Barokas Communications is a tech-focused public relations agency founded 1998 in Seattle by Howie Barokas. The firm was acquired by FINN Partners in July 2021 after 23 years operating independently. Today, Barokas operates as part of FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice across Seattle and Denver, with founder Howie Barokas and former CEO Karli Barokas serving as FINN Managing Partners.
Founded
1998 by Howie Barokas
Headquarters
Seattle, WA (with Denver office)
Founder
Howie Barokas (now Managing Partner, FINN Partners)
Former CEO
Karli Barokas (now Managing Partner, FINN Partners)
Barokas Communications is a tech-focused public relations agency founded in 1998 by Howie Barokas in Seattle, Washington. Over 23 years of independent operation, the firm became a mainstay of Seattle's technology community, representing a large number of the region's tech startups across enterprise, B2B, and consumer tech.
In July 2021, Barokas was acquired by FINN Partners. Today, the agency operates as part of FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice, with Seattle and Denver offices and full access to FINN's global marketing and communications platform.
History and Ownership
Howie Barokas founded the firm in 1998. Daughter Karli Barokas joined and eventually served as CEO, building the agency into a Pacific Northwest tech PR specialist. Notable client exits during the independent era included Opsware (acquired by HP for $1.65B), Redback Networks (acquired by Ericsson for $1.9B), and Apptio (IPO; later acquired by Vista Equity Partners for $1.94B).
FINN Partners acquired Barokas in July 2021 after 23 years of independent operation. All 20 Barokas employees transitioned to FINN. Howie Barokas and Karli Barokas joined FINN as Managing Partners and members of the Global Tech Practice leadership team. The acquisition expanded FINN's tech practice to nearly 200 colleagues globally with more than $30 million in tech-sector revenues.
Services
As part of FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice, Barokas serves early-stage, emerging, and high-growth technology companies across enterprise, B2B, and consumer tech. Capabilities include media relations, content and thought leadership, messaging and communications strategy, influencer relations, social and digital, and crisis communications. Through FINN, clients also access branding, creative, digital marketing, and paid advertising services.
Notable Clients
Historical Barokas client roster has included CenturyLink, Coachella, Ibotta, W Hotels, Space Frontier Foundation, magniX, Eviation, Center, 98point6, Airbiquity, WTIA, Educative, and ColdQuanta.
Is Barokas Communications still in business?
Yes — Barokas operates as part of FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice following the July 2021 acquisition. The Seattle and Denver offices remain active.
Who owns Barokas Communications?
FINN Partners acquired Barokas Communications in July 2021. The firm is now a wholly owned brand within FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice.
Who leads Barokas Communications today?
Founder Howie Barokas and former CEO Karli Barokas both serve as Managing Partners at FINN Partners and members of the Global Tech Practice leadership team.
When was Barokas Communications founded?
1998, by Howie Barokas in Seattle. The firm operated independently for 23 years before joining FINN Partners.
Where is Barokas Communications headquartered?
Seattle, Washington, with a secondary office in Denver, Colorado. Both offices operate within FINN Partners.
Key Takeaways
Barokas Communications is a tech-focused PR agency founded 1998 in Seattle by Howie Barokas.
Acquired by FINN Partners in July 2021 after 23 years of independent operation.
Now operates as part of FINN Partners' Global Tech Practice across Seattle and Denver.
Howie Barokas and Karli Barokas both serve as FINN Managing Partners.
Specializes in enterprise tech, B2B, and consumer tech communications for early-stage, emerging, and high-growth companies.
Written by
EPR Editorial Team
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
