisor and lead storytelling partner since 2017 launch, creating content, producing events, and mentoring fellows.
• Blue Planet AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit helping islands, states, and countries achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. BSL serves as long-time strategic advisor, helping produce the Fellowship Program, supporting program design, storytelling, partnership development, and coalition-building.
• Water.orgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon advancing global water access. BSL moderated and produced the 'Transformative Power of Toilets' event during UN Week 2019, featuring high-profile speakers.
• Global CitizenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal advocacy organization fighting extreme poverty. Partnered with BSL on the 'Transformative Power of Toilets' UN Week 2019 event at Tavern on the Green.
• The B TeammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal collective of business and civil society leaders including Mary Robinson, Sir Richard Branson. BSL produced in-depth case studies for New Leadership Playbook and served as long-standing strategic advisor.
• Yunus Social BusinessmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, supports social businesses worldwide. BSL designed and executed 'Trojan horse' communications campaign including op-eds and Davos-targeted messaging on social intrapreneurship.
• The Fourth Sector GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal multi-stakeholder platform advocating for for-benefit enterprises combining profit with social purpose. BSL co-developed thought leadership including op-eds, white papers, and presentations for COVID-19 Fourth Sector Response.
• Pyxera GlobalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit convening public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders on complex global challenges. BSL helped launch the Partnership for Digital Justice, shaping messaging and strategizing early-stage growth.
• Girl Scouts of the USAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization empowering girls and women for over a century. BSL helped launch CircleAround digital magazine for adult women with Girl Scout values, serving as editorial director and content project manager.
• Samuel Lawrence FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Diego-based nonprofit advocating for nuclear-waste-free environment and public accountability. BSL served as executive producer for First Fridays monthly video podcast series (2023-2025).
• Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit representing 1,600+ NGOs engaged with the UN system since 1962. BSL is member of Advisory Board, led messaging overhaul, launched On the Ground podcast, and produced annual global webinar.
• Climate Curve (formerly Global Warming Mitigation Project)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization advancing climate solutions through the Keeling Curve Prize. BSL supported organizational strategy, thought leadership, and rebrand including website architecture and content development.
• Basic Education CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. alliance of 30+ nonprofits advocating for early childhood and primary education in developing countries. BSL wrote, edited, and produced 'One Size Doesn't Fit All' explainer video on Universal Design for Learning.
• Less CancerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit advancing prevention-first approach to cancer. BSL participated in multiple annual National Cancer Prevention Workshops and produced video interview on cancer survivorship.
• UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN entity bringing global community together on pressing problems. Partnered with Blue Planet Alliance to conceive, produce, and moderate 'Together, We Rise' event at 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
• Moving Giants ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership including De Beers Group, Peace Parks Foundation, and governments of South Africa and Mozambique. BSL documented the 200-elephant translocation through seven-part video series and journalism-driven website.
• ReckittminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish multinational consumer goods company. Co-funded the 'Transformative Power of Toilets' UN Week 2019 event with Water.org and Global Citizen.
• World Elephant Day / World Elephant SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal social-awareness initiative generating 1B+ social media impressions annually. BSL founder Lance Gould is on board of World Elephant Society; BSL created Big 5 campaign for 10th anniversary.
• Mobile Film FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDemocratic filmmaking festival with 6,000 submissions from 151 countries generating 134M video views. BSL helping produce upcoming climate change editions and regional editions in Africa and LatAm.
• IUCN Commission on Education and CommunicationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal guardian of natural world; Red List is most comprehensive inventory of species conservation status. BSL founder Lance Gould serves as commissioner on CEC.
• 92nd Street YminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-class cultural center and Social Good Summit host. BSL helped turn #my100days motivational campaign to Top 3 Twitter trend in partnership with Hashtag Roundup.
• Libra ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenewable energy utility aiming to sustain distressed plants serving 100M people in Asia, Middle East, Africa. UN Global Compact member aligned to SDG 7.
• IREXminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit specializing in global education and development across 100+ countries. BSL designed and facilitated program for Georgian journalists to meet American media colleagues at CNN, Slate, and Bklyner.
• EAT ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience-based global platform for food-system transformation. BSL helped handle communications and compile video interviews of key attendees including Bob Geldof.
• The CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub for international insight on peacekeeping with 27 Nobel Peace Prize laureates participating. BSL working on innovative op-ed thought leadership strategies.
• Glasgow Caledonian UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScottish university adopting SDGs as core curriculum; first UK university to sign UN Global Compact. Ranked No. 1 UK and No. 4 world for Gender Equality (SDG5).
• UN WomenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN entity champion for gender equality. BSL founder moderated W Summit panels in Botswana on women in business leadership; secured UN Women support for UNLEASH project.
• MY CODAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStorytelling platform for musicians enabling virtual fan meet-and-greets. BSL produced joint effort with MY CODA and Giving Tuesday interviewing artists on charitable work.
• Remote TheaterminorOthersCreative production partner listed among BSL's partner ecosystem.
• Big MuseminorOthersCreative production partner listed among BSL's partner ecosystem.
• Hashtag RoundupminorOthersMarketing partner that collaborated with BSL on #my100days campaign for 92nd Street Y.
• Arrowheart MediaminorOthersCreative production partner listed among BSL's partner ecosystem.
• Reasons to Be CheerfulminorOthersMedia partner listed in BSL's ecosystem.
• Earth's CallminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform for innovative climate solutions. BSL helped with communications and social media from website to white papers, op-eds, and conference collateral.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Landis + issuing: Public relations firm focused on nonprofit, advocacy, and social impact clients, providing media relations, thought leadership, and strategic communications. Direct peer for BSL given overlapping customer base of mission-driven organizations and similar storytelling-driven communications services.
• BerlinRosen: New York-based public affairs and corporate communications firm with a strong practice in advocacy, nonprofit, and progressive-impact clients. Closely parallels BSL's combination of strategic communications advisory with high-profile content and event production for mission-driven organizations.
• Blue State: Digital strategy, creative, and fundraising agency built for nonprofits, advocacy groups, and purpose-driven brands. Overlaps with BSL in serving mission-driven organizations and producing multi-format content (websites, campaigns, video) tied to social impact outcomes.
• SKDK: Strategic communications and public affairs firm with deep advocacy, nonprofit, and corporate reputation practices. Comparable as a mid-size strategic communications agency whose clients span mission-driven causes, foundations, and high-profile events similar to BSL's UN and NGO engagements.
• Fenton Communications: One of the best-known U.S. mission-driven public relations and strategic communications firms, founded in 1982 to serve foundations, nonprofits, and social justice causes. Directly comparable to BSL for the same core customers (NGOs, foundations, advocacy organizations) and similar strategic communications plus content services model.

Others

• Finn Partners: Global integrated communications agency with practices serving nonprofits, social impact clients, and purpose-driven technology companies. Thematically adjacent - similar storytelling and media strategy services - but with much broader corporate and technology client mix.

Broad incumbents

• Weber Shandwick: Global communications and public affairs firm with deep nonprofit, advocacy, and sustainability practices. Comparable service mix (strategy, content, events) for BSL's customer profile, but operating at global, multi-office scale.
• Brunswick Group: Global stakeholder communications and advisory firm with substantial work for foundations, NGOs, and impact-driven coalitions. Comparable for high-level strategic communications advisory and event-driven content (e.g., UNGA, COP), but anchored in board-level and capital-markets-adjacent work.
• Edelman: The world's largest PR firm, with a substantial Purpose, ESG, and social impact practice serving NGOs, foundations, and multinational mission-driven clients. Direct overlap in service offering but vastly larger scale, global footprint, and resources than BSL.
• Ogilvy PR: Global advertising and public relations network with a Purpose and Sustainability practice serving nonprofits, foundations, and impact-focused corporations. Provides media strategy, content, and campaigns - the same core stack BSL offers - but as part of a much broader agency portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brooklyn-story-lab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Brooklyn Story Lab