Tech PR firm Switchboard acquired by Earnscliffe Strategies

Switchboard Public Relations, the Vancouver-based tech-focused PR firm, was acquired by national public affairs agency Earnscliffe Strategies.

Launched in 1989 and specializing in government relations, strategic communications and opinion research, Earnscliffe operates across offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Québec.

Founded by Kathleen Reid, Switchboard is well-known as a leading PR agency that provides support to scaling and publicly-traded technology clients spanning cleantech, quantum, fintech, SaaS, and other sub-sectors. It’s worked with clients including entrepreneurship@UBC, BC Tech Association, Charitable Impact, and MintList.

Why it matters: If a PR firm ends up in the news itself, it’s usually not a positive thing. But in this case, Switchboard is the subject of a good news story in three ways. Firstly, as a B.C.-based agency, this acquisition allows Switchboard to leverage Earnscliffe’s 30-year pedigree and resources to scale and support its clients and team. Secondly, Earnscilffe gains an immediate client beachhead into Canada’s fast-scaling technology sector that’s worth upwards of $242 billion and growing. Thirdly, this is the story of a female founder that negotiated her first business exit while seven months pregnant.

Situational awareness: Earnscliffe is not the only national agency engaging in M&A. Yesterday, Talk Shop Media announced that it was acquiring Jam PR, a boutique agency led by Ada Slivinski.

What they’re saying: “The Switchboard team is known for first-class execution and a savvy understanding of the technology ecosystem,” said Earnscliffe CEO Craig Robinson. “The addition of Switchboard enables Earnscliffe to strengthen our marketplace position, expand our solution offerings, and accelerate our growth.”

“Earnscliffe’s dual focus on client service and team support align with Switchboard’s core values and culture,” Reid explained in a statement. “By joining forces, we are giving our clients access to enhanced national offerings and capabilities that will exceed their expectations and surpass their goals.”

Editor's note: Switchboard PR is a Vancouver Tech Journal advertising partner. However, our articles are produced independently, and Switchboard had no editorial input in this story.