Updated June 2026. LaunchSquad is a 25+ year independent storytelling, PR, and content marketing agency. Founded 1999 by Jesse Odell. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, and Denver. Specializes in tech PR for AI, climate, healthcare, fintech, transportation, and consumer tech. Virtual-first operating model.
| Founded | 1999 by Jesse Odell |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA |
| Offices | San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Austin, Denver — virtual-first |
| Founder | Jesse Odell |
| Employees | 100+ across U.S. |
| Revenue | ~$29M (estimated) |
| Total Clients (lifetime) | 900+ |
| Ownership | Independent |
| Specialties | AI, climate, healthcare, transportation, fintech, consumer tech |
| Website | launchsquad.com |
Overview
LaunchSquad is an independent storytelling, public relations, and content marketing agency founded in 1999 by Jesse Odell. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Austin, and Denver, the firm has spent 25+ years partnering with fast-growing startups and industry leaders across AI, climate, healthcare, transportation, fintech, and consumer tech.
History and Ownership
Jesse Odell founded LaunchSquad in 1999 in San Francisco. The firm built its early reputation working with West Coast tech startups during the dot-com era. LaunchSquad has worked with more than 900 clients across its lifetime — making it one of the most prolific independent tech-PR firms in the U.S. The agency remains independent and privately held.
Key Milestones
1999: Jesse Odell founded LaunchSquad in San Francisco.
2000s: Expanded into East Coast markets with New York and Boston offices.
2010s: Built out content marketing and video production capabilities.
2024: Marked 25th anniversary. Transitioned to fully virtual-first operating model.
2025–2026: Expanded sector coverage to AI, climate, and healthcare. Notable clients include Hippocratic AI (featured by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at GTC 2026), Stereolabs, and Eden Green Technology.
Services
- Public Relations — positioning, messaging, story development, media relations, influencer programs, awards strategy
- Content — social media management, blog content, content marketing strategy, editorial production
- Video — concept development, scripting, casting, production, editing
- Analytics — custom dashboards, data analysis, reporting
Leadership
Jesse Odell continues as founder and senior leader of the firm. LaunchSquad is recognized by industry peers as a strong place for PR career development.
Awards and Recognition
LaunchSquad has been recognized by O'Dwyer's as a leading independent PR firm and has earned multiple PRWeek and PRovoke Media campaign honors.
Notable Clients
900+ clients across its lifetime. Recent engagements: Hippocratic AI (healthcare AI startup), Stereolabs (computer vision), Eden Green Technology (sustainable agriculture). Publishes The Cooler, a climate solutions Substack.
EPR Coverage
Everything-PR has covered LaunchSquad continuously since 2009. For the full archive see everything-pr.com/tag/launchsquad.
FAQ
Who owns LaunchSquad? Independent and privately held.
Who founded LaunchSquad? Jesse Odell in 1999 in San Francisco.
Where is LaunchSquad headquartered? San Francisco, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Austin, and Denver. Virtual-first.
What sectors does LaunchSquad work with? AI, climate, healthcare, transportation, fintech, consumer tech.
How many clients has LaunchSquad worked with? 900+ across the firm's 25-year history.
Key Takeaways
- 25+ year independent PR, content, and storytelling agency founded 1999 by Jesse Odell.
- Headquartered in San Francisco with offices in 7 U.S. cities. Virtual-first.
- 100+ colleagues nationwide.
- 900+ clients across firm's history.
- Specializes in AI, climate, healthcare, transportation, fintech, consumer tech.
- Recent notable clients: Hippocratic AI, Stereolabs, Eden Green Technology.
Related Agency Profiles
Tech PR peers: Highwire · Mission North · InkHouse · Method Communications · Karbo · Crenshaw Communications · Clarity Global · Bospar · Diffusion PR · SSPR / Next PR · Idea Grove · Channel V Media
San Francisco peers: Upraise PR · Moxie Communications
AI specialists: 5W AI Communications · K2 Global Communications
Climate-tech peers: Antenna Group
Adjacent EPR coverage: PR Agency Profiles Directory · PR Leaders Directory · Best PR Firms in San Francisco
