Key Takeaways
- • BRG Communications, an Alexandria, Virginia-based healthcare public relations and integrated communications agency, has acquired We Are HeadStart, a boutique communications firm serving startups and venture capital investors.
- • The acquired business will operate as BRG HeadStart, a division focused on emerging healthcare companies and the broader startup ecosystem.
- • Founders Michael Stern and Naomi Brodsky will continue leading BRG HeadStart as managing directors, and the existing team will remain in place operating remotely.
- • The deal extends BRG's reach into venture-backed healthcare companies, while BRG marks its 25th anniversary on November 19, 2026.
Summary
BRG Communications, an Alexandria, Virginia-based healthcare public relations and integrated communications agency, has acquired We Are HeadStart, a boutique communications and marketing firm serving startups, venture capital investors, and innovation-focused organizations. According to the announcement, the acquired business will operate as BRG HeadStart, a division focused on emerging healthcare companies and the broader startup ecosystem. The transaction financial terms were not disclosed in the source material.
We Are HeadStart was founded in 2021 by Michael Stern and Naomi Brodsky and provides communications strategy, earned media, messaging, content development, and brand-building services. Its clients include startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, and organizations in health, workplace innovation, and business growth. Following the transaction, Stern and Brodsky will continue leading BRG HeadStart as managing directors, and the existing team will remain in place and continue operating remotely.
BRG, founded in 2001, cites six consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and three consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing private companies. In 2026, PRWeek named BRG Outstanding Small Agency, following Outstanding Boutique Agency recognition in 2023 and 2024. The firm serves corporations, healthcare systems, medical technology and life sciences companies, professional associations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations, and its service offerings include research and insights, digital strategy, creative services, paid media, and integrated communications campaigns.
The combination is designed to preserve each organization's existing client focus while creating cross-selling opportunities. BRG Communications' existing clients gain expertise in the communications needs of startups and investors, such as developing market credibility, communicating fundraising milestones, and introducing products. HeadStart's customers gain access to BRG's capabilities across healthcare, medical technology, and public health. In a statement, BRG President and CEO Jane Barwis said the firm is focused on expanding its expertise and reaching new segments of the healthcare market, describing HeadStart as bringing an entrepreneurial approach and established relationships in the startup and innovation ecosystem. Michael Stern, managing director of BRG HeadStart, called the partnership an opportunity to expand how the team serves the health innovation ecosystem.
The acquisition comes as BRG prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 19, 2026.
We Are HeadStart was founded in 2021 by Michael Stern and Naomi Brodsky and provides communications strategy, earned media, messaging, content development, and brand-building services. Its clients include startups, venture capital firms, accelerators, and organizations in health, workplace innovation, and business growth. Following the transaction, Stern and Brodsky will continue leading BRG HeadStart as managing directors, and the existing team will remain in place and continue operating remotely.
BRG, founded in 2001, cites six consecutive years of double-digit revenue growth and three consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing private companies. In 2026, PRWeek named BRG Outstanding Small Agency, following Outstanding Boutique Agency recognition in 2023 and 2024. The firm serves corporations, healthcare systems, medical technology and life sciences companies, professional associations, foundations, and nonprofit organizations, and its service offerings include research and insights, digital strategy, creative services, paid media, and integrated communications campaigns.
The combination is designed to preserve each organization's existing client focus while creating cross-selling opportunities. BRG Communications' existing clients gain expertise in the communications needs of startups and investors, such as developing market credibility, communicating fundraising milestones, and introducing products. HeadStart's customers gain access to BRG's capabilities across healthcare, medical technology, and public health. In a statement, BRG President and CEO Jane Barwis said the firm is focused on expanding its expertise and reaching new segments of the healthcare market, describing HeadStart as bringing an entrepreneurial approach and established relationships in the startup and innovation ecosystem. Michael Stern, managing director of BRG HeadStart, called the partnership an opportunity to expand how the team serves the health innovation ecosystem.
The acquisition comes as BRG prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 19, 2026.
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