ASTRSK

ASTRSK, a public relations agency founded in New York City in September 2012 by Elliot Tomaeno, has carved out a distinct niche by focusing on brands that challenge conventions. Operating from its headquarters at 122 Hudson St in New York, United States, the agency works primarily with high-growth companies across consumer tech, lifestyle, fashion, travel, and apps/platforms. Rather than following traditional PR playbooks, ASTRSK emphasizes innovation and brand activism, helping clients build narratives that resonate with modern audiences and secure meaningful media coverage.

Specialist Expertise in Rebellious Branding and Public Leadership

ASTRSK specializes in what it calls "rebellious brands"—companies that disrupt their industries and stand for something beyond their products. The agency's approach blends public relations with strategic counsel on brand engagement, positioning clients as "public leaders" through campaigns that emphasize advocacy and visibility. This focus on brand activism is central to their methodology; they help clients not just tell stories, but take stands. With a team of 16 to 27 employees, ASTRSK has launched over 300 companies and tech products, contributing to 12 successful exits. The agency also dedicates 10% of its efforts to pro bono work, particularly supporting underfunded startups, which aligns with its commitment to fostering innovation in underserved areas.

How They Apply Their Approach

The agency applies its expertise through a combination of media relations, partnership development, and thought leadership campaigns. For instance, they have worked with notable clients like Squarespace, ClassPass, and THINX, helping these brands position themselves as industry disruptors. ASTRSK's strategy involves building brand advocates and securing media coverage through targeted media outreach and media strategy. They also integrate product development and social strategy into their campaigns, ensuring that PR efforts align with broader business goals. By focusing on media connections and brand visibility, ASTRSK helps clients navigate competitive markets, whether they are startups seeking initial traction or established companies aiming to redefine their public image.

Services and Specialties

ASTRSK offers a range of services tailored to high-growth brands, drawing on its expertise in public relations and communications. While the agency does not publicly list every service, its work suggests capabilities in the following areas:

• Media relations and media outreach
• Event production and public campaigns
• Branding and brand engagement
• Partnership development and fundraising strategy
• Social strategy and UI/UX consulting
• Product development and thought leadership campaigns
• Media advocacy and public leadership campaigns
• B2B communications and media strategy

These services are designed to help clients secure media coverage, build brand visibility, and establish themselves as leaders in their fields. ASTRSK's emphasis on modern PR means they prioritize innovation over traditional methods, often integrating digital and social strategies to amplify client messages.

Who They Work With

ASTRSK is best suited for high-growth brands that are ready to challenge the status quo and invest in a narrative-driven approach to PR. Their client roster includes startups and publicly traded companies alike, particularly those in consumer tech, lifestyle, fashion, travel, and apps/platforms. Companies seeking to build brand advocates, secure media coverage, or launch public campaigns will find ASTRSK's rebellious brand focus appealing. The agency's experience with over 300 launches and 12 exits makes it a strong partner for brands aiming for rapid growth or market disruption. Additionally, ASTRSK's commitment to pro bono work and supporting underfunded startups makes it a good fit for mission-driven organizations looking to make an impact without a massive budget. However, brands that prefer a more conventional, risk-averse PR strategy may find ASTRSK's approach too bold. For those ready to embrace brand activism and public leadership, ASTRSK offers a tailored, innovation-driven partnership based in New York, United States.