LaunchSquad

Partnerships like the one we’ve built with Carbon180 don’t come around often. Their mission to reverse two centuries of carbon emissions by scaling carbon removal solutions is as ambitious as it is essential. Over nearly five years together, we’ve helped shape the story of carbon removal and elevate the team leading the charge. When LaunchSquader Addy Bhasin introduced us to co-founder Giana Amador back in 2020, carbon removal was just beginning to break through. Together, we supported Carbon180’s evolution from a San Francisco–based tech nonprofit into a DC policy powerhouse, guiding national conversations, briefing reporters on why this work matters, and helping shape how the world talks about carbon removal today. That reputation for deep subject-matter expertise proved critical this fall when a DOE memo leaked, revealing plans to cancel the Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs — a massive blow to the industry. Because we had anticipated this potential outcome, we had strategy in place well ahead of time, which allowed us to mobilize quickly and help reporters understand the implications. Within four hours, we engaged more than 20 reporters on the reality of the reversal. By arming journalists with the facts they needed in real time, we ensured coverage was substantive rather than reactive. In total, we landed over 13 stories underscoring why carbon removal must remain a national priority. Huge shoutouts are in order to everyone who has made this partnership what it is. Thanks to Danielle Toboni and Abby R., who helped Carbon180 build a voice and refine the messaging for carbon removal in the early years. To Squad alumni Dana Jacobs, who helped lead from the beginning, both on the LS team and as our contact on the Carbon180 team, and continues to beat the drum of carbon removal as Chief of Staff for the Carbon Removal Alliance. Thank you to Sabrina Patao, who brought energy and precision to the work. And to Stacee Collins whose organization and steady leadership kept us ready to navigate some of the most complex moments of this partnership. Today’s dream team continues that legacy: Brooke K., who has been the steady hand guiding the strategy; Kayleigh Carpenter, a rising storytelling force; Bernice Chen and Anya Jones, who joined during one of the wildest moments and helped bring order to the chaos. And of course, the incredible Carbon180 crew — Erin Burns, Ana Little-Saña, Tracy Y. and Jason Aul — as well as former comms lead Emily Reich — who continue to drive the carbon removal industry forward. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Check out one of our standout pieces from our partnership with Carbon180 here: https://lnkd.in/g2_RHwsD

Which AI voices should you be listening to right now? We’ve pulled another round of the top AI tastemakers on our radar: those tracking the products, infrastructure, money, policy and news impacting the AI boom.

Agency life isn’t always known for retention. In fact, the average PR agency tenure is just 3 years. But LaunchSquad has largely bucked that trend. Our senior leaders share an average tenure of 12.3 years, and LaunchSquad is home to several "boomerangs" who left to go in-house but later returned. As part of our ongoing series uncovering the work that makes LaunchSquad what it is for our 25th Anniversary, VP Emily Busse (boomerang, 10+ total years at LS) sat down with Stephanie Fryer (VP of Talent) and Emily Plante (Director of Experience and Talent) — 15 years and nine years respectively at LS. They dug into how we’ve built a culture that creates "agency lifers"—and develops the kind of talent other agencies love to poach. To learn more about what “hiring for potential" vs. resumes looks like in practice, why we believe in entry-level talent in the age of AI, and the path to growing talent from within, read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/gWc98NSw #LS25 #PublicRelations #TalentDevelopment #CompanyCulture

Farm to Table 2.0 is redefining how we think about the food on our plates, from sourcing and proteins to supply chains and packaging. This Thanksgiving, as millions of turkeys, potatoes, and cranberries are served, the real story lies in the full chain of the food system, which accounts for roughly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. In our latest piece from The Cooler, we took a closer look at: 🥬 How companies like Treefera and Therm are making sourcing and refrigerants more transparent to prevent deforestation, reduce emissions and minimize food waste 🍄 The rise of alternative proteins, like lemna-based Rubi Prime™, mycoprotein turkey roasts and jackfruit blends giving consumers better, more sustainable choices ♻️ How packaging innovators like VerTerra Dinnerware and Planet Verde are turning compostable materials into a convenient, stylish upgrade The takeaway for food brands and communicators: make sustainability visible, appealing, and easy 📖 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gvEeYuSB

VP Emily Busse sat down with Alex Konrad at our recent New York meetup celebrating 25 years of LaunchSquad. Alex is the founder of Upstarts Media where he covers the startup ecosystem ‘from inception to IPO.’ He’s also a former senior editor at Forbes where he spent 12 years covering startups and VC (and fielding probably one too many emails from LaunchSquad). Alex and Emily went deep on why so many reporters are striking out to build their own properties, what his method is for weighing the plethora of AI startup hopefuls in his inbox every day, and how to pitch Upstarts successfully (hint: it has to do with aligning incentives and absolutely nothing to do with DMing him on Instagram). Read the (abridged) Q&A transcript here on our blog: https://lnkd.in/giWmkWJp