Top 20 Digital Advertising Companies in California
Top 20 Digital Advertising Companies in California
The digital advertising industry in California thrives as a dynamic force, integrating various marketing technologies and creative strategies to connect businesses with their audiences. This vibrant sector includes large giants and innovative startups focusing on services like programmatic buying, affiliate marketing, and data analytics. With increasing reliance on digital platforms, companies are enhancing their capabilities by adopting AI and machine learning solutions. Moreover, with a growing emphasis on privacy and data security, the industry is evolving, pushing businesses to innovate their approaches to meet regulatory demands while maximizing advertising effectiveness.
This list highlights twenty prominent companies in California’s digital advertising sector, showcasing diverse specializations. With headquarters scattered across cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, these firms range in size from boutique agencies with fewer than fifty employees to industry giants employing thousands. Many have roots going back decades, specializing in areas such as performance marketing, programmatic ads, and influencer strategies, demonstrating a broad spectrum of expertise and innovation in digital advertising.
Read on to discover the top digital advertising companies in California.
Top 20 Digital Advertising Companies in California
1. Google Ads
- Website: ads.google.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: google-ads-es
Google Ads, founded in 1998 and based in Mountain View, California, is a prominent advertising agency that specializes in online advertising solutions. The platform provides a variety of services, including search ads, display ads, video ads, and shopping ads, aimed at helping businesses improve their online visibility and engage with customers. Google Ads leverages advanced AI technology to enhance ad performance, allowing advertisers to effectively target potential customers. The platform also offers tools such as Google Analytics and Keyword Planner, which assist businesses in optimizing their advertising strategies. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Google Ads continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital advertising industry, adapting to the evolving needs of advertisers and consumers alike.
2. AdRoll, a division of NextRoll
- Website: adroll.com
- Ownership type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 56%, Ireland 22%, Australia 18%, Other 4%
- Latest funding: $70.0M, April 2014
- Founded year: 2007
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: adroll
AdRoll, a division of NextRoll, is a digital marketing agency based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2007, the company has carved out a niche in the digital advertising space by offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes display ads, video ads, and marketing automation tools. AdRoll's platform is designed to help businesses optimize their marketing strategies through data-driven insights, enabling them to effectively engage with their target audiences. The company has a significant presence in industries such as ecommerce and finance, where it has successfully assisted over 140,000 brands in driving revenue and enhancing customer engagement. AdRoll's marketing platform supports full-funnel ad campaigns, allowing clients to manage, measure, and optimize their advertising efforts from a single interface. The company has also received substantial funding, with a notable amount of $70 million reported in 2014, which underscores its growth potential and commitment to innovation in the digital marketing sector.
3. Verizon Media Platform
- Website: verizonmedia.com
- Ownership type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Latest funding: $5.0B, May 2021
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: verizon-media-platform
Verizon Media Platform, operating under the Yahoo brand, is a media and technology company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2017, it has quickly established itself as a key player in the digital advertising industry. Yahoo offers a wide array of products and services, including advertising solutions that cater to businesses looking to enhance their online presence. The company connects users with content and brands through its popular platforms, such as Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo Sports. Yahoo Advertising focuses on providing sustainable identity solutions, premium access, and measurable performance for advertisers. With a workforce of approximately 577 employees, Yahoo is committed to driving growth by prioritizing user engagement and building lasting partnerships. The company received a substantial funding boost of $5 billion in May 2021, underscoring its potential for future expansion and innovation in the digital advertising space.
4. Rakuten Marketing
- Website: rakutenmarketing.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: rakuten-marketing
Rakuten Marketing, now operating under the name Rakuten Advertising, is a marketing consultancy based in San Mateo, California. Founded in 1996, the company specializes in performance-driven advertising solutions. It offers a range of services, including affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and digital media solutions tailored for brands and publishers. Rakuten Advertising focuses on connecting advertisers with suitable partners and optimizing marketing strategies to enhance audience engagement and campaign performance. The company has established itself as a pioneer in affiliate marketing, claiming to have completed over 200 million transactions and reached more than 1.2 billion consumers globally. Their innovative approach, particularly through their proprietary Affiliate Intelligence platform, positions them as a notable entity in the digital advertising sector.
5. Wpromote
- Website: wpromote.com
- Ownership type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
- Latest funding: October 2022
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: wpromote
Wpromote is a digital marketing agency based in El Segundo, California, founded in 2001. The company specializes in providing comprehensive marketing solutions that include paid media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and digital intelligence. With a workforce of approximately 673 employees, Wpromote serves a broad spectrum of clients, from emerging startups to established brands, all seeking to enhance their online presence and drive growth. The agency prides itself on its Challenger culture, which encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving to outsmart competitors rather than simply outspending them. Wpromote has developed proprietary technology, such as the Polaris platform, which aids in data analysis and strategic planning. Their commitment to leveraging data for actionable insights has earned them numerous industry awards, underscoring their impact and relevance in the digital marketing field.
6. Rpa
- Website: rpa.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, Other 2%
- Founded year: 1986
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: rpa
RPA, based in Santa Monica, California, is an advertising and marketing agency that has been operational since 1986. With a workforce of approximately 1,262 employees, RPA specializes in providing a wide range of marketing solutions, including digital marketing, media planning, and creative strategy. The agency serves various industries, adapting its approach to meet the unique needs of each client. RPA has worked with prominent brands such as Honda, La-Z-Boy, and Homes.com, showcasing its ability to create compelling campaigns that enhance brand visibility and connect with consumers. Their projects often leverage modern technology and innovative strategies, reflecting their commitment to staying at the forefront of the advertising industry. RPA's focus on analytics and insights further underscores their dedication to delivering measurable results for their clients.
7. Skai
- Website: skai.io
- Ownership type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: Israel 44%, United States (USA) 39%, United Kingdom (UK) 8%, Other 9%
- Latest funding: January 2016
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: skaicommerce
Skai, founded in 2006 and based in San Francisco, California, is a digital marketing agency that specializes in omnichannel marketing solutions. The company offers a wide array of services, including retail media, search, social media, and app marketing. Skai's platform utilizes artificial intelligence to provide actionable insights and improve campaign performance for its clients. With a workforce of approximately 703 employees, Skai has a significant presence in the industry, with a notable employee distribution across Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. The company emphasizes the importance of data privacy and security, ensuring that their clients can trust their platform. Skai also provides expert services to help businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing, making them a valuable partner for brands looking to enhance their advertising strategies.
8. Kobe Digital
- Website: kobedigital.com
- Ownership type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
- Latest funding: February 2022
- Founded year: 2016
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: kobe-digital
Kobe Digital is a digital marketing agency based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The company specializes in performance marketing, web design, and video production, offering a comprehensive suite of services aimed at enhancing online presence and driving engagement for its clients. With a team of experts, Kobe Digital focuses on delivering measurable results through innovative strategies tailored to the specific needs of each client. They serve a range of clients, from early-stage startups to established enterprise brands, showcasing their adaptability and expertise across various industries. Their work includes notable projects for clients such as Leica Camera AG and SurveyMonkey, highlighting their capability in executing effective marketing campaigns. Kobe Digital's commitment to integrating marketing disciplines allows them to create cohesive strategies that resonate with target audiences, making them a relevant player in the digital advertising sector.
9. Metric Theory | A Monks Company
- Website: metrictheory.com
- Ownership type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
- Latest funding: January 2021
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: metric-theory
Metric Theory | A Monks Company, founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, is a digital marketing agency that specializes in performance-driven marketing solutions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including search engine marketing, paid social advertising, programmatic advertising, and more. With a focus on helping businesses enhance their online presence, Metric Theory caters to a variety of clients, including B2B companies, retail brands, and eCommerce businesses. They pride themselves on their data-driven approach, which has led to impressive results for their clients, such as an average growth of 68% for first-year clients. Metric Theory has also been recognized for its excellence in the industry, notably winning the SEM Agency of the Year award in 2019. Their commitment to innovation and results-driven strategies positions them as a relevant player in the digital advertising sector.
10. Rakuten Advertising
- Website: rakutenadvertising.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 47%, United Kingdom (UK) 17%, France 9%, Other 27%
- Founded year: 1996
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: rakuten-marketing
Rakuten Advertising, based in San Mateo, California, is a marketing agency that specializes in affiliate marketing and performance-driven advertising solutions. Founded in 1996, the company has built a robust portfolio of services that includes display advertising, influencer marketing, and paid search. Their primary goal is to assist brands and publishers in optimizing their marketing strategies to enhance reach and performance in the digital space. With a workforce of approximately 927 employees, Rakuten Advertising serves a variety of clients, particularly in the retail, financial services, and travel sectors. The company prides itself on its innovative approach, particularly through its proprietary Affiliate Intelligence platform, which leverages data and artificial intelligence to connect advertisers with publishers effectively. This strategic focus has allowed Rakuten Advertising to maintain a significant presence in the digital advertising industry, reaching over 1.2 billion consumers and facilitating more than 200 million transactions. Their commitment to performance is further evidenced by numerous industry awards recognizing their contributions to affiliate marketing and performance innovation.
11. GumGum
- Website: gumgum.com
- Ownership type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 47%, Australia 14%, United Kingdom (UK) 11%, Other 28%
- Latest funding: Series E-K, $75.0M, April 2021
- Founded year: 2008
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: gumgum
GumGum is an advertising technology firm based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2008. The company specializes in contextual advertising and brand safety solutions, providing a platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to deliver timely and relevant ads to consumers. GumGum's services cater primarily to advertisers and publishers, helping them enhance their media strategies. Their offerings include connected TV advertising and in-game advertising, reflecting their adaptability to various digital environments. With a workforce of around 582 employees and a significant global footprint, GumGum operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company has raised $75 million in its latest funding round, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in its innovative approach to digital advertising.
12. NP Digital
- Website: npdigital.com
- Ownership type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: India 27%, United States (USA) 26%, Brazil 13%, Other 34%
- Latest funding: January 2025
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: neilpatel-com
NP Digital, founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a digital marketing agency that specializes in a wide array of services aimed at improving online visibility and marketing effectiveness for businesses. The company provides solutions in data analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and paid media strategies. With a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, NP Digital operates globally, serving clients in various sectors including e-commerce, healthcare, and finance. Their approach combines creative strategy with data-driven insights, allowing them to tailor marketing efforts to meet specific client needs. NP Digital's commitment to helping businesses achieve their marketing goals is evident in their comprehensive service offerings and their focus on measurable results.
13. Skiver Advertising
- Website: skiver.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: skiver-advertising
Skiver Advertising, based in Costa Mesa, California, is a private advertising agency that has been operational since 2001. With a team of 11 to 50 employees, the agency specializes in providing a range of marketing solutions, including advertising strategy, branding, and digital services. Skiver Advertising has worked with various clients across multiple industries, helping them enhance brand visibility and connect with target audiences through customized advertising campaigns. Their portfolio includes partnerships with well-known brands such as Hooters, Live Nation, and Mercedes-Benz, showcasing their ability to manage significant advertising initiatives. The agency prides itself on its uncomplicated approach to advertising, aiming to simplify the complexities of marketing for its clients.
14. Exponential
- Website: exponential.com
- Ownership type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Emeryville, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: India 68%, United States (USA) 15%, United Kingdom (UK) 4%, Other 13%
- Latest funding: August 2010
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 501-1000
- LinkedIn: exponential
Exponential, founded in 2001 and based in Emeryville, California, is a digital advertising agency that has played a significant role in transforming the advertising industry. The company specializes in providing innovative digital advertising solutions and user-centric ad formats, which help brands effectively engage with their audiences across various platforms. Exponential's services are designed to enhance brand visibility and interaction in the digital space. With a global presence in 17 countries, they leverage one of the largest digital media footprints and proprietary data to create advertising experiences that drive engagement and action. Their platform combines creativity and audience insight, forming the foundation for smarter, more relevant solutions for advertisers and publishers. Recently, Exponential has transitioned its advertising business to operate under the name VDX.tv, indicating a strategic shift in their operational focus.
15. Saatchi & Saatchi (We Are Saatchi)
- Website: wearesaatchi.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 92%, Other 8%
- Founded year: 1970
- Headcount: 201-500
- LinkedIn: we-are-saatchi
Saatchi & Saatchi (We Are Saatchi) is an advertising agency based in El Segundo, California, with a history dating back to 1970. The agency specializes in crafting innovative marketing solutions tailored for brands across various sectors. Their services include creative development, brand strategy, media planning, and digital marketing, which are designed to help businesses effectively communicate their messages and connect with consumers. Saatchi & Saatchi has a global presence and collaborates with well-known brands, enhancing their marketing efforts through award-winning campaigns. The agency also places a strong emphasis on data-driven strategies, utilizing analytics to inform their creative processes and ensure targeted outreach. Their commitment to social responsibility is evident through initiatives like the Saatchi Diversity Task Force, which promotes inclusivity within the organization and the broader community.
16. Yahoo Advertising
- Website: adtech.yahooinc.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: yahoo-for-business
Yahoo Advertising, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a digital marketing firm that specializes in providing comprehensive advertising solutions. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a key player in the advertising industry. Yahoo Advertising offers a variety of services, including a demand-side platform (DSP) that allows businesses to purchase digital advertising space efficiently. They also provide identity solutions that utilize first-party data to help advertisers connect with their target audiences effectively, especially in a cookieless environment. The company emphasizes creativity in advertising through its Yahoo Creative division, which supports brands in developing impactful campaigns. Yahoo Advertising serves multiple sectors, adapting to the evolving needs of marketers and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance campaign performance. Their ongoing partnerships and integrations with other tech firms further solidify their position in the market.
17. Duncan Channon
- Website: duncanchannon.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
- Founded year: 1990
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: duncanchannon
Duncan Channon is an advertising agency based in San Francisco and Los Angeles, specializing in comprehensive marketing services. Founded in 1990, the agency has developed a strong portfolio that includes campaign strategy, branding, media analytics, social media, and experiential marketing. With a team of approximately 83 employees, Duncan Channon focuses on creating emotional connections between brands and consumers, leveraging data to inform their creative strategies. The agency has worked with a variety of clients across different industries, producing notable campaigns that have garnered industry recognition. Their commitment to innovative advertising solutions has earned them multiple awards, including being named an Ad Age Agency of the Year four times. Duncan Channon continues to be an active player in the advertising industry, adapting to the evolving digital landscape and maintaining relevance in a competitive market.
18. Mozaik
- Website: mozaik.com
- Ownership type: Family Owned
- Headquarters: Willowbrook, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: Greece 93%, United States (USA) 2%, France 2%, Other 2%
- Founded year: 2002
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: mozaik
Mozaik is a digital marketing agency based in Willowbrook, California, with a significant operational presence in Athens, Greece. Founded in 2002, the company specializes in a wide array of marketing services aimed at helping businesses improve their online visibility and effectively connect with their target audiences. Mozaik's offerings include strategic insights, creative production, performance marketing, and comprehensive digital campaigns. The agency has garnered recognition through various awards, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation in their projects. With a team that combines marketing expertise with technical skills, Mozaik is well-equipped to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients. Their focus on data-driven strategies and creative storytelling further enhances their ability to drive engagement and results for brands across multiple platforms.
19. AdColony
- Website: adcolony.com
- Ownership type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: United States (USA) 34%, South Africa 14%, Turkey 12%, Other 39%
- Latest funding: $400.0M, February 2021
- Founded year: 2008
- Headcount: 201-500
- LinkedIn: adcolony
AdColony, founded in 2008 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a mobile advertising company that specializes in video advertising and user engagement solutions. The company provides a platform that helps app developers and brands enhance user acquisition and monetization through innovative advertising strategies. AdColony is particularly recognized for its high-quality video ads that deliver engaging experiences to users. They have developed technologies such as SingleTap™, which simplifies the app installation process for users, thereby increasing conversion rates. In February 2021, AdColony received significant funding amounting to $400 million, which underscores its growth potential and relevance in the mobile advertising space. The company serves a global clientele, including app developers, brands, and telecom operators, and has established a strong presence in the mobile advertising ecosystem.
20. Knorex
- Website: knorex.com
- Ownership type: Private
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Employee distribution: India 49%, Vietnam 27%, United States (USA) 11%, Other 14%
- Latest funding: July 2023
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 51-200
- LinkedIn: knorex
Knorex, founded in 2009 and based in Sunnyvale, California, is a private company specializing in digital advertising solutions. With a workforce of approximately 150 employees, Knorex has established itself as a significant player in the digital marketing industry. The company offers a robust platform, Knorex XPO, which integrates various advertising channels such as programmatic, display, mobile, and social media advertising. Their services are designed to help businesses optimize their marketing efforts through automation and data-driven strategies. Knorex's proprietary machine learning engine, KAIROS, enhances their capabilities in campaign management and optimization. The company has also received accolades, including the MarTech Breakthrough Award for Best Remarketing Platform, underscoring their impact in the digital advertising space.
Digital Advertising Insights: Key Companies in California
Company | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Ownership |
---|---|---|---|---|
Google Ads | Mountain View, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | Private |
AdRoll, a division of NextRoll | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2007 | Venture Capital |
Verizon Media Platform | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2017 | Private Equity |
Rakuten Marketing | San Mateo, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1996 | Private |
Wpromote | El Segundo, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2001 | Private Equity |
Rpa | Santa Monica, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1986 | Private |
Skai | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | Venture Capital |
Kobe Digital | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2016 | Corporate |
Metric Theory | A Monks Company | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2012 | Corporate |
Rakuten Advertising | San Mateo, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1996 | Private |
GumGum | Santa Monica, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2008 | Venture Capital |
NP Digital | San Diego, California, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 2017 | Corporate |
Skiver Advertising | Costa Mesa, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2001 | Private |
Exponential | Emeryville, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2001 | Private Equity |
Saatchi & Saatchi (We Are Saatchi) | El Segundo, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1970 | Private |
Yahoo Advertising | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1994 | Private |
Duncan Channon | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1990 | Private |
Mozaik | Willowbrook, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2002 | Family Owned |
AdColony | Los Angeles, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2008 | Corporate |
Knorex | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2009 | Private |
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