The FPC Podcast

Kevin Flood, venture studio lead at FirstPartyStudio who co-funds and incubates ad tech and media innovation. He explains a new corporate innovation model, the FPC stack and co-funding R&D. Conversations cover studio-led market intelligence, global publisher-focused incubations and aligning corporate partnerships with product roadmaps.

Harry Maitland, founder and CEO of Vendi Tech, builds smart vending units that blend hardware, software and retail media. He talks about turning vending into digital ad and first‑party data infrastructure. Conversations cover gym sampling, venue partnerships, scaling to thousands of machines, and how interactive screens and attribution close the loop between awareness and real‑world conversion.

Ruben Niet, Founder and CEO of digitalAudience, shares insights on navigating the complex landscape of data collaboration in Europe. Ruben reveals how his background with Facebook shaped his understanding of publisher monetization and brand targeting. He discusses the challenges of fragmented European markets, the importance of local partnerships, and DA's growth strategy, including plans for expansion in key markets. The conversation touches on Amazon's influence and the implications of Google's antitrust trial on the data ecosystem.

Arthur Querou, co-founder and CEO of Vibe, shares insights from his ad-tech journey, emphasizing his mission to democratize TV advertising for small and medium businesses. He discusses the shift towards private control in the industry and Vibe's recent fundraising success. Arthur explains the importance of maintaining viewer experience by avoiding intrusive ads. He highlights their growth strategy based on simplicity and daily revenue transparency to foster a high-performance culture. His advice for entrepreneurs includes staying focused on core metrics and execution.

Dive into recent M&A frenzy with insights on Deep Intent's healthcare strategy and the impact of digital marketing shifts post-COVID. Explore Bending Spoons' blockbuster acquisition of Vimeo and the potential of first-party data. Discover DigiSeg's privacy-forward approach as it's scooped up by Hawk Infinity, and the ambitious merger of Spaceback and Rembrandt. Finally, unpack Verve's opportunistic acquisition of Captify and the challenges faced by the latter in a changing AI landscape. Get ready for an engaging discussion!

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Smith, CEO of ExchangeWire, dives into the evolving landscape of European ad tech, focusing on recent mergers and acquisitions. She highlights the importance of first-party data and diversity among acquirers in the industry. The conversation further explores the merger of the Mad Tech Money event with ATS London, emphasizing networking and collaboration. Rachel also addresses financial challenges faced by smaller firms and the need for informed investment conversations to enhance understanding and foster growth in ad tech.

Rob McLaughlin, CEO and Co-founder of AUDIENCES, dives into the significance of first-party data in advertising. He shares insights on underutilization in media buys and the innovative tech his company offers to enhance data security. The conversation touches on navigating the competitive landscape, ambitious growth plans including a leap from $1M to $6M in recurring revenue, and strategic partnerships in sectors like pharmaceutical and medtech. McLaughlin's vision for the future emphasizes the need for clear data ownership and collaboration in the ad tech industry.

Andrew Casale, Founder of Index Exchange, shares his lifelong passion for ad tech, having started in the industry as a teenager. He discusses the launch of Fund 2, aimed at investing in innovative ad tech startups, backed by Index's strategic insights. Topics include the evolution of Index Exchange, the shift towards sell-side innovations, and the impact of AI on advertising practices. Casale also touches on the potential for future IPOs and the importance of fostering capital-efficient, differentiated companies in the fast-paced ad tech landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Brian Wieser and His Background03:02 Impact of Tariffs on Digital Advertising05:45 De-globalization and Its Effects on Advertising09:13 Emerging Opportunities in European Markets12:05 Perception Issues in Advertising15:00 The Role of Advertising in Business17:54 The Future of Agencies and Services20:54 Under-appreciated Trends in Media and Advertising Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Goldhill, CEO and founder of Picnic, dives into the fascinating world of ad tech. He shares insights from Picnic's fundraising journey, emphasizing strategic sales and the importance of media quality in today's landscape. Goldhill discusses how evolving algorithms and AI are reshaping media optimization. He also highlights the significance of curation in enhancing ad placements and maintaining brand perception, reflecting on recent trends in mergers and partnerships that are steering the industry forward.