When you first hear the name “San Francisco Agency,” you might imagine a PR firm based in California’s Bay Area, surrounded by tech companies. However, our agency is based in Helsinki, Finland. So why the name? The story behind it highlights a connection to innovation and a global outlook.
A name inspired by innovation
The story of San Francisco Agency begins with Juhani Polkko’s time in Silicon Valley during 2004-2005. While running his own startup—an endeavor that ultimately didn’t succeed—he observed how effectively startups in the US worked with PR, storytelling, and relationship-building. Inspired by this approach, Polkko returned to Finland and founded San Francisco Agency in 2009. For Juhani, San Francisco is more than just a location; it represents a mindset—one of innovation, bold storytelling, and strategic connections that he wanted to bring back to Finland. The name “San Francisco” represents the agency’s focus on forward-thinking communication strategies and international ambition.
Helping Nordic companies go global
San Francisco Agency works mainly (but not exclusively) with startups and scaleups from the Nordic region, helping them build visibility and credibility on a larger scale. The agency’s name signals its intent to connect clients with international audiences and opportunities. By referencing a global tech hub, the name communicates the agency’s focus on supporting companies with international aspirations.
The name also reflects the agency’s approach to combining Nordic and global business cultures. The Nordics are known for values like sustainability and equality, while San Francisco is often associated with rapid innovation and creativity. As an agency, we aim to bring together these complementary qualities to offer a balanced perspective to our clients.
Nordic roots at heart
In PR and branding, perception plays a significant role. A name like “San Francisco Agency” sparks curiosity and differentiates the firm. It sets a tone that aligns with its mission to help clients stand out, particularly in international markets where San Francisco is recognized as a center of innovation.
Although the name refers to an American city, the agency’s operations are firmly rooted in Helsinki. The city has become an important hub for startups and technology in its own right. Our work reflects Nordic values of quality, authenticity, and thoughtful innovation, which resonate with global audiences. Additionally, our team includes colleagues who work in Nordic languages at a native level, ensuring a deep understanding of local cultures and markets while maintaining strong connections to their roots. This multilingual capability has enabled the agency to tailor campaigns effectively for Nordic audiences, providing clients with localized strategies that resonate more deeply and achieve better results.
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