UPRAISE: San Francisco B2B Tech and Fintech PR Profile

UPRAISE is a San Francisco B2B technology and financial services PR agency founded in 2003 and acquired by rbb Communications on July 17, 2025. President Tim Johnson joined rbb's leadership team and became an equity partner, and UPRAISE continues to operate under its own brand with no staff changes reported. DesignRush lists fewer than 49 employees.

Originally published August 2020. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who owns UPRAISE now?

rbb Communications owns UPRAISE, having announced the acquisition on July 17, 2025, according to rbb's release as published by Agility PR and O'Dwyer's. rbb's CEO Christine Barney said the deal brings technology PR expertise into its portfolio. PRWeek, as summarized by Techleap, reported that UPRAISE continues to operate under its own brand with no staff changes. EPR's profile of the acquirer is rbb Communications.

Who leads UPRAISE?

Tim Johnson is president of UPRAISE. rbb's release says he was named to its leadership team and became an equity partner, and a podcast biography says he has more than 30 years of experience and previously led Golin's San Francisco office and its worldwide tech practice, and earlier was a senior vice president at Ruder Finn's Chicago office.

What does UPRAISE do?

UPRAISE describes itself as delivering PR and marketing services with a focus on strategic clarity, creative narrative and measurable performance, per DesignRush. Its Clutch profile lists communication strategy, media and analyst relations, content development and raising the profile of client leaders for B2B technology and financial services companies.

Which clients has UPRAISE worked with?

Client reviews on Clutch and DesignRush come from the VP of PR at Circana, the VP of Marketing at Hearst Bay Area and the San Francisco Chronicle, and R136 Ventures. Reviews also mention projects for a cannabis consultancy, a home robotics company and a radar sensor company.

How does UPRAISE compare with other San Francisco PR firms?

UPRAISE is a boutique with a narrower focus on B2B tech and fintech than many Bay Area generalists. EPR profiles peers such as Mission North, LaunchSquad and Blanc & Otus, and lists local firms in San Francisco PR firms.

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Related: San Francisco PR firms · California PR · Technology PR · rbb Communications · 5W Public Relations