Open Market

James Avery, CEO of Kevel, discusses the evolution of his company and the retail media landscape. He highlights the challenges retailers face in digital advertising and the need for innovative solutions. The conversation delves into effective marketing strategies, emphasizing counter-positioning against industry giants. Avery shares insights on future advancements in commerce and the importance of consistent messaging. Expect a detailed look at how technology is reshaping attribution and measurement in the retail space.

Discover how to turn your company's value proposition into a captivating story that draws in customers. Explore the importance of simplicity in B2B marketing and how it fosters trust and engagement. Learn the significance of accountability in advertising narratives and the shift towards meaningful metrics. Delve into the benefits of building long-term professional relationships, and how real-world experience can triumph over traditional education methods. Plus, enjoy a humorous tale about an unexpected encounter with a bear that adds a light-hearted twist!

The vibrant atmosphere of a recent advertising event drew massive attention, igniting discussions on its growth and significance over the years. Hosts humorously critique Jeff Green's LinkedIn presence, suggesting he needs a strategic makeover. They explore the balance between planned meetings and spontaneous networking at conferences, highlighting the dynamics of meaningful connections. Additionally, the rise of CEOs engaging on social media is examined, emphasizing the necessity of a strong online presence for shaping brand narratives in today's tech landscape.

Dr. Mark Grether joins the pod to talk about the four components of a massive commerce media business, how to maximize the opportunity for advertisers, why he joined PayPal to build their commerce media network after building Uber's ad business to $1B in revenue, and how AI is changing commerce media for advertisers, media owners, and consumers.

OpenAds CTO (and former Moat engineer) Michael Bishop and Zefr CEO Rich Raddon join Eric and Joe to discuss the evidence-based case (or lack thereof) for brand safety, why we should shift our mindset from safety to suitability and contextual targeting, the link between suitability and performance, and how AI is changing the space. Plus, Michael drops the term "poststructuralist" on the pod, a philosophical allusion for the ages.

Soren Larson, CEO of Crosshatch, shares his insights on how AI is reshaping venture scaling and business growth. He dives into the transformative effects of LLMs on customer experience, emphasizing personalization over mere data management. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of venture capital amid AI's influence, and the balance between job disruption and new opportunities in the workforce. Plus, Soren reveals his newfound passion for cars, and the hosts delve into the intriguing world of VC secret societies.

The hosts dive into the potential for OpenAI to delve into a massive ad business despite their claims to the contrary. They discuss how AI is reshaping productivity, especially for knowledge workers, and the unique advantages second-time founders have in ad tech. Insights into navigating team dynamics with AI and how personality tests like the Enneagram play a role in professional relationships are explored. The evolving landscape of advertising, driven by tech advancements, sets the stage for future innovations.

In this conversation, the hosts dive into the evolving landscape of advertising, focusing on how AI is set to transform the open web. They dissect strategies for early-stage startups, from building brand presence to navigating product-market fit, humorously likening it to an unmistakable experience. The significance of CEO buy-in and effective storytelling is underscored as essential ingredients for success. They also discuss the shift from traditional marketing to social media, emphasizing the importance of first-party communication in modern business growth.

Matt Newcomb, Regional Director for North America and the UK at Azerion, shares his insights on mergers and acquisitions in the ad tech world. He discusses strategies for CEOs to ensure a favorable exit, revealing secrets from his own experience at InSkin Media. The conversation dives into integrating companies post-merger and the transformative role of AI in ad tech. Newcomb also reflects on the emotional challenges of M&A negotiations and how relationships with key leaders are crucial for success. Plus, some light-hearted banter about future nursing home visits adds humor to the discussion.

Eric and Joe discuss the three things you need to do to maximize the impact of a product launch or press announcement by analyzing the success of two launches last week: Scope3's AI products and Aperiam 2.0. Plus, Eric can't sit with Joe at lunch, and Eric is hoarding modernist wooden elephants.