Amsterdam-based pr.co, an online newsroom company, announced on Tuesday, February 21, that it has acquired PR learning platform Pioneer Academy.
The company didn’t disclose the financial details of the deal.
Founded by Bianca Zwart in 2021 and later joined by Sabine de Witte, Pioneer Academy was founded to help communication professionals and founders grow their startups or scale up.Â
The platform helps its students apply a startup mindset to PR through on-demand video courses, masterclasses, workbooks, and guides.
Both founders will continue to support the growth of Pioneer Academy.
Zwart says, “Not all agencies are geared for startup PR. Startups need a data-driven PR strategy that works at a fast pace and on a lean budget.”
“Pioneer Academy gives them the tools and knowledge to grow their startup in the media in a way that works for them. We’re super excited to join forces with pr.co and are confident they will take the platform to the next level,” adds Zwart.
Why this acquisition?
According to the Dutch company, this acquisition will further their mission of making PR accessible to all organisations, regardless of budget and size.
The acquisition will also expand pr.co’s platform beyond software, equipping marketers and communications professionals to generate brand awareness through great PR campaigns.
The Dutch company will focus on growing Pioneer Academy’s current student base and expanding its content through a new learning platform, starting in April.
Together with PR experts, they will develop courses to cover the entire spectrum of PR, from investor relations to media relations, corporate communications, and brand journalism, says pr.co.
pr.co: Making PR accessible
pr.co builds (corporate) websites and software for the world’s fastest-growing companies, including Just Eat Takeaway, WeTransfer, Remote, Dolby, and Polaroid.
The company says it ‘takes the spin out of public relations’ by equipping organisations with the ‘right software, knowledge, and partners to communicate transparently and build relationships based on trust,’ as consumers increasingly expect companies to operate ethically.
Its platform helps organisations publish news, manage their international PR strategy, manage their contacts, do outreach, and stream events online.
Jeroen Bos, CEO pr.co, says, “We believe that public relations should be at the core of every organisation. Consumers demand more ethical behaviour, transparency, and sustainability from the brands in which they invest their time and money. As a result, public relations has become an essential tool for growth in every industry and organisation, regardless of size. With this acquisition, pr.co will continue empowering PR professionals to showcase their values in action.”
