Mission North is a San Francisco-based strategic communications agency focused on technology, AI, biotech, financial services, sustainability, climate, energy, and life sciences. The agency provides strategic communications, earned media, digital marketing, paid social, content marketing, social media and influencer programs, data and analytics, public affairs, executive thought leadership, and creative production. It is led by co-CEOs Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry. The firm is independent and employee-owned. Mission North publishes the Brand Expectations Index, its annual research on stakeholder trust, accountability, and brand expectations.
Founded: 2003 as Bateman Group by Fred Bateman
Rebranded: February 2020 to Mission North
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Co-CEOs: Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry
Headcount: ~87 across San Francisco, New York, and Portland, Oregon
Revenue: ~$15–17M annually
Ownership: Independent and employee-owned
Website: missionnorth.com
Overview
Mission North is a strategic communications agency serving technology and innovation companies. The firm integrates earned media, digital marketing, social media, content, and analytics. The firm publishes the Brand Expectations Index — annual research on stakeholder trust, accountability, and brand expectations — now in its third edition (February 2026).
History and Ownership
The agency was founded in 2003 as Bateman Group by Fred Bateman in San Francisco. In February 2020, Fred Bateman sold his majority ownership to long-time partners Bill Bourdon, Tyler Perry, and Shannon Hutto. The firm rebranded as Mission North with Bourdon and Perry as co-CEOs.
Key Milestones
2003: Fred Bateman founds Bateman Group in San Francisco.
February 2020: Rebrands as Mission North under co-CEOs Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry.
2022: Launches Foster the Future fellowship program supporting BIPOC students.
2024: Named to Fast Company Most Innovative Companies list. Finalist for PRovoke Media's North American Agencies of the Year.
2025: Launches Public Affairs practice led by Emily Field.
February 2026: Releases the third edition of the Brand Expectations Index.
Services
Mission North delivers integrated capabilities across strategic communications and earned media; digital marketing and paid social; content marketing and creative production; social media and influencer programs; data, analytics, and proprietary research; public affairs and corporate affairs; executive thought leadership; and design and visual storytelling.
Practice Areas
Mission North serves technology, biotech, AI, financial services, sustainability, climate, energy, and life sciences. The 2025 Public Affairs practice expansion extends the firm into regulatory and policy categories — including AI governance, energy transition, fintech regulation, and cybersecurity policy work.
Notable Clients
Mission North works with technology, biotech, and innovation companies including Andela, Gemini, Honey, Motif Foodworks, and Allonnia. The Brand Expectations Index generates annual research on how stakeholders evaluate brand trust, accountability, and expertise.
Leadership
Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry serve as co-CEOs. Shannon Hutto is co-owner and General Manager of West Coast operations. Senior executives include Nicole Messier (EVP and GM, East Coast), Gillian Davis (Head of People), and Michael Andrews (CFO). Emily Field leads the firm's Public Affairs practice.
Awards and Recognition
Named to Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies list. Finalist for PRovoke Media's 2024 North American Agencies of the Year.
EPR Coverage
Everything-PR has covered the agency since its Bateman Group era. For the full archive see everything-pr.com/tag/mission-north.
FAQ
Is Mission North independent? Yes. Independent and employee-owned.
Who owns Mission North? Independent and employee-owned. The firm has no holding-company parent.
What industries does Mission North specialize in? Technology, AI, biotech, financial services, sustainability, climate, energy, life sciences, and regulated/policy categories.
Who are the CEOs of Mission North? Bill Bourdon and Tyler Perry, co-CEOs since February 2020.
Why did Bateman Group become Mission North? In February 2020, founder Fred Bateman sold his majority ownership to partners Bourdon, Perry, and Hutto. The rebrand coincided with the leadership transition.
What is the Brand Expectations Index? Mission North's annual research on stakeholder trust, accountability, and brand expectations. The third edition was released in February 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Founded 2003 as Bateman Group by Fred Bateman in San Francisco.
- Rebranded to Mission North in February 2020.
- The Brand Expectations Index — now in its third edition — is the firm's signature annual research.
- Independent and employee-owned; offices in San Francisco, New York, and Portland.
- ~87 employees, $15–17M in annual revenue.
- Fast Company 2024 Most Innovative Companies list.
- Launched Public Affairs practice in 2025.
Tech PR peers: Highwire · InkHouse · Method Communications · LaunchSquad · Karbo · Blanc & Otus · Crenshaw Communications · Clarity Global · Bospar · Diffusion PR · Moxie Communications
San Francisco peers: LaunchSquad · Upraise PR
Public affairs (new practice): BerlinRosen · APCO Worldwide · Rational 360
Adjacent EPR coverage: PR Agency Profiles Directory · PR Leaders Directory · Best PR Firms in San Francisco
