
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

Jun 26, 2024 • 35min
What Makes a Great AdTech CEO?
Exploring the traits that distinguish great AdTech CEOs, such as product expertise, GTM strategies, company culture, and talent acquisition. Highlighting successful CEOs and their key factors for success. Emphasizing the importance of purpose, movement, and disruption in the industry. Discussing building successful teams, prioritizing people, and facing challenges as an AdTech CEO.

Jun 19, 2024 • 33min
What to Do If Your Market Isn’t Big Enough
Co-hosts Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa cover what to do if your market is too small to achieve your business goals. For example:
How to launch a new product or enter into a new market
When and how to involve your customers in market expansion efforts
What sales/marketing and product teams need to do to get aligned
How to derisk your transition by enlisting customer champions
If you’re eyeing a pivot to retail media and/or CTV right now, this is for you!

Jun 12, 2024 • 39min
How to Grow Adtech Companies from $1M to $10M
The podcast discusses the journey of adtech startups from $1M to $10M, covering team structure, transitioning from founder-led sales to professionalized sales, hiring marketers, building brand strategies, and the evolving role of a CEO in company growth.

4 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 39min
Why You Should Hire a Chief Audience Officer
Co-hosts discuss the importance of hiring a Chief Audience Officer in adtech companies, emphasizing audience value and customer acquisition. They explore the growth of Undertone and strategies for building industry leadership. The conversation highlights the role of a CAO in audience cultivation, maximizing online presence, and staying relevant in the digital marketing landscape.

May 28, 2024 • 31min
How to Reverse-Engineer a $10M Adtech Exit
Co-hosts discuss reverse-engineering a $10M adtech exit, emphasizing value beyond revenue. They cite a mobile ad creative startup acquisition example. Topics include ideal team, adtech product ideas, and Joe persuading Eric. Explore the podcast for more insights!