
Open Market
Open Market is a podcast about building companies in the advertising space. This is not another news podcast. Rather, hosts Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa will dive deep into the stories of successful companies and growth strategies to help listeners understand how to replicate that success. For example, how did Eric build Undertone to a $180M exit? How would you reverse-engineer a $10M adtech exit? Why do you need a chief audience officer? Entrepreneurs, execs, and GTM professionals in advertising should walk away from each week’s episode with new ideas on how to build their companies.
Latest episodes

Nov 13, 2024 • 38min
Preaching in the Desert with ID5's Mathieu Roche
In this engaging discussion, Mathieu Roche, CEO and co-founder of ID5, shares insights on pioneering identity solutions in the ad tech space. He highlights the challenges of advocating for universal identification amidst skepticism and competition from industry giants. Mathieu also explores the importance of collaboration in the shift away from cookies, emphasizing trust and client success. Additionally, he discusses the benefits and challenges of a remote-first workplace, illustrating the balance between flexible talent acquisition and team cohesion.

13 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 37min
Expanding CTV Access to SMBs with Vibe’s Arthur Querou
Arthur Querou, founder and CEO of Vibe, dives into unconventional ad tech strategies aimed at empowering SMBs. He discusses a recent AI-powered product launch that showcases innovative marketing tactics and the creation of a standout promotional video reminiscent of Apple Keynotes. The conversation highlights the nuances between enterprise and SMB sales, while emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and transparent communication. Querou also shares insights on maintaining company culture amid rapid growth, from 40 to 120 employees.

5 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 50min
Deep Dive on Acquisitions with LUMA’s Terry Kawaja
Terry Kawaja, Founder and CEO of LUMA, shares his expertise in ad tech mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the critical role of marketing in driving successful acquisitions, especially for startups. The conversation highlights the unique marketing strategies in the liquor industry that mirror investment banking. Terry also delves into navigating capital raising challenges in ad tech, valuation trends, and the intricate dynamics of M&A negotiations, emphasizing how founder attitudes can significantly impact outcomes.

7 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 48min
“The Most Anticlimactic Moment” and Other Lessons from Undertone
In this conversation, Eric Franchi, co-founder of the successful advertising technology firm Undertone, shares lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the critical importance of strategic hiring and the impact of key team members on company culture. Eric also dives into the unique challenges faced by ad networks amid industry shifts, the often anticlimactic nature of success, and navigating life after an exit. His reflections on personal reintegration and maintaining a balanced life in ad tech offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

25 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 53min
Why Sincera Is So Bad at Marketing with Sincera Founder Mike O'Sullivan
Mike O'Sullivan, Founder of Sincera, dives into the hurdles of marketing early-stage startups with a humorous twist. He highlights the importance of customer feedback and dynamic strategies in defining market position. The discussion reveals Sincera's unique role in ad tech, focusing on accuracy and customized advertising tools. O'Sullivan shares insights on the challenges of hiring the right marketing talent and the need for authentic messaging. Tapping into the potential of metadata, he emphasizes its value in crafting engaging advertising solutions.

4 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 39min
Taste as a Differentiator, Hiring a Head of Growth, and Zuck
Dive into how taste is reshaping the tech landscape, with companies needing to craft unique identities to stand out. Discover the evolving role of heads of growth, focusing on community building and innovative marketing strategies. The impact of a manifesto in driving clarity and direction for brands is highlighted, alongside a discussion of the competitive ad tech scene. Plus, catch insights from Zuckerberg's candid live interview, revealing his approach to leadership and tech trends.

Oct 2, 2024 • 44min
Building Businesses on Thought Leadership with Eric Seufert
Eric Seufert, a media strategist and the voice behind Mobile Dev Memo, dives deep into the art of building businesses on thought leadership. He shares how blogging has propelled his ventures in tech and media. The discussion covers the evolution of mobile marketing and the pivotal role of AI in advertising. Eric also unveils his journey developing a user acquisition cash flow tool and navigates the shifting landscape of digital advertising due to privacy changes. His insights emphasize the importance of consistency and audience engagement in thriving content creation.

Sep 25, 2024 • 43min
The Vanderhooks on the Best Adtech Product Launch… Ever?
Join Tim and Chris Vanderhook, co-founders of Viant, as they dive into the groundbreaking launch of ViantAI, showcasing their innovative adtech strategies. They discuss how generative AI is changing marketing approaches, allowing for rapid and engaging media creation. Reflecting on their 25-year journey, they share insights on navigating challenges within the ad tech landscape, including the role of founder influence. Their unique brotherly partnership highlights the importance of ethics and ownership in building a sustainable business in a competitive market.

Sep 18, 2024 • 37min
The Common Traits of Eric’s 3 Most Successful Investments
Joe Zappa interviews co-host Eric Franchi, a general partner at the venture capital fund Aperiam, to identify the three traits his three most successful investments have in common. They discuss Kevel, Transmit.live, and tvScientific.

4 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 41min
Founder Mode with mParticle's Michael Katz
Michael Katz, CEO and co-founder of mParticle, shares his insights on navigating 'founder mode' versus 'manager mode.' He emphasizes the importance of context and culture over traditional hiring practices, advocating for a focus on cultural fit when building teams. The discussion highlights the challenges of direct communication in marketing and warns against micromanagement in larger teams. Katz also stresses the necessity for candidates to adapt to various market stages, revealing the complexities of hiring in the startup landscape.