50,000feet an independent global brand consultancy and creative agency with offices in Chicago and New York said today it has received investment funding from Erie Street Growth Partners. 

The investment, which makes Erie Street majority partner in the agency, will support 50,000eet’s continued expansion—it recently unveiled a new health and wellness practice and plans to open an office in London. 

Terms weren’t disclosed but under the new setup agency CEO Jim Misener will now report to Jerry Graunke, president of Erie Street. 

Chris Prescher will continue as Chief Strategy Officer at the agency and Ken Fox will be elevated to Chief Creative Officer. 

Misener said, “We’re excited to partner with Erie Street to deepen our capabilities and continue creating exceptional work for our clients, as we redefine the category of what it means to be a strategic brand partner in a digitally transformed world.” 

Agency clients include Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Mastercard and Knoll. 

The agency has grown sharply over the past three years, adding 30% more staff during that time. In 2020 it merged with the design firm, Carbone Smolan Agency and opened its New York office.  

Graunke stated, “We look forward to continuing the trusted partnership we have built over the last year with Jim, Chris, and Ken as we turn disruption into transformational growth.” 
 
Erie Street also has stakes in content company Trailer Park Group and communications consultancy Apco Worldwide. Earlier it made investments in 3Q Digital, now Dept.