Muck Rack is an American software company that develops an AI-powered, cloud-based public relations management (PRM) platform.[1][2] Founded in 2009 by Greg Galant and Lee Semel, the company began as a free online directory for journalists to create portfolios and track engagement of their work.[3] It later evolved into an integrated software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform used for media relations, monitoring, analytics, and press release distribution.[3] The company expanded its AI initiatives through strategic leadership hires and acquisitions.[4][5]
The company's name references the term "muckraker", used for reform-minded journalists during the Progressive Era.[6]
History
Founding and early years
Muck Rack was founded in 2009 by Greg Galant and Lee Semel. More than 10,000 journalists signed up in the platform's first year. In 2011, after observing PR professionals using the site to find journalists, the company introduced its first paid SaaS product.[3]
Bootstrapped growth and Series A
In September 2022, Muck Rack announced a $180 million Series A investment led by Susquehanna Growth Equity, one of the largest investments in the PR technology sector.[7]
Acquisitions
In September 2024, Muck Rack acquired Keyhole, a Toronto-based social listening and analytics platform, adding real-time monitoring across major social platforms.[8]
In January 2025, the company acquired Ruepoint, an Ireland-based media intelligence firm.[5]
Platform and services
Muck Rack's platform supports media monitoring, outreach, workflow automation, and analytics, with heavy use of AI and machine learning.[1][2]
Media database and pitching
The platform provides a media database of journalists, podcasters, freelancers, and outlets, along with AI-powered journalist recommendations.[9]
AI-powered workflow tools
PressPal.ai — Generates draft press releases and recommended journalist lists.[10][11]
Media Brief Assistant — Creates AI-generated journalist background briefs.[9][12]
Media monitoring and social listening
Muck Rack monitors online news, print, podcasts, broadcast media, and social platforms, tracking over 600,000 sources.[2] Expanded social listening and intelligence capabilities followed the Keyhole and Ruepoint acquisitions.[8][13]
In May 2025, Muck Rack launched a global press-release distribution service in partnership with GlobeNewswire.[14]
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Muck Rack promotes Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a strategy for shaping how generative AI systems interpret and present information.[15][16]
Industry research and reports
The State of AI in PR
Muck Rack publishes an annual study on AI adoption in PR.[17][18]
AI source analysis (“What Is AI Reading?”)
The company's 2025 research study analyzed millions of URLs cited by generative AI models.[19][20] More than 95% of cited sources were from non-paid media.[21][22]
Operations
Since 2021, Muck Rack has operated as a fully remote company. Clients include Google, Pfizer, and others.[4]
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