BOSTON, MA and AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS and COPENHAGEN, DENMARK--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 31, 2008 -- The alchemy of communication is changing. The formula to push companies into the marketplace today takes more than individual elements to make an impact. It takes engaging design, branding, venture networking, marketing, events and public relations, all working together.

Today marks the launch of bGrand (www.bGrandGroup.com), a global consultancy composed of several pioneering, innovative communications companies that can deliver in the marketing 2.0 value chain. bGrand was created to address the sizable barriers to market entry for emerging technology, telecommunications, mobile and Web 2.0 companies throughout the world and give them one agency to turn to for all of their communications needs.

bGrand fuses old school approaches with new school initiatives -- from Web strategies, social media and viral marketing to classic marketing, PR and online communications tools -- to connect and give clients an advantage in this increasingly targeted, sophisticated and technologically innovative era of global communications.

bGrand is the brainchild of Jan Ligaard, president and founder of ICON22 (www.icon22.com), and Jennifer Hicks, president and founder of ink Communications (www.theinkstudio.com). Both have steered successful communications companies by knowing the industry and what it takes for clients to get into the market fast.

"We believe in the power of the brand experience and the fusion of elements it takes to reach your market," said Jennifer Hicks, co-founder of bGrand. "We designed bGrand to give clients one source for whatever they want to be -- whether it's competitive, smart, cool, creative or different -- they will be connected."

bGrand also consists of a global advisory board that lends their industry credentials and insight on trends or industry issues as they arise. Made up of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, media and communications veterans, the bGrand advisory board represents all aspects of the Web 2.0 marketing and communications value chain.

The bGrand advisory board members include: Luca Colciago, partner at Kreos Capital; Yosi Glick, CEO and co-founder of Jinni.com; Claire Landon, editor of Telecom Finance and Luxury Finance; Andrej Nabergoj, founder of Noovo.com; Jane Pruitt, vice president strategy and editorial at ink Communications; Ben Reneker, senior telecoms analyst at SNL/Kagan; and Dorte Weine, regional director of e-unlimited.com.

"Our advisory board has their finger on the pulse of each particular segment that bGrand crosses over, providing resources for the company and its clients to help them get to market more rapidly utilizing all forms of communication available today," said Hicks.

For more information about bGrand, please visit www.bGrandGroup.com.

     Media Contacts:
      
     EMEA
     Jennifer Hicks
     E: Jennifer@bgrandgroup.com
     M: +31 (0) 611 278 358
      
     North America
      
     Alexandra Crabb
     E: Alex@bgrandgroup.com
     M: +1-617-956-2214