SAO PAULO, BRAZIL — 404 Design & Innovation, a creative company operating globally and founded in Brazil, is celebrating its first anniversary with an unprecedented series of global creative award wins, including a Grand Clio Entertainment Award for its debut project with Netflix.
The company’s inaugural campaign, “The Cruise Heist,” has garnered multiple prestigious industry awards, including Bronze and Silver Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, multiple Effie Awards, and recognition at El Ojo de Iberoamérica. The project was conceived and executed when 404 was just 18 days old with a team of five people.
“When Netflix approached us for this major project, we had been operating for less than three weeks,” said Rafael Caldeira, Co-founder of 404 Design & Innovation. “It was a bold move on their part to trust a new company, but it perfectly embodies our philosophy that innovation often requires embracing uncertainty. Our name ‘404’ celebrates this — it’s a tribute to the idea that mistakes and risk-taking are essential parts of the creative process.”
404 is part of Galeria Holding, one of the largest independent networks of creative companies in Latin America. Founded by Rafael, Renan Monjon, and Saulo Monjon, 404 Design & Innovation has quickly established itself as one of Brazil’s most awarded independent creative studios. The company’s success stems from its unique design-first methodology that enables sophisticated problem-solving across various executions, from PR stunts and advertising to AI applications and graphic design.
In its first year, 404 Design & Innovation has:
- Secured partnerships with global brands, including Netflix, Google, and Natura
- Won multiple international awards, including:
- Grand Clio Entertainment Award
- Cannes Lions: Bronze (Market Disruption) and Silver (Social Influencer)
- Multiple Effie Awards, including Silver for Media/Entertainment
- Gold at El Ojo de Iberoamérica
- Developed innovative solutions combining design thinking with cutting-edge technology
- 2024 accounts for 5% of the group’s total revenue, putting 404 Design & Innovation on track to see that percentage rise by double digits.
“Our approach challenges traditional creative company structures,” said Renan. “We operate with just two departments – Operations and Product — allowing for more direct collaboration with clients and faster innovation cycles.”
The company’s rapid success has established a new model for creative problem-solving in the Brazilian market. By emphasizing design thinking and maintaining a flat organizational structure, 404 has demonstrated how combining Brazilian creativity with technological expertise can produce globally recognized work.
“In an AI-dominated world, we believe human intervention and the courage to take risks will increasingly differentiate brands,” added Renan. “Our first year’s success proves that clients are seeking partners who can balance innovation with intentional, thoughtful design approaches.”
