Michael Kirkland, former Vice President of Technology Communications at Meta, has entered the world of public relations entrepreneurship with the launch of his new agency, 11.18 Communications. Based in Walnut Creek, California, 11.18 Communications is positioned as a niche agency focusing on communications in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency.
After several months of preparation and preliminary operations, the official website for 11.18 Communications was unveiled this Wednesday. Kirkland initiated client projects in March and has steadily developed his agency, aiming to solidify its foundation before broadening its client portfolio.
In a discussion with PRWeek, Kirkland elaborated on his strategic intent for the agency. He envisions 11.18 Communications as a specialised entity concentrating on infrastructure, developer platforms, and cutting-edge technologies like AI and crypto. Drawing on nearly 12 years of experience at Meta, Kirkland believes he offers substantial expertise in crafting impactful communication strategies for these sectors.
Currently, 11.18 Communications has secured six clients, encompassing both public companies and innovative startups in various developmental stages. Although Kirkland opted not to disclose specific names, he noted that his clients are exploring how to effectively integrate these emerging technologies into their operations and communicate their impacts clearly to their audiences.
For larger corporations, the agency assists in navigating the adoption of AI and crypto technologies. This involves crafting narratives that elucidate their strategic moves to stakeholders and wider audiences. For startups, the focus is on reaching targeted audiences such as potential users, researchers, engineers, and developers.
Kirkland emphasised the necessity for companies in these fields to have well-defined, compelling stories and the mechanisms to disseminate these narratives effectively to relevant audiences.
Currently, the agency operates with a small team comprising Kirkland and several skilled subcontractors, many of whom collaborated with him during his tenure at Meta. Looking ahead, Kirkland plans to begin recruiting full-time employees by next year, predominantly at senior levels.
Notably, the inspiration behind the agency's name, 11.18 Communications, stems from the escape velocity required to break free from Earth's gravitational pull, measured at approximately 11.18 kilometers per second – a metaphor reflecting the agency’s ambitions in the dynamic sectors it serves.
Before launching his own agency, Kirkland held significant roles at Meta, serving as VP of Technology Communications and previously as Director of Technology Communications at Facebook, culminating in his departure from Meta earlier in 2023.
Source: Noah Wire Services