Open Market

First, Eric shares a prediction from Anthropic's CEO on AI-fueled labor disruption and examines how that will affect jobs in advertising, media, and adtech. Then, Joe shares his critique of romanticizing the open web and clarifies three things adtech companies should be thinking about when considering the future of the open web: what consumers want, what advertisers want, and websites vs CTV, audio, and DOOH.

The hosts debate whether micropayments could become the go-to monetization model, shifting away from traditional ads. They explore the relationship between AI advancements and advertising, considering the impact on content creators. Insights into a key tech acquisition highlight the evolving landscape, while critiques of advertising practices call for authentic content. Plus, practical marketing tips for startups focus on staying consistent, responding to criticism strategically, and connecting meaningfully with audiences.

Diving into major advertising trends, the hosts discuss the shift towards outcome-based metrics in the ad market and the surge of AI-driven startups. They explore the struggles of traditional ad tech against the backdrop of an evolving open internet. The rise of creators is emphasized as a pivotal force in this landscape. With a focus on transparency and collaboration, the conversation highlights how an optimistic mindset can drive innovation and efficiency in the industry.

Joe Zappa and Eric Franchi workshop to SWYM story in real-time, unearthing with Ravi Patel how to describe SWYM's differentiated approach to its eponymous mission: helping advertisers to stop wasting their money. They discuss the many curation / quality plays out there and how SWYM differs as well as the evolution from ad buying 1.0 to 2.0 to (now) 3.0. Plus, Joe tries to find out what Ravi and Eric need to stop wasting their money on (to little avail).

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.