Overview
DEPT traces its origins to TamTam, a Dutch agency founded in 1996 by brothers Paul and Bart Manuel, which merged with other agencies in 2016 to form DEPT[3]. The company states that it employs more than 4,000 specialists in over 30 offices, describes itself as partner-led with about 200 owners invested in the business, and is backed by private equity firm The Carlyle Group[3]. It reports more than US$5 billion of media under management[3]. Studio brands within the group include Basic, Dogstudio, Hello Monday and Studio Dumbar[4]. Recognition cited on its site includes Agency Network of the Year at the Webby Awards in 2022 and 2023, Agency of the Year at the 2022 Lovie Awards, and a Leader placement in Gartner’s 2026 Magic Quadrant for Global Digital Marketing Agencies[3]. Most homepage case studies are anonymised, and eBay is the one client named[4].
DEPT strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Broad mix of technology, creative and media disciplines
- Repeated Webby Agency Network of the Year wins and a 2026 Gartner Leader placement
Limitations
- Publishes no revenue figures
- Most case studies on its homepage do not name the client
Appears in
- Top Digital Marketing Agencies in 2026 #2
- Top 39 Digital Marketing Agencies in the World: 2026 Edition #18
DEPT alternatives and competitors
Alternatives to DEPT: companies ranked in the same lists.
Monks
Tinuiti
Brainlabs- NP Digital
- WebFX
- Croud
Ignite Visibility
Jellyfish- Flywheel
- Hakuhodo DY ONE
- Assembly
Dentsu Digital
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