Spark PR: San Francisco Technology PR Agency Profile

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

Spark PR is a San Francisco-headquartered public relations agency serving technology and consumer brand clients. Founded in 1999 by Chris Hempel and Donna Sokolsky Burke, both Netscape veterans who helped launch the first commercial web browser, the firm built its early client base among startups during the dot-com era, including supporting VA Linux's December 1999 IPO. Alan Soucy was named CEO in 2006, and day-to-day leadership has since been split between Soucy and Burke as managing partners.

History and Growth

Spark's early business model involved signing one-year contracts with startups in exchange for equity, a structure common during the dot-com boom. Following Alan Soucy's arrival as CEO in 2006, the firm's revenue grew substantially, and Spark expanded internationally: founding SPR Europe (a London-based affiliate) in 2007, opening a wholly-owned South Africa subsidiary in Cape Town in 2008, and adding a New York office in 2012. In 2016, co-founder Donna Sokolsky Burke was named one of PR News's Top Women in PR. In 2020, Spark was recognized by Forbes as one of the nation's top PR agencies.

Offices and Footprint

Spark operates from San Francisco (headquarters), with additional offices in New York City and Emeryville, California, plus a wholly-owned subsidiary in Cape Town, South Africa. The agency employs approximately 70 full-time PR professionals.

Leadership

Alan Soucy brings senior technology operating experience from MTI MicroFuel Cells (President & CEO), Philips Mobile Computing Group (General Manager), and Tripath Technology (VP of Advanced Products). Donna Sokolsky Burke co-founded the firm in 1999 and continues as Managing Partner alongside Soucy.

Clients and Roster

Early Spark clients included Netscape founder Jim Barksdale and VA Linux. The current client base includes eBay, Visa, NASDAQ, Walmart, Warner Brothers, and Chobani.

Recognition

Spark has received the SABRE Award for Technology, The Holmes Report's "Technology Agency of the Year," multiple inclusions on the San Francisco Bay Area's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For list, and Forbes recognition as one of the nation's top PR agencies (2021).

EPR Coverage

Everything-PR has covered Spark PR since 2015. See also: Alan Soucy and Spark Public Relations.

Related: San Francisco PR Firms Directory · PR Agency Profiles Directory