Blanc & Otus: SF Tech Comms Agency Profile

Part of EPR's California PR pillar · California Communications State · San Francisco PR Firms Directory · PR Firms Directory · Technology PR · Burson

Updated July 2026.

Blanc & Otus is a San Francisco–based technology communications agency founded in 1985. Originally a subsidiary of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Blanc & Otus is now a continuing sub-brand within Burson following the July 2024 merger of BCW and Hill+Knowlton — both WPP agencies — into the unified Burson network. The firm has shaped technology communications strategy for four decades and continues to operate as a specialized boutique within Burson's structure.

Position Within Burson and WPP

When BCW and Hill+Knowlton merged on July 1, 2024 to create Burson — now one of the world's largest PR networks by revenue — Blanc & Otus was confirmed as a continuing brand within the new structure, alongside 3K, Dewey Square Group, Ideal, and JeffreyGroup. The firm benefits from Burson's global resources — Burson operates 6,000 employees across 43+ markets, led by Global CEO Corey duBrowa and Global Chairman AnnaMaria DeSalva — while retaining its boutique tech-communications positioning out of San Francisco.

Services

Blanc & Otus combines research-driven strategy with creative execution across earned, owned, paid, and social media. Service capabilities include public affairs, employee communications, investor relations, analyst relations, and integrated campaign development — drawing on WPP's full network for global reach and specialist expertise.

The Lifecycle Methodology

The firm's signature approach is the Lifecycle Methodology — a framework built around the observation that technology market cycles move faster than traditional consumer cycles. Blanc & Otus starts by mapping each client's market position, then deploys the specific tactical and strategic PR programming needed to move the brand forward at the speed its category requires.

Notable Clients

Blanc & Otus's history includes a decade-plus relationship with Oracle, handling U.S. product PR and broader communications for the enterprise software giant. Other client experience spans Hootsuite, Amazfit, Axway, Bitcasa, Narus, and Airgrub — among others across enterprise technology, telecommunications, digital entertainment, and professional services categories including investment banking and venture capital.

Related Agency Profiles

• California PR Pillar
• San Francisco PR Firms Directory
• PR Firms Directory (A–Z)
• Burson — parent network
• Technology PR pillar

Related: Astrsk PR: New York Consumer and Tech PR Agency Profile