Open Market

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.

Jonathan Moffie, CEO of Streamr and former ad tech leader at AppLovin, joins the discussion on transforming connected TV advertising for SMBs. He sheds light on the balance between performance and skepticism in the ad tech realm. Moffie emphasizes how AI can streamline ad creation, making it more accessible for smaller businesses. Personal branding's power on social media is also explored, showcasing how one’s online presence can rival traditional marketing. The conversation dives into maintaining content quality amidst the proliferation of AI-generated posts.

Dan Pantelo, Founder and CEO of Marpipe, shares his inspiring journey from near-collapse during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis to a powerful comeback. He discusses the importance of rejecting an acquisition offer and how dynamic product ads are shaping the future of performance advertising. The conversation dives into the transformation of creative processes and the rise of new advertising channels beyond traditional platforms. With humor and insight, Dan highlights the challenges of balancing creativity and technology in the ever-evolving ad landscape.

Dan Rosenberg, Founder and CEO of Octane11, brings his insights on B2B marketing measurement and practical experiences from his tenure at MediaMath. He emphasizes the importance of data integration and standardization for effective marketing strategies. The discussion highlights the challenges startups face in balancing measurement with actionable execution, and the need for flexibility. Rosenberg also shares innovative hiring practices and the role of remote work in building strong team dynamics. He stresses the value of community and networking in enhancing business success.

Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa talk about the the formula for generating more attention, where we are in the adtech hype cycle, the time Joe got denied a $650/month raise, and weeks where decades happen.