Pocstock, a global stock-content company focused on inclusive imagery, cut the ribbon on a new headquarters in Newark Tuesday morning – a big win for the city and the latest in a list of milestone moments for the company.
The move to Newark comes on the day the company celebrates its fifth anniversary and comes along with two major recent developments: A successful $1.6 million seed investment round and the entering into a global content partnership with Canva.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Jones said more moments are coming: Pocstock, an emerging leader in ethical AI data, is set to unveil its cutting-edge AI platform in 2025, taking its commitment to inclusivity to the next level.
“Our mission has always included changing the narratives — ensuring that the images, stories, and cultures of people of color are authentically represented in all forms of media,” he said. “This move to Newark is more than just opening a new office; it’s a strategic decision to fuel our growth and expand our impact. We’re excited to be at the heart of an ecosystem that shares our values of community, inclusivity, and economic impact.”
The move also is a big win for Newark. It marks another success in Audible’s Business Attraction program, as pocstock’s new offices and content studio are located at 550 Broad Street in the heart of downtown Newark, a state-of-the-art property owned and managed by Fidelco Realty Group.
The program, run by Audible supported by Fidelco, is designed to attract thriving companies to the city, generate job opportunities, and provide vital resources for entrepreneurs who often lack access to funding and mentorship.
“Fidelco is proud to welcome pocstock to our groundbreaking roster of tenants at the historic 550 Broad Street building,” Fidelco Principal Kerri Levine said. “Pocstock’s tenancy exemplifies our continued commitment to transforming the neighborhood where established nonprofits and businesses can thrive and startups can grow.”
The expansion of pocstock (which prefers to have its name start with a lower-case letter) and expansion and relocation to Newark are backed by a growing list of high-profile investors and partners, including 9.58 Ventures, a firm focused on funding diverse, disruptive companies.
Fred Toney and Omar Sillah, co-founders and managing general partners of 9.58 Ventures, said the fit is perfect.
“Pocstock is reshaping the marketing and advertising industries with its unwavering commitment to diversity, authenticity, and inclusion,” they said in a joint statement. “Their vision aligns perfectly with ours and the athletes, entertainers, and influencers we work with.”
Pocstock’s move, part a broader effort to support Black-founded businesses in Newark, shows the initiative by Audible, which began last summer, is having impact.
“Pocstock is exactly the kind of company we aim to support through our Business Attraction Program,” Aisha Browne Glover, global head of urban innovation at Audible, said. “At the intersection of technology and diversity, pocstock is leading the way in transforming digital media’s portrayal of the dynamic spectrum of faces and cultures in our world. Their presence in Newark will be a catalyst for innovation and job creation, and we’re proud to support their journey.”
As pocstock settles into its new headquarters, the company is more determined than ever to reshape how businesses approach cultural representation. With a newly launched content studio and a physical presence in Newark, pocstock plans to become a hub for creators, photographers, and innovators looking to amplify diverse voices in digital media.
Co-founder DeSean Brown said pocstock’s journey is one of grit, innovation, and a relentless commitment to authentic representation. The company’s expansion in Newark is a bold step forward, one that will continue to inspire and shape the future of content and data for years to come.
“We’re just getting started,” he said. “Newark is the perfect place for us to build a creative community, connect with like-minded individuals, and continue to push the envelope in terms of representation and inclusion. Our new office isn’t just a space; it’s where the future of diverse content will be created.”
