Rare Medium

About Rare Medium

Emerging from the tumultuous dot-com era, Rare Medium has a storied history rooted in the early days of the internet. The original entity, Rare Medium Group, was established when ICC Technologies acquired the private web developer Rare Medium in April 1998 and pivoted to focus exclusively on internet services. Under the leadership of its founder, Chairman, and CEO, Glenn S. Meyers, the firm became a prominent internet professional services company and incubator. Before founding Rare Medium, Meyers had an entrepreneurial background, having started a data communication system integration business after university.

During the late 1990s, Rare Medium Group provided end-to-end internet solutions, including strategic consulting, web initiative development, and online brand management. The company served a roster of large and medium-sized enterprises, including notable names like Microsoft and Citicorp. As a key player in the 'Silicon Alley' scene, the firm also invested in and managed a portfolio of next-generation internet companies. However, like many of its contemporaries, the company faced significant challenges when the dot-com bubble burst. This led to its acquisition by the wireless messaging carrier Motient Corp. in 2001, after which the original high-flying entity ceased to exist in that form.

The current iteration of Rare Medium operates as a digital agency focused on designing and building comprehensive online ecosystems for its clients. The firm’s business model is centered on providing bespoke digital services to bolster brands and drive business growth. Its revenue is generated by delivering a range of services from online strategy and user experience research to website development and mobile solutions. The company caters to enterprise-level clients, offering services such as implementing commercial content management systems from partners like IBM, Adobe, and Microsoft. Its work includes developing complex systems, such as a tool inventory and tracking system for Siemens Power Corporation and creating the online user experience for brands like The Ritz-Carlton.