Meet an Indie Agency: RISE New York & Partners

Founded almost accidentally, Rise New York emerged from a Brazilian barbecue joke between friends into a high-level creative agency. Co-founder Flavio Vidigal had spent 25 years in holding companies, eventually leaving due to burnout and toxicity. The push came when a partner’s wife encouraged him to pursue it seriously. Today, Rise thrives as a tight, senior team of 25 across New York and Brazil. Recently joined by Sathi Roy as Global Head of Growth, the agency is scaling its impact globally. Roy brings experience across mission-driven startups and sees Rise as “something very rare” that can “move culture forward.” Together, they emphasize crafting work with depth, resonance, and fearless creativity, especially for brands willing to lean into transformation and new ways of thinking.

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What the Agency is Best Known For and Strengths

Vidigal said Rise started as “a joke” at a barbecue among Brazilian creatives in New York. “Nobody ever took it seriously” until his partner’s wife said, “If you don’t do this, nobody will.” He left the toxicity of holding companies and teamed up with friends to form an LLC and “support brands globally.”

Vidigal said Rise is best known for “conceptual thinking married with world-class craft.” He emphasized their “creative fluidity,” saying, “we just sell one thing—creativity. No gimmicks.” He added that their superpower is the ability to deliver resonant work for global clients like Microsoft, Riot Games, and Google.

Vidigal pointed to Rise’s “razor sharp approach” and a “very senior” team that brings high craft to every project. He called their model “creative fluid,” letting them shift from project to project with agility, while being “a squad” that solves big brand problems efficiently.

Why Independence is Important

Roy cited “The Innovator’s Dilemma,” noting independence allows them to “think from the future backwards” and avoid corporate blind spots. Vidigal added, “most of our clients come with baggage,” and being indie means they can “simplify the mess” and have frank conversations with clients.

Why Brands Should Work with the Agency

Roy emphasized three things: “authenticity, speed, and observation.” She said Rise brings honest, culture-shifting ideas to the table and helps clients “communicate more meaningfully.” Their agility and senior talent mean high-level work gets done fast and well.

Why Talent Should Consider the Agency

Vidigal said, “If you want to do actual creative work, get your hands dirty… you come to Rise.” He said they aren’t “buried in decks” but instead focus on tangible, crafted assets. “We’re blasting a satellite off to space,” he quipped, adding it’s a place to “be yourself.”

Weirdos, Misfits, or Underdogs?

Roy said, “Depends on the day,” adding “it’s a great thing to be weird today.” Vidigal joked, “I play Dungeons & Dragons, so that tells you a lot.” They identify more as visionaries than disruptors, wanting to elevate the industry, not attack it.

The Marketer and/or CMO They Want to Say Hello To

Vidigal shouted out Fernando Machado, “not only because he’s Brazilian,” but for his creativity and leadership at Burger King. Roy said she wants to meet “anyone with a bold vision” who’s ready to make meaningful impact in a rapidly shifting culture.

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