Esusu
Esusu is the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower residents and improve property performance. Esusu’s rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores. This allows renters to build and establish their credit scores while helping property owners mitigate against initiating evictions, powered by differentiated data and insights. Founded in 2018, Esusu reaches millions of rental units across all 50 states in the United States. Their transformative approach not only addresses immediate financial challenges but also strives to dismantle barriers that hinder housing accessibility for working families and financial inclusion for underserved communities.
Our Opportunity
Esusu is fueled by an unwavering commitment to bridge the credit gap. The founding team reached out to Chanel at its earliest stage to lead the communications strategy. Esusu sought to revolutionize the credit-building landscape for marginalized communities but needed a press strategy and messaging to raise awareness. Esusu understood how important strategic communications is at the earliest stage for venture fundraising, partnership curation, credibility, brand visibility, and scale.
Our Approach
CJC Insights served as the agency of record from launch, and for over five years led messaging development, communications strategy, media relations, awards, press and thought leadership.
CJC Insights was the driving force behind Esusu's messaging and communication strategy, leveraged strategic media placements to amplify the company's founding story and approach.
Our deliberate approach propelled Esusu into a position of prominence within the financial technology landscape. Through thoughtfully curated thought leadership initiatives, Esusu gained credibility as a transformative advocate for housing equality and financial well-being.
“CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.”
- Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu
Our Results
From the launch of Esusu, CJC Insights has been the creative force behind the brand's compelling narrative. For years, we meticulously crafted and executed a comprehensive communications strategy that has elevated Esusu's profile globally. Esusu transitioned from a pre-seed stage to raising $150 million, achieving a $1 billion valuation, and becoming one of the few Black-owned tech companies to reach unicorn status. Our intentional approach propelled Esusu into a position of prominence within the financial technology landscape. Through thoughtfully curated thought leadership initiatives and speaking opportunities, Esusu gained credibility as a transformative advocate for housing and financial access.
Communications and Partnership Strategy: CJC Insights delivered top-tier visibility that significantly supported Esusu's fundraising, scaling, and growth. Our press office managed all announcements, especially for partnerships with Operation Hope, Freddie Mac, Goldman Sachs, and Related. We brought Esusu’s story to the floor of the NYSE with live interviews and to Nasdaq and the billboards of Times Square. We amplified the significance of partnerships with renowned investors like Serena Williams and Jeff Weiner and secured coverage in influential outlets. CJC Insights' role in Esusu's transformation underscores our capacity to elevate brands and amplify their stories on a global scale.
PR & Media Relations: We secured billions of media impressions with coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company, Inc., CNBC, Bloomberg, AfroTech, Black Enterprise, Cheddar, Insider, Yahoo!, Real Deal, and more. Our team managed awards, landing Esusu on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List, the Forbes Fintech 50 list (twice), Fast Company's 2022 Most Innovative Companies List, Insider's 100 People Transforming Business, and more. Esusu was also featured among LinkedIn's Best Top Startups in 2022 and Affordable Housing Finance’s Young Leaders Award, reaffirming its status as a rising star in the industry. Additionally, Esusu was honored on the Philanthropy 100 and Worth Magazine’s Worthy 100 list, celebrating its dedication to creating positive change.
Thought Leadership: CJC Insights played a pivotal role in catapulting Esusu through the power of storytelling. The founding story is more than a news hook, it’s studied and taught through Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB case studies to a feature in the Atlantic Magazine. Our expertise in crafting compelling narratives, honing communication strategies, and orchestrating targeted press outreach resulted in Esusu's transformation from an early-stage startup to a billion-dollar unicorn.
“CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.”
- Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Esusu
