Hyperquake, the independent creative strategy, branding and experience design agency, has acquired Brooklyn-based interactive design firm Potion.
Launched in 2005, under the leadership of Founder Phillip R. Tiongson, Potion has focused on innovation in inclusive digital storytelling and immersive content creation. Championing universal design values through its work for clients spanning leading brands, agencies and cultural institutions, Potion’s awards recognition includes a Webby Award; several top MUSE, Core77 Design and APEX Awards; multiple finalist honors in the National Design Awards; as well as inclusion in Communications Arts Interactive Annuals and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, among many other accolades.
While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Potion will retain its identity, its full staff and its headquarters in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Of vital importance to all parties are the heightened opportunities to collaborate in bringing expanded offerings to their clients, especially through Hyperquake’s Storybuilding® group.
According to Hyperquake’s CEO Colin Crotty, this strategic acquisition provides his company with its first presence in New York City.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Potion’s ultra-talented team to the Hyperquake family,” Crotty began. “This win-win development allows us to offer our clients an unlimited range of digital solutions through our Storybuilding expertise, where Potion pairs seamlessly. Across the board, our dedication to delivering ROI for our clients by making their businesses more accessible, competitive and agile has just taken another giant leap forward.”
Since launching in Cincinnati in 1986, Hyperquake rose to national prominence in the field of branding. With Crotty and Chief Creative Officer and Partner Dan Barczak purchasing the firm in 2016, two years later, Hyperquake acquired Cincinnati’s The Brand Experience. That deal added global reach and premier talents in world-class experience design, including Melissa Wheat Kelly, who is now Hyperquake’s President and Chief Operating Officer. While also establishing a formal alliance with Portland-based Verify Venture Studio at that time, Hyperquake expanded to Salt Lake City in 2021 as part of its strategic partnership with marketing strategy firm MarCore Group. Since 2022, the Hyperquake family of companies has also included the business management consultancy Several Thousand Alliance.
“To bring stories to life, we depend on amazing partners across the country with very exciting and unique skills,” Kelly explained. “As our Storybuilding team grew and clients demanded more dynamic immersive experiences, we began working with Potion more, and discovered the value of combining our strengths to help our clients turn their stories into momentous immersive experiences.”
“To say we are excited to join forces with Hyperquake is a gross understatement,” said Tiongson. “Combining our expertise to deliver even more value to our clients is where we will collectively excel. Our values and mission align. Together, we will be able to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the digital space — and beyond.”
