

The Revenue Room™, by H2K Labs
Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO, H2K Labs
Welcome to The Revenue Room™, brought to you by H2K Labs. Our podcast is designed for CEOs and their revenue-critical executive teams leading media, events, data/info, and marketplace businesses. We focus on boosting revenue, enhancing profitability, and elevating enterprise value. Each episode delves into cutting-edge data-driven strategies to accelerate revenue, manage risks, and establish scalable, predictable processes. We also discuss elevating revenue to the core of operational excellence, empowering you to consistently outperform your competitors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2024 • 54min
The Revenue Room™ Podcast with Matt Reilly, CEO, Fusable
In this episode, Heather Holst-Knudsen and Matt Reilly discuss the transformation of Fusable, a 110-year-old data-driven business spun off from Randall-Reilly. Matt shares insights on leading a legacy business into a new era with a startup mentality, the integration of data and AI for competitive advantage, and the importance of aligning with customer needs. They also cover RevvedUP 2025, an invitation-only event for CEOs and revenue-critical teams.Key Topics:RevvedUP 2025: Heather announces the upcoming event designed for CEOs and C-suite leaders to discuss data-driven enterprise value.Fusable’s Transformation:Fusable’s evolution from a media company to a data-focused organization.Reilly describes the brand's history, customer relationships, and the company's focus on data integration to improve client outcomes.Challenges and Opportunities as a "110-Year-Old Startup":Adopting a culture that embraces both legacy strengths and modern innovation.Transitioning from a media-centered model to a "data-first" company, driving relevance in clients' operational workflows.Strategic Pilots and ROI:Matt emphasizes piloting before scaling. A recent pilot achieved a 10x ROI, demonstrating the potential of Fusable’s integrated data approach.The pilot's success led to full-scale implementation and improved data accessibility for clients.Customer Success and Sales:Fusable’s shift from "selling data by the pound" to offering tailored data solutions.Cross-functional teams focus on customer needs, providing a unified experience across data assets and support.Data Ethics and Security Concerns:Privacy, security, and data ethics are priorities, especially as Fusable integrates advanced AI capabilities.Concerns include the risks of data misuse and the necessity for robust security protocols.Talent and Cultural Alignment:Importance of building a workforce aligned with Fusable’s growth vision.Reilly's approach to talent development through the "Fusable Academy" ensures employees adapt to the company's data-first strategy.Advice for CEOs: For leaders navigating data transformation, Matt underscores starting with client-driven pilots and incremental improvements.About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Oct 8, 2024 • 49min
The Revenue Room™ with Lucky Gunasekara, CEO, Miso.AI
Episode Overview: In this episode of The Revenue Room™, host Heather Holst-Knudsen sits down with Lucky Gunasekara, CEO of Miso.AI, to explore the intersection of AI and media, and how Miso.AI is driving innovation for publishers, news media, and online education. The conversation touches on topics like personalized AI search, increasing audience engagement, and creating new revenue streams for media companies using AI.Key Discussion Points:Introduction of Miso.AI:Miso.AI is described as a hands-on AI media lab specializing in news media, publishing, and online education.Lucky shares how Miso works with publishers to implement AI-powered search, personalized recommendations, and real-time data insights to optimize user engagement and revenue.AI in Publishing:Lucky discusses the innovative “Answers” product used by media companies like Foundry and O'Reilly Media. This AI-based search tool helps readers find answers to their queries directly within the publishers' archives, reducing the need for traditional search.He highlights how AI is transforming reader engagement by embedding relevant AI-suggested questions within articles, driving higher click-through rates and creating new advertising and content marketing opportunities.Revenue Impact of AI:The use of AI-powered tools like “Answers” has led to significant improvements in both advertising inventory and lead generation, with click-through rates for native ads reaching 10-25 times higher than traditional display ads.Subscription models are also seeing growth, with some media companies doubling registrations by gating certain AI features behind subscription walls.Ethical AI and Media Compensation:Lucky and Heather dive into the important question of fair compensation for media content in the age of AI. Lucky argues that publishers should be compensated more fairly, comparing the AI-media relationship to the music industry’s use of royalties.O'Reilly Media’s forward-thinking approach to paying royalties to content creators for their contributions to AI-generated answers is highlighted as a pioneering model.The Future of AI in Media:The conversation addresses the future of AI in media and how it could reshape the delivery of information. Lucky predicts a future where AI mediates personalized, trustworthy experiences, helpingAbout RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Sep 29, 2024 • 41min
The Revenue Room™ with Liz Irving, President, Clarion Events North America
In this episode, host Heather Holst-Knudsen chats with Liz Irving, President of Clarion Events North America. With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, Liz shares her insights on data-driven decision-making, leadership, and innovation. She discusses her journey from marketing to president, how Clarion has transformed under her leadership, and the importance of customer-centricity in events. Liz emphasizes how data and AI are reshaping the events business, including how Clarion is leveraging these tools to future-proof their operations.Liz Irving is an executive advisory board member of Revenue Room™ Connect, H2K Labs' new professional network for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-Suite teams leading multi-sided business models such as media, data/information, and marketplaces. Liz is excited to join H2K Labs at our upcoming event, RevvedUP 2025, on February 25-27, 2025 in Sarasota, FL where we'll delve deeper into enhancing enterprise value through data, digitalization, and AI with C-Suite leaders.Takeaways:Liz’s Leadership Journey: From marketing to becoming the President of Clarion Events North America, and the importance of customer insights in driving commercial outcomes.Clarion’s Growth: How Clarion has evolved over the past decade, including their approach to acquisitions, company culture, and strategic planning.Data-Driven Innovation: How Liz and her team use data to enhance event experiences, personalize customer journeys, and increase profitability.AI & Future Trends: The role AI and data are playing in reshaping events, including Clarion’s use of AI for personalization, sentiment analysis, and improving customer engagement.Product Strategy: Clarion's approach to developing new digital offerings and sponsorship opportunities to drive customer satisfaction and revenue growth.Leadership Insights: Liz shares her thoughts on imposter syndrome, team empowerment, and why challenging the status quo is essential for future success.Digital Solutions and Learning Management: Clarion’s shift towards year-round customer engagement through digital assets and learning platforms.About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Sep 29, 2024 • 52min
The Revenue Room™ with Nino Tasca, Chief Product Officer, Northstar Travel Group
In this episode, Nino Tasca, a seasoned product leader and former Director of Product Management at Google, shares his insights on driving data and AI transformations in B2B media companies. Drawing from his experiences at Google and Northstar Travel Group, Nino emphasizes the importance of integrating data and digital solutions to connect buyers and sellers, enhance user experience, and optimize revenue in industries like media and events.Nino Tasca is an executive advisory board member of Revenue Room™ Connect, H2K Labs' new professional network for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-Suite teams leading multi-sided business models such as media, data/information, and marketplaces. Nino is excited to join H2K Labs at our upcoming event, RevvedUP 2025, on February 25-27, 2025 in Sarasota, FL where we'll delve deeper into enhancing enterprise value through data, digitalization, and AI with C-Suite leaders.Takeaways:Winning with Data: Nino shares that data is the key to connecting buyers and sellers, improving advertising campaigns, and creating better user experiences. His 70-20-10 strategy helps prioritize short-term, long-term, and team development goals effectively.AI and Digital Evolution: While AI presents a wealth of new opportunities, it's important to avoid building tech for tech’s sake. Instead, focus on using technology to meet the real needs of users.Leadership Insights: For organizations looking to embark on a data transformation journey, Nino stresses the importance of incremental progress and staying focused on business fundamentals while embracing digital change.About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
The Revenue Room™ with Jane Qin Medeiros, EVP, Industry Dive
Heather talks with Jane Qin Medeiros, General Manager/EVP at Industry Dive and studioID. In this episode, Jane shares how these companies are combining niche audience data with cutting-edge content marketing to drive significant revenue growth. Jane is an executive advisory board member of H2K Labs' new C-suite network, Revenue Room™ Connect. Revenue Room™ Connect helps leaders in media, events, data/information and marketplace businesses fuel enterprise value by leveraging data, digital and AI.Here are some key takeaways:Understanding Your Audience: "The ability to understand not just who the audience is but also what they care about—and, just as importantly, what they don’t care about—allows us to deliver content that is both timely and impactful."Leveraging AI Wisely: "We don’t have to be first to market with every new technology, but we do want to ensure that any technology we adopt supports our core values of quality, credibility, and audience engagement."Proving ROI in Content Marketing: "By taking a holistic approach to ROI, we ensure that our content marketing efforts are not only effective but also clearly linked to the client’s broader business objectives."About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Jul 30, 2024 • 36min
The Revenue Room™ with Denise Medved, CCO, Informa Markets
Heather talks with Denise Medved, Chief Commercial Officer, Informa Markets North America. This episode explores Medved's extensive career in the B2B and B2C events industry, her current role at Informa, and the challenges and opportunities in leveraging data for revenue growth and business transformation in the events sector.Denise is an executive advisory board member of H2K Labs' new C-suite network, Revenue Room™ Connect. Revenue Room™ Connect helps leaders in media, events, data/information and marketplace businesses fuel enterprise value by leveraging data, digital and AI.Key points from the discussion:• Medved's diverse career path led her to her current role at Informa, where she focuses on creating consistency across multiple business units.• Informa Markets was created through several acquisitions, resulting in complex data environments and multiple instances of Salesforce CRM.• Medved's primary mission is to focus on sales excellence and enablement, maximizing efficiencies and optimizing revenue growth through data and technology.• The company standardized opportunity records in Salesforce across all business units, creating consistency in forecasting and reporting.• Informa is using talent assessment tools combined with performance data to ensure the right people are in the right sales roles.• The importance of understanding different data sources, definitions, and appetite for change when implementing new data-driven processes.• Medved emphasizes patience, empathy, and clear communication when driving organizational change and adopting new technologies.• The growing importance of data in driving business decisions and the excitement around CEOs embracing data-driven approaches.The discussion highlights the critical role of data in transforming B2B media and events businesses and demonstrates the challenges and opportunities of standardizing data practices across a large, complex organization. It underscores the importance of strategic data management, sales enablement, and change management in driving revenue growth and business value in the modern events industry.About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Jul 22, 2024 • 44min
The Revenue Room™ with Kate Spellman, CCO, Questex
Kate Spellman, Chief Commercial Officer at Questex, discusses the transformation of the B2B media industry and the importance of data and technology in driving revenue. She highlights the need for businesses to be data-driven and to focus on delivering a great customer experience. Kate also emphasizes the role of AI in value creation and the challenges of implementing AI in the industry. She shares how Questex uses data to empower its commercial team and drive better customer results. Kate is an executive advisory board member of Revenue Room™ Connect, H2K Labs' new professional network for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-Suite teams leading multi-sided business models such as media, data/information, and marketplaces. Kate is excited to join H2K Labs at our upcoming event, RevvedUP 2025, on February 25-27, 2025 in Sarasota, FL where we'll delve deeper into enhancing enterprise value through data, digitalization, and AI with C-Suite leaders.TakeawaysThe B2B media industry is undergoing transformation, and businesses need to be data-driven and focused on delivering a great customer experience.AI is playing a significant role in value creation, but implementing AI in the industry presents challenges.Data empowers the commercial team at Questex to drive better customer results and make informed decisions.Using AI tools like Gong can help with sales training and improve sales performance. Gong is a powerful tool for analyzing sales calls and improving sales strategies.SDRs can leverage data to identify prospects and personalize their outreach, making their role more exciting and compelling. Using data effectively can help businesses provide better value to customers and improve ROI.The rapid pace of technological change and data sprawl present challenges for the industry.The skills needed in the industry are evolving, and attracting the right talent is a challenge.Staying true to core values while adapting to industry changes is essential for success.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:12 Overview of Questex's Business Lines08:54 The Transformation from CMO to Chief Commercial Officer11:43 The Impact of AI on the Industry13:51 The Importance of Being Data-Driven18:24 Private Equity andAbout RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Jun 7, 2024 • 43min
The Revenue Room™ with guest Amy Roman, Founder & CEO, AmplifyGTM
Welcome to The Revenue RoomTM, where we explore the critical roles that drive business growth and success. Hosted by industry expert Heather Holst-Knudsen, each episode explores the multifaceted world of revenue generation, from marketing and sales to customer success and strategic partnerships.In this episode, Heather sits down with Amy Roman, CEO of Amplify GTM, to discuss the intricacies of driving sustainable revenue growth in B2B environments. With her rich background spanning consumer packaged goods to IT-managed services, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights. Whether you're a business leader aiming to scale your organization, a sales professional seeking to enhance your skills, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of revenue generation, this discussion is filled with practical advice to help you align your teams and strategies for optimal performance.Heather and Amy discuss:Balancing Art and Science in Revenue Growth: Combining data utilization with gut instincts.Customer Pain Points and Challenges: Techniques for understanding and addressing customer pain points.Data Activation Challenges: Overcoming obstacles in understanding and actioning data for revenue growth.Aligning Roles and KPIs: Why you need to align critical roles with KPIs.Sales and Marketing Alignment: Addressing common misalignments between these departments.Customer Centricity: The role of customer success and service delivery based on organization size.The Role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO): Skills, experience, and responsibilities for success Maximizing Customer Spend: Importance of cross-selling and upselling within account management teams.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and actionable tips that will empower you to unlock your company's full potential and stay ahead in the competitive market.Don't miss this episode if you are looking to refine your go-to-market strategy, enhance team alignment, and drive sustainable revenue growth. Subscribe to our channel on h2klabs.com for more insights and upcoming episodes.About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

May 15, 2024 • 43min
The Revenue Room™ with Thomas Bohn, President & COO, Advanced Home Improvement Media
In the latest episode of the Revenue Room™ Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Thomas Bohn, President and COO of Advanced Home Improvement Media. Tom shared the company's fascinating growth trajectory, the inspiring company culture amidst accelerated change, and strategic plans to leverage digital solutions and data to diversify revenue streams and create unique customer value.Key Takeaways:Data and Analytics: The crucial role they play in driving business growth.Innovative Digital Solutions: Transforming the home improvement industry with cutting-edge technology.AI and Customer Experience: How Advanced Home Improvement Media utilizes AI and data to enhance customer interactions.Local Sales Team: The importance of having a strong, localized sales force and personalized customer interactions.Future Trends: Exploring pet-friendly home solutions and upcoming trends in the home improvement sector.Tom highlighted their innovative approach to connecting homeowners with top-notch contractors, home improvement service providers, and potential partnerships with lending institutions to streamline the financing process. He shared an exciting vision where users can upload photos of their kitchens, receive tagged product suggestions, and finance their projects seamlessly with the Home Mag Dream Card."Our mission is simple – to clear the path and facilitate a smooth, enjoyable customer experience. We don't sell leads; we sell facilitation and connection, sparking creativity and empowering homeowners on their renovation journeys."Become part of the conversation. Join The Revenue Room™ today. About RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.

Dec 13, 2023 • 51min
Fireside Chat - Leveraging Data for Enhanced Profits & Valuation
This podcast, hosted by Heather Holst-Knudsen, gathered leaders in the B2B media, events, and information industry to discuss the critical role of data in enhancing business value and navigating mergers and acquisitions. The conversation explored how the importance and use of data have evolved in recent years, particularly in the context of company valuations and M&A activities.Participants included Kerry Gumas, CEO @ Metacomet Advisors, Reed Phillips, CEO @ Oaklins DaSilva+Phillips, Mark Zadell, Strategic Finance Executive, Thomas Pecht, Principal @ PMS Inc., and Tom Kemp, Chairman & CEO @ Northstar Travel Group. Key points from the discussion:• Data valuation has become a crucial pillar in M&A due diligence, with buyers now expecting more sophisticated data analytics and metrics.• There's a shift towards evaluating leading indicators like Customer Acquisition Cost, Net Revenue Retention, and Lifetime Value, beyond traditional lagging metrics.• The quality and organization of a company's data can significantly impact its attractiveness to buyers and overall valuation.• Native digital media businesses tend to be more attractive than those with a high percentage of legacy print revenue.• Performance marketing and first-party data are becoming increasingly valuable, especially with the phasing out of third-party cookies.• Diversification beyond traditional advertising models is advisable, with a focus on recurring revenue streams.• The M&A market is expected to improve in 2024, with more willingness from both buyers and sellers to close deals.• The quality of the asset, including its data infrastructure and management team, remains paramount in determining valuation.As the industry continues to evolve, businesses that effectively leverage their data, both for internal improvements and external monetization, are likely to see higher valuations and more successful M&A outcomes. The discussion emphasized that while market conditions play a role, the fundamental quality of a company's data infrastructure, revenue models, and management team remains crucial in determining its value and attractiveness to potential buyers or investors.Are you interested in joining Revenue Room™ Connect, the first C-Suite network for CEOs and their revenue-critical C-Suite teams in media, events, data/information, and marketplace sectors? We focus on turbo-charging enterprise value using data, digAbout RevvedUP 2026 RevvedUP 2026 is where CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders reset their growth playbook for the AI-first economy. Taking place March 23–24, 2026 at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL, this two-day strategy lab helps leaders pressure-test how AI moves from cost center to growth driver and turn data and disruption into competitive advantage.About Heather Holst-Knudsen Heather Holst-Knudsen is the founder and CEO of H2K Labs and Revenue Room™ Connect. A seasoned executive and operator across media, marketplaces, events, and technology, she specializes in digital transformation, data-driven growth, and customer-centric value creation. Heather shares her insights on multisided business models through The Revenue Room™.About Revenue Room™ CXO Revenue Room™ CXO is a private executive community for CEOs and revenue-critical C-Suite leaders navigating growth in the data and AI economy. Through curated peer discussions and strategy sprints, members tackle real-world challenges in revenue transformation, customer intelligence, and business model innovation.Learn more or apply for membership at info.h2klabs.com/apply-cxo.


