BerlinRosen takes majority stake in Derris

The move marks BerlinRosen’s third deal in recent months.

by Ewan Larkin for PR Week, August 18, 2022

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NEW YORK: BerlinRosen Holdings has made a majority investment in brand consultancy and communications firm Derris.

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Derris will retain its brand and independence under founder and CEO Jesse Derris, who said the investment would enable his agency to expand its capabilities.

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“In BerlinRosen, we’ve found partners who are extraordinarily like-minded, but also do a lot more than we do from a services perspective,” he added, emphasizing BerlinRosen’s advertising, digital acquisition and analytics offerings.

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Derris added that the financial injection would help bolster the agency’s headcount. Founded in 2013, the agency currently has 75 staffers across its two offices, 65 in New York and 10 in London.

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With early stage help from private investment firm RSE Ventures, Derris launched more than 25 brands from zero to over $1 billion in enterprise value, according to CEO Derris. Services include brand positioning, strategic comms, content and creative, internal and crisis comms, experiential and influencer marketing.

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Jonathan Rosen, principal and cofounder at BerlinRosen, said the firm was drawn to Derris’ experience building “next-generation, challenger consumer brands.”

“Look at [Derris]’ track record; from Warby Parker, Everlane, Glossier to Reformation, it’s like a greatest hits track of the fastest-growing, most impactful brands,” he added. “The common thread between all of them is Derris helping shape their narrative, message, voice and story from day one.”

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

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BerlinRosen’s deal with Derris follows the agency’s majority investment in Glen Echo Group and acquisition of Onward in July.

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In January, BerlinRosen secured investment from private equity firm O2 Investment Partners, which the former used to create BerlinRosen Holdings.