CREATETHE GROUP

About CREATETHE GROUP

CREATETHE GROUP, founded in 2004 by James Gardner and Allen Kung, operated as a digital agency specializing in brand and commerce solutions for the luxury fashion and retail sectors. The firm was headquartered in New York City, with an additional office in London. Co-founder James Gardner brought a significant technology and finance background to the venture; prior to establishing the agency, he worked on Wall Street at both Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, where he became the youngest Technology Director and was a pivotal force in the development of automated and algorithmic trading. This expertise directly informed the company's strategic direction.

The agency's business model was centered on providing comprehensive digital services to high-end brands. It offered a suite of services including business and strategy consulting, brand identity management, content production, social media consultation, SEO, email marketing, and mobile strategy. A core part of its offering was the 'CTS PLATFORM,' a proprietary, next-generation e-commerce platform designed to integrate content, community, and commerce functions seamlessly. This platform provided clients with a flexible front-end for creating distinct brand experiences, supported by a managed cloud infrastructure for enterprise-level performance and security. Revenue was generated by delivering these campaigns, platforms, and commerce solutions to its client roster.

CREATETHE GROUP built a notable client list that included prominent global brands such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Tom Ford, and Alexander Wang. The firm achieved several milestones, including being ranked #5 in the Fashion Industry in Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies issue in 2011 and winning Webby & Clio Awards for its work on NOWNESS.com. In June 2011, the company acquired Morpheus Media, a digital media services agency, to expand its capabilities in paid search, display media, and social media management. Over its lifetime, CREATETHE GROUP raised a total of $31.1 million in funding across five rounds. The company is now listed as out of business.