Dept

One of the largest independent global digital agencies, competing with holding company networks through a tech-forward, acquisition-driven model

Dept is a rapidly growing global digital agency headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that blends creative, technology, and data capabilities to help brands navigate digital transformation. Founded in 2015, Dept has expanded aggressively through organic growth and acquisitions, building a network of specialized studios and teams across Europe, North America, and beyond. The agency offers services spanning digital marketing, experience design, software engineering, data and AI, and performance marketing, positioning itself as a full-service digital partner for enterprise and mid-market clients. In the AdTech and digital marketing ecosystem, Dept occupies a distinctive position as an independent agency that competes with both traditional holding company networks (WPP, Publicis, Dentsu) and specialist digital consultancies. Its model emphasizes deep technical expertise alongside creative output, enabling clients to build proprietary technology, run sophisticated paid media campaigns, and design customer experiences simultaneously. The agency has attracted major global brands including Audi, Patagonia, eBay, and Tommy Hilfiger. Dept has been backed by private equity firm Carlyle Group since 2021, which has fueled its acquisition-led international expansion strategy. The company has made over 30 acquisitions since its founding, absorbing specialist agencies in performance marketing, UX, engineering, and data analytics. This roll-up approach has made Dept one of the fastest-growing independent digital agencies globally, with thousands of employees across dozens of offices worldwide.