 | |
| Type of business | Private |
|---|---|
Type of site | Software Development, news aggregator, Media monitoring |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Founder(s) | Greg Galant, Lee Semel |
| CEO | Greg Galant |
| Key people | |
| Industry | software |
| Employees | 400 (fully employed) (2025)[2] |
| URL | muckrack |
| Current status | Active |
Muck Rack is an American software company that develops a cloud-based public relations software.[3] Founded in 2009 by Greg Galant and Lee Semel,[4] the company initially operated as a free online directory for journalists. It has since evolved into an integrated software as a service (SaaS) platform used by PR professionals for media relations, monitoring, analytics, and press release distribution.[5]
History
[edit]Founding and early years
[edit]Muck Rack was founded in 2009 by Greg Galant and Lee Semel.[4] The name refers to the term muckraker, used for reform-minded journalists in the early 20th century. Initially, it helped journalists create online portfolios and track shares of their work on social media. Over 10,000 journalists signed up in the first year.[3] In 2011, after noticing PR professionals using the site to identify journalists, the company pivoted to offer its first paid SaaS product for the PR industry.[3]
Bootstrapped growth and Series A funding
[edit]Muck Rack operated profitably for over a decade without external funding.[6] In September 2022, it raised its first institutional capital: a $180 million Series A round led by Susquehanna Growth Equity, marking one of the largest investments in PR tech.[3]
Acquisitions
[edit]In September 2024, Muck Rack acquired Toronto-based Keyhole, a social listening and analytics platform.[7] This enabled the integration of real-time social media monitoring for platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook.
In January 2025, the company acquired Ruepoint, a media intelligence firm based in Ireland, enhancing its media monitoring and human-curated analytics services.[8]
Platform and services
[edit]Media database and pitching
[edit]The core of Muck Rack’s platform is a media database containing profiles of journalists, podcasters, and media outlets.[9] Profiles can be claimed and updated by journalists, improving data accuracy. Users can create targeted lists and send pitches through the platform.
In April 2023, the company launched PressPal.ai, an AI-powered tool to assist in drafting press releases and identifying relevant journalists.[10]
Media monitoring and social listening
[edit]Muck Rack offers real-time alerts for keyword mentions across online news, print, podcasts, and broadcast media.[11] After acquiring Keyhole in 2024, the platform added social media listening features for platforms such as X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.[7]
Analytics and reporting
[edit]The analytics suite allows users to measure PR performance through metrics such as share of voice, sentiment, and article reach. Dashboards and reports help PR professionals link coverage to business outcomes.[12]
Press release distribution
[edit]In May 2025, Muck Rack launched a global press release distribution service in partnership with GlobeNewswire, allowing dissemination to media outlets, financial terminals, and wire services.[13]
Operations
[edit]Since 2021, Muck Rack has operated as a remote-first company, with employees distributed across the United States and internationally.[14] Clients include organizations such as Google, Pfizer, Duolingo, and the International Rescue Committee.[3]
Reception
[edit]Industry reception
[edit]Muck Rack is often compared to competitors like Cision and Meltwater.[15] Analysts cite its accurate media database and user-friendly interface as key advantages, along with its unified platform architecture.[16]
Recognition
[edit]- Named "Best Comms Tech Platform" at the PRWeek US Awards in 2024 and 2025.[17]
- Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024.[18]
- Included on Inc. Best Workplaces in 2023 and 2024.[19]
- Recognized by Quartz as one of the "Best Companies for Remote Workers" in 2022 and 2023.[20]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Muck Rack, the journalist database, raises $180M in its first outside funding". TechCrunch. September 7, 2022. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "Muck Rack acquires Ireland-based media intelligence company Ruepoint". Muck Rack News. January 6, 2025. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e "Muck Rack receives $180 million Series A investment from Susquehanna Growth Equity". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Celebrating Muck Rack's 15th anniversary—here's how we got started". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "PR Software". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Ruck Raises $180 Million in Series A Minority Investment". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Muck Rack Acquires Keyhole". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack Acquires Ruepoint to Enhance its Media Intelligence Business". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Media Database - Muck Rack". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack launches AI tool PressPal". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Media Monitoring and Alerts - Muck Rack". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "PR Reporting and Analytics". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Introducing Global Press Release Distribution in Muck Rack". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "4 remote work best practices from the Muck Rack team". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack vs. Cision vs. PressKitHero: Which PR Tool Is Right for You?". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Why I choose Muck Rack over Cision and Meltwater". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack named Best PR Tech Platform By PR Week for second straight year". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack named to 2022 Inc. 5000". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "Muck Rack Named to Inc.'s 2023 List of Best Workplaces". Retrieved June 26, 2025.
- ^ "About Muck Rack". Retrieved June 26, 2025.