Marketing, Media & Adtech Still Not a DSP, Dammit: The Index Exchange Episode
May 5, 2025
Andrew Casale, CEO of Index Exchange and ad auction expert, dives into the evolving world of ad tech with Pesach Lattin. They discuss why SSPs are gaining respect and the transparency of take rates compared to sparkling water. Andrew humorously dubs CTV as the 'high-maintenance teen' of ad tech, delving into its challenges like burst traffic and inventory fragmentation. He also shares insights on the industry's shift towards efficiency and accountability, along with personal anecdotes about moving from Toronto to the bustling NYC.
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Episode notes
Inevitable Commoditization of Infrastructure
- Infrastructure in programmatic ad tech is destined to be commoditized, reducing margins over time.
- Market consolidation will drive fewer, more efficient players serving both publishers and buyers.
Rejecting Traffic Arbitrage Publishers
- Index Exchange rejected 'made for advertising' publishers due to traffic arbitrage and dubious content.
- This stance differentiates Index as accountable to supply quality, pushing standards higher in the industry.
Enable Innovation Above Infrastructure
- Drive adoption by enabling companies to add value on top of your infrastructure rather than trying to be the sole optimizer.
- Focus on scale and efficiency while letting partners innovate on curation and outcomes.