Jacob York

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jacob York has built a lucrative career as a serial entrepreneur. From a real estate developer to managing some of the biggest names in entertainment, Jacob have proven time and time again, that anyone can accomplish anything as long as you put your mind to it. Jacob found his love for the entertainment industry very early in life. In 1988, at the tender age of 14, Jacob turned his first dream into reality. His vision to host a cinema night at his family's local event hall was made possible through his determination and resourcefulness. From the help of his siblings, young Jacob was able to provide snacks, drinks and sold tickets door-to-door throughout his neighborhood. Jacob's $500 profit from his efforts served as the turning point when he discovered his passion for not only entertainment but for the Film/TV industry. As years progressed, York garnered popularity from hosting parties at Liberty High School and Columbia University. By the age of 20, York was on the fast track to become a prominent figure in NYC nightlife. Using his exposure and new-found network, Jacob launched Jacob York Presents (JYP) in 1993. Little did Jacob know the local New York promotional company years later would go on to host events for some of the biggest names in entertainment including Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Puff Daddy and more. While in New York, as the music industry boomed and Jacob rubbed shoulders with the right industry executives, the young entrepreneur saw an opportunity for his next business venture: York Entertainment. Jacob along with his older brother, went on to sign local acts around the city, receiving positive acclaim from critics. York had officially entered the music industry. Although York Entertainment had local success, Jacob wanted to learn more about music. In pursuit of his education, Jacob took an internship position with his cousin, successful producer and record label exec, Kedar Massenburg. After making the appropriate connections, York visioned his next career opportunity. York along with childhood friend, Lance "Un" Rivera and then-local rap artist Biggie Smalls, signed a major deal with Atlantic Records and created Undeas Entertainment in 1994. The marketing-turned-production company was a huge success for Jacob and remains responsible for some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop. Junior M.A.F.I.A was the first act to make headlines and bring notoriety to the upcoming label. From their eminence, the label was also able to distinguish Lil' Kim as a successful platinum-selling artist after her split from Junior M.A.F.I.A. Jacob and Undeas Entertainment, standing at the helm of the 90's celebrity-marketing movement, were also responsible for Lil Kim's iconic brand partnerships with major fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Candies Shoes, Iceberg and more. Later, in 1997, the untimely death of Biggie Smalls compelled Jacob and Lance to establish Untertainment Records where they sealed a 64 million dollar deal with Epic and Sony as well as a major publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. The new company signed acts included Cam'ron, Charli Baltimore and many others. In 1999, Jacob, along with tech developers Randy Winer and Stewart Hersh, founded AKA.com. The site was built to serve as a search engine for music and entertainment content. The company quickly grew from 4 to 400+ employees over a course of 2 years, but in 2001, Jacob and his partners sold the site after the tech bubble burst. After a successful run with AKA.com and Untertainment, York decided to focus more on talent management and consulting. York worked as a consultant for six of the biggest record companies, and in 2001, relocated to Atlanta, GA to seek fresh, new talent. During a six year span from 2001-2007, York was either responsible for or involved in 85% of the music deals made in Atlanta. Closing major deals for the betterment of the city, earned him the reputation as one of the founders of the "ATL Movement". York also managed major acts such as Akon, TLC, Left Eye, Blaque, Gangsta Boo, Lil Kim and Dip Set. While in Atlanta, Jacob also launched Formula Marketing Group in 2003. Formula Marketing Group worked with premium spirit brands including Patron, Bacardi, Russian Standard, Ciroc, Rhythm, Status, Seraphin, Moet, Conjure, and Red Bull. In 2009, after a nationwide agency search, Formula Marketing Group was selected by Bacardi International as the official account holder for their Grey Goose "Rising Icon" Initiative. The concert series, in conjunction with BET Networks, successfully brought Grey Goose to the frontline of southern urban consumers. In 2004, York continued his music-related business and formed a partnership with Big Cat Records. The independent record label served as an outlet for breakout southern rap artists. Top acts from the label included Gucci Mane, Maceo, Gangsta Boo and Buju Banton. Although the label was influential to the Atlanta sound we know today, Jacob sought new opportunities. In 2007, he joined forces with local Atlanta promoters and investors, and opened several nightlife establishments including Dreams Nightclub, Life Nightclub, Libra Nightclub and Body Tap. In addition to his success in music and events, Jacob also gained achievement in fashion and retail. In 2003, Jacob opened two Atlanta boutiques: Materialistic and Glamrocks. In 2004 Jacob partnered with celebrity photographer Leo Marshall to launch Digital Dolls-- a concept that allowed fashion models to upload their pictures to sell them in real-time. Comcast licensed technology and although the platform was sound, Jacob sold Digital Dolls shortly after its inception. Jacob York's success is proof to his entrepreneurial eye. From his early days managing hip-hop's elite, to producing star-studded events for A-List celebrities, Jacob is now bringing together all of his expertise and tapping back into his first passion: film and television. For Jacob, this most recent business venture is 25 years in the making. Electric Republic is a concept that came to Jacob at the age of 15-- in the very first days of the 'Digital Age.' Now, keeping up with the current nature of our digital culture, Jacob is using his proven success, extensive resources and creative touch to bring yet another vision to life. Electric Republic is a true, digital republic; for the people, by the people. It is a house of stories and ideas that are managed, branded, packaged, marketed and strategically disseminated into multifaceted talents or various forms of digital content. In 2014, Electric Republic produced their first film, 'Percentage' starring Cam'ron, Omar Gooding, Ving Rhames and Macy Gray. In 2015, they produced their first theatrical release, 'Brotherly Love' starring Keke Palmer, Cory Hardrict and Romeo Miller. In addition to production, Electric Republic seeks fresh, versatile talent. They manage individuals who have the ability to do more than just sing or act, but become icons and walking brands. Currently, Electric Republic represents Model/Actress/Host Karrueche Tran, Actress/Acting Coach Lalanya Masters, Model/Social Media Influencer Chantel Jeffries and many more. As for the future of Electric Republic, Jacob plans ride the waves of change, evolve with the digital culture and leave room for advances and innovations to help grow the republic.