AKQA

AKQA

Digital design and brand experience agency

Overview

AKQA is a digital design and communications agency that delivers digital strategy, experience and product design, e-commerce, and technology implementation for global brands. Its approach combines creativity, technology, and data to build digital products and immersive campaigns. The company works through integrated teams that move from strategy to design to development and activation, using technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality to create engaging experiences. AKQA differentiates itself by operating as an autonomous subsidiary within WPP while leveraging scale across 50 countries and about 6,000 employees, enabling end-to-end services and a track record of large-brand work (e.g., Microsoft, Nike, Google, Unilever) and industry recognition. Its goal is to help brands transform digitally and achieve measurable business results through compelling, user-centered digital experiences.

About AKQA

Simplify's Rating
Why AKQA is rated
C+
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated C on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Consulting

VR & AR

Design

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$540M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2007

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Merger with whiteGrey completed April 2026, expanding to 6,000 employees.
  • 81% employees rate AKQA great workplace versus 57% typical U.S. firms.
  • Gartner named leading marketing agency; Fast Company innovator award 2020.

What critics are saying

  • Virgin poaches AKQA ECD; ex-exec Sam Kelly leads in-house studio.
  • Nike, Unilever in-house digital teams slash AKQA fees 40-60% within 18 months.
  • R/GA, Huge capture Microsoft, Google pitches with AI tools in 24 months.

What makes AKQA unique

  • AKQA blends creativity, technology, and data for immersive digital experiences.
  • Pioneered AI-invented sport Speedgate and Xbox 360 UX for Microsoft.
  • Operates autonomously under WPP, founded by Ajaz Ahmed in 1994.

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Funding

Total Funding

$540M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Acquisition funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Acquisition Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

Campaign
Jan 28th, 2026
Virgin hires ECD from AKQA to lead in-house creative studio

Virgin hires ECD from AKQA to lead in-house creative studio. Executive creative director will report to Virgin's chief experience officer and former AKQA exec, Sam Kelly. * Limited free articles a month * Free email bulletins * Unrestricted access to our most popular content including the School Reports, Power 100 and Best Places to Work * Essential round-ups such as Movers and Shakers, Pitch Update and the Question of the Week * Leading insights from Campaign's award-winning editors

Vinyl Group
Jun 13th, 2024
AKQA completes merger with whiteGrey, execs announced

The merger of two WPP creative agencies, AKQA and Grey, is officially complete as of this week after it was first announced in March.

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