MGID, the global advertising platform, has expanded its partnership with GeoEdge, the premier provider of ad security and quality solutions for the online and mobile advertising ecosystem. The expansion follows a successful, years-long partnership, over which several types of cloaking practices were identified across tens of thousands of scenarios.

Through this reaffirmed, long-term collaboration with GeoEdge, MGID’s compliance team can ensure that campaigns launched through its platform are protected with cutting-edge advertising content security. MGID’s robust suite of security features includes:

• Up-to-date threat detection algorithms: GeoEdge systematically updates algorithms for tracking existing and potential threats, focusing on verticals identified by MGID’s compliance team as sensitive. This enables the anticipation and immediate reaction to violations.
• AI-modeled grouping violations: AI models build violation scenarios to pre-empt prohibited practices at the content and ad creation campaign stage, so that MGID’s AI-generated creatives are compliant by default.
• Enhanced manual verification resources: Specialized regional teams monitor the status of advertising content in rotation 24/7, paying attention to even the smallest violation details, such as borrowed design elements and fake statements.
• Zero-tolerance for malware and malicious content: Any hint of malware, malicious content, or phishing practices is blocked by MGID without exception, or subjected to additional review, before entering the system.
• Robust verification system: All MGID clients must undergo personal verification and submit required documentation before commencing activity on its platform, through processes called KYC (know your customer) and KYB (know your business).

“Digital advertising is caught in an endless arms race between legitimate actors and fraudsters that siphon ad spend from the supply chain, impacting advertisers, publishers, and users,” commented Sergii Denysenko, CEO of MGID. “To protect our clients and the wider open web, we seek partnerships with leading innovators, such as GeoEdge, in the fight against deceptive and fraudulent ads. The results of our collaboration so far speak for themselves, and we look forward to our continued work together.”

“Escalating threats from malicious actors present persistent challenges across the entire digital advertising supply chain. As these cyber adversaries refine their tactics, MGID leverages GeoEdge's insights into the threat environment, empowering MGID to combat malvertising and protect its partners from cybercriminal activities.” - Amnon Siev, CEO of GeoEdge.

Pinterest, Inc., (NYSE: PINS) today announced it has appointed Scott Schenkel, former Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer of eBay, to its Board of Directors.

“Scott is recognized as one of the industry’s top financial and ecommerce experts," said Bill Ready, Chief Executive Officer of Pinterest. "He’s widely respected for the operational discipline, business rigor, and financial acumen he’s brought to major global companies, notably at eBay and GE. What’s more, while at eBay, Scott oversaw its advertising investment in Pinterest and therefore brings a first-hand customer perspective to the table. Scott is an ideal fit for our Board of Directors and we’re thrilled to have him join.”

Scott spent 13 years at eBay, including serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer, following additional finance leadership roles such as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to eBay, Scott spent nearly two decades as Chief Financial Officer of multiple business lines at General Electric. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at NetApp where he was the Audit Committee Chairman from 2019-2022, and recently transitioned to be the Talent and Compensation Committee Chair in late 2022. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Forter, the Trust Platform for digital commerce, providing accurate, real time decisions about every digital interaction. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s Pamplin College of Business.

“Pinterest is uniquely positioned at the intersection of search, social, and commerce," said Scott Schenkel. "I’ve long admired the high commercial intent of the Pinterest audience. Scaling how users on the platform go from discovery to purchase while increasing conversion for retailers is a tremendous opportunity for Pinterest. I’m thrilled to join the Board of Directors to help with Pinterest’s next phase of growth.”

Afterparty, the platform empowering thousands of creators with the tools and technology for personal fan connections and monetization, announced today that it has secured $5 million in funding. The strategic growth round was led by Blockchange Ventures, with participation from existing investors Acrew Capital, Act One Ventures, and Tamarack Global, as well as new investors Wilson Sonsini and Vinny Lingham.

The funding fuels Afterparty’s latest product development and mission to enable scalable interactivity between creators and fans. Afterparty, whose platform already includes live streaming and 1:1 chats, IRL community events, and collectibles, will soon deliver AI voice, photo, and video messaging. The new platform, Afterparty AI, allows creators to infinitely scale personalized fan interactions while activating fans to generate one-of-a-kind images and videos that live as collectibles on the blockchain.

“We are thrilled to introduce 24/7 interactions between creators and fans with Afterparty AI. The all-new ability to turn one-to-one AI experiences into fan-generated content takes interaction to an entirely new level,” said Afterparty CEO and Founder, David Fields. “Creators retain control over their content, revenue, and fan relationships. Fans get the opportunity to become content creators and participate in the growth and success of those who inspire them.”

“As a team of creators and superfans ourselves, Afterparty AI represents a full realization of our founding vision – to create more meaningful connections through interactive fan experiences and infinitely scale them,” added Fields.

Afterparty AI gives fans 24/7 on-demand access to conversations with their favorite creator’s AI. Images and videos created with Afterparty AI also become one-of-a-kind collectibles unique to each fan who generates them – all of which are verified on the blockchain and can easily be shared on social platforms. Every interaction and piece of content fans share serves as a “point of access” to exclusive experiences, opening up opportunities for fans to connect one-to-one with the creators on Afterparty Livestreams.

“The fragmented landscape of social media and content platforms, marked by limited interactivity and inconsistent monetization models, has put creative freedom, earnings, and fan engagement at stake. Afterparty’s model benefits the entire creator ecosystem,” said Blockchange Ventures Managing Partner, Ken Seiff. “By leveraging the latest technology, starting with blockchain and now with AI, Afterparty puts creators in charge of their own content and revenue in a way that also enhances value for their fans.”

Thousands of creators, including headlining musicians Lauv and Jaden Hossler, dancer and choreographer Matt Steffanina, global podcasters Tana Mongeau and Mads Lewis, and international stars Nicolle Figueroa and Strangehuman, have made Afterparty a pivotal platform in their creative growth and strengthening fan relationships. Artists like Eben, who have taken to Afterparty to release new tracks and EPs, give fans firsthand access to exclusive new content.

"Fans bring so much meaning to my music and personal journey as an artist. With Afterparty, I’ve been able to share new music through Livestreams and connect with them on a much deeper level," said Eben. "Afterparty is more than a platform, it's the place where I give my fans exclusive updates with songs, remixes, and more. I always drop the news on Afterparty before anything else! Time has always been one of the biggest barriers for me to connect with more fans. Now, Afterparty Al gives me an incredibly unique way to engage with hundreds to thousands of fans at any time."

Debuted in 2021, Afterparty has scaled from a token-gated fan access and collectibles platform to an interactive destination delivering the tools and experiences creators want - and need - to regain control of fan relationships and revenue. Afterparty Livestreams give fans one-to-one unfiltered access which has been shown to double or triple creator livestream revenue with a higher CPV (Cost per View) when compared to TikTok Live. IRL experiences, such as token-gated music and art festivals, and curated community events, provide immersive “points of connection” for creators and fan bases.

“We heard from many of our creators in the Afterparty community that DMs were their fans’ most-valued experience. However, with thousands of messages coming in at any given time, they have found it impossible to respond in a more personal way both creators and fans crave,” said Afterparty Co-Founder, Robert Graham. “With Afterparty AI, we have developed a proprietary system from the ground up to scale creator-fan interactions. We work closely with creators to ensure that the AI experience is truly authentic to them in the same way we built our creator tools and IRL experiences.”

Afterparty’s rapidly expanding community and suite of platform tools continue to scale with the booming creator economy, an industry that is expected to double over the next five years to $480 billion by 2027 from $250 billion today. With a reported $300 million in venture capital going towards creator-focused AI startups in Q2 of 2023 alone, Afterparty AI marks a strategic and timely opportunity to capture AI market share.

The strategic growth round brings total capital raised to $12 million. Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media, Spencer Rascoff, Jason Calacanis, and Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew are among the dynamic community of investors who have participated in Afterparty’s previous rounds, including $4 million unsolicited funding in 2022 and a $3 million pre-seed round in 2021.

Digimarc Validate Empowers Content Owners in an Era of Generative AI

Digimarc Corporation, the pioneer and widely-recognized leader in digital watermarking, today announced that Digimarc Validate has expanded its powerful identification and protection capabilities to the digital world. Digimarc Validate is the industry’s first offering to empower content owners and creators with the ability to convey copyright ownership of images and digital media assets. The combination of Digimarc’s SAFE™ digital watermarks and detection software enable this new offering to form the foundation of a trusted and scalable digital asset ecosystem, critical in an era of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

Digimarc is well-known for protecting valuable assets, guarding the world’s currency, medicine, food, and more,” said Digimarc President and CEO, Riley McCormack. “We are excited to extend this powerful protection to the digital world today because the time for digital content owners to act is now. GenAI has changed the rules, and once new digital assets are distributed or published for the first time, the ability to protect those valuable assets is forever gone.”

Much of the digital content being used to train GenAI models is copyrighted, it’s just not digitally identified as such. Digimarc Validate applies digital watermarks to original digital content before distribution – analogous to adding a machine-readable “©” to those images – providing a clear signal of content ownership and authenticity. Under section 1202(b) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the rights of owners of watermarked assets are better protected.

“Digimarc Validate enables copyright owners to avail themselves of the benefits of watermarking, which include support of a potential DMCA Section 1202(b) claim,” said John Tehranian, Founding Partner, One LLP. “This DMCA claim provides distinct remedies from copyright infringement without requiring a registration and offers the potential to recover statutory damages and attorney’s fees prior to the occurrence of an actual infringement, while potentially blunting a fair use defense.”

Anchored by its powerful and proven covert digital watermarking technology, Digimarc Validate provides digital content owners with an affordable and self-serve way to add a multi-layered and machine-readable identifier to digital assets. This identifier can communicate other essential digital asset attributes in addition to ownership and copyright, including authenticity, provenance, and more.

“The risk content owners face from failing to add an identifier to their digital assets before distribution or publication goes beyond ‘just’ misuse and theft,” said Digimarc Chief Product Officer, Ken Sickles. “Digimarc is working with industry stakeholders who understand Digimarc Validate will be foundational to an ecosystem of trust, authenticity, and security in the online world. In the future your digital assets will make ecommerce transactions more trustworthy, email more secure, and social media a safer place, but just like with copyright protection, the ability to capture these benefits is gone once the assets have been distributed or published.”

SAFE™ Detection Software and Services

Available today, Digimarc Validate provides immediate digital copyright protection and is the only solution available that is powered by the unique advantages of SAFE™ digital watermarks. Digimarc also offers its SAFE™ detection software and services to a growing number of partners – including machine learning systems, ecommerce marketplaces, security software providers, social media platforms, and many more – to power a trusted and scalable digital asset ecosystem.

By reading the instructions conveyed by a SAFE™ digital watermark, GenAI model training powered by SAFE™ detection software and services makes it easy for GenAI companies to identify content that is owned by others prior to ingestion. This allows GenAI companies to avoid the certainty of costly legal battles over the unauthorized use of copyrighted material today, and avoid exposure to financial damages, injunctions, and forced re-training of models in the future. SAFE™ detection software and services also provide additional benefits to GenAI companies, such as the avoidance of model collapse and the realization of efficiencies in input labeling and other model-training steps.

Availability through Snowflake Data Sharing Efficiently Enhances Real-Time Data Access

NIQ, the global leader in consumer intelligence, is pleased to announce the NIQ Connect platform capabilities have now expanded to use Snowflake Secure Data Sharing. This capability marks a significant milestone for NIQ's Connect platform, empowering customers in 84 global markets with enhanced data-sharing capabilities and seamless real-time data access. As a result, this can eliminate processing and loading wait times, delivering unparalleled efficiency and agility in a complex consumer landscape.

By extending their ability to effortlessly access global, omnichannel data, we can empower clients to uncover new pathways to growth even within a very complex consumer landscape,” said Troy Treangen, Chief Product Officer at NIQ. “Innovation is our compass, and our commitment to reengineering the Connect platform has charted a new course. Our strategic investments have allowed us to unlock the power of modern data sharing capabilities, guiding our clients towards a brighter, data-driven future."

NIQ Connect is a crucial asset for enterprises, enabling them to harness their data across all facets of their organization. With integrated data assets, businesses can readily identify emerging trends, pinpoint performance gaps, and respond swiftly to growth opportunities. This global collaboration is poised to unveil novel insights, leading to a deeper understanding of customers' behavior and preferences.

Additional highlights of the NIQ’s Connect platform integration with Snowflake’s Retail Data Cloud include:

• Seamless Data Integration: Companies will benefit from the seamless integration of NIQ's rich consumer and market data into Snowflake’s environment. This integration simplifies access to vast data sources, and drives significant speed improvements for our clients when accessing data.
• Secure Data Sharing: Availability through Snowflake facilitates near real-time data sharing, enabling businesses to access and query NIQ's data instantaneously. This dynamic exchange of information empowers organizations to stay ahead in today's fast-paced business landscape.
• Scalability and Flexibility: NIQ’s Connect platform with Snowflake Secure Data Sharing is designed to scale effortlessly with the growing data needs of businesses. Whether a company is a startup or a Fortune 500 enterprise, this provides the flexibility to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing environment.
• Enhanced AI and Machine Learning Capabilities: Businesses can leverage advanced analytics and machine learning within Snowflake's platform to derive actionable insights from NIQ's data. This synergy fosters innovation, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions with precision.
• Data Security and Compliance: Both NIQ and Snowflake prioritize data security and compliance. The joint solution ensures that sensitive data is protected providing peace of mind to businesses and their customers while enabling them to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

“NIQ is committed to helping companies become more agile at a time when being able to move quickly based on accurate data is paramount,” Treangen added. “This innovative data-sharing approach will provide Connect customers a competitive advantage today and be better prepared for the future. We are modernizing every level of our Connect platform, and we are excited about the enhancements to help our clients thrive.”

“As an incumbent leader in retail and consumer insights, NIQ has been a staple in the retail industry for delivering data that give a competitive edge to retailers and consumer product companies,” said Rosemary DeAragon, Global Head of Retail and Consumer Goods at Snowflake. “We are so excited to bring together the full power of the Snowflake Retail Data Cloud and the NIQ Connect platform, allowing global frictionless access to critical data through Snowflake data sharing.”

NIQ is dedicated to fostering innovation and enabling organizations to thrive in a data-driven world. The collaboration between NIQ and Snowflake represents a transformative step in the world of data sharing and will shape the future of data analytics. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of data in their operations, allowing them to exchange insights seamlessly and efficiently will empower them to unlock new opportunities and navigate the data landscape with ease.

- Marketers and CX teams benefit from in-depth look at website and mobile app visitor behavior

- Technology collaboration enhances analytics and insights as organizations look to pinpoint digital experiences that cause customer difficulty

- Award-winning AI allows customers to evolve the conversation and breakdown data silos at scale using data from websites, mobile apps, surveys, social, reviews, and conversations

InMoment, the leading provider of Experience Improvement (XI) solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Contentsquare, a global leader in digital experience analytics, to help businesses visualize customer’ experiences to add an additional layer of analysis and visualization for uncovering digital experience behaviors.

InMoment’s XI Platform and integrated CX approach gather data signals from everywhere and use award-winning AI-powered tools for richer analytics, and its collaboration with Contentsquare gives CX teams and marketers an in-depth look at the behavior and in-page experience for website and mobile app visitors. Using Contentsquare’s suite of advanced digital experience analytics tools and Session Replay capabilities helps teams pinpoint specific experiences that cause customer difficulty so they can take smarter actions faster to further optimize the customer experience.

“In today’s world where consumers research brands and purchase products and services digitally, our collaboration with Contentsquare and their suite of digital analytics tools combined with our text analytics and AI-powered platform is key to helping businesses make even more informed decisions across all customer touch points,” said Mehul Nagrani, Managing Director, InMoment North America. “Together with our technology and expertise, we are poised to unlock new dimensions of user experience and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

“Contentsquare’s suite of advanced digital experience analytics tools is coupled perfectly with InMoment’s, which drives business value and growth through an integrated CX approach using AI and strategic expertise to help businesses contextualize their data and prioritize their business efforts across the entire customer journey. We’re very proud and excited about this partnership!” said Gilad Zubery, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development & Partnerships at Contentsquare.

InMoment will be speaking at the Contentsquare 2023 CX Circle event on September 28, 2023, an immersive experience focused on the new era of digital experiences where CX meets innovation, transformation, and AI. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Jeff Catlin, CEO of Lexalytics, an InMoment company, discuss how brands are leveraging both direct and indirect feedback to differentiate themselves by leveraging the power of NLP and AI. He will expand on why organizations need to understand the process of creating integrated experiences by breaking down data silos to understand, and act on feedback more effectively.

The InMoment and Contentsquare partnership gives businesses the ability to understand the behaviors and issues beyond the digital experience more intelligently so they know what to act on and when and how to interact with customers

63% of consumers save email marketing messages from restaurants, and 55% who receive these messages plan to dine at those restaurants within a month

HungerRush, the leading POS software platform provider for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, today announced new results from a consumer survey that examines the impact of restaurant promotional marketing campaigns on repeat orders, return visits and customer engagement.

Post COVID, fast-casual and quick-service restaurants have an opportunity to leverage marketing campaigns including mailers, email, and text messages to boost brand awareness and drive a healthy increase in both in-store dining and online orders. According to the new HungerRush consumer survey, 93% of customers visit fast-casual restaurants at least once a month, with 32% dining out 4-6 times a month. Consumers cite lower price points as the top motivator for selecting a quick service restaurant.

During a time when consumers are more price-conscious and discerning than ever in their dining selections, marketing campaigns undoubtedly have a positive impact on driving repeat orders. The same survey indicated that 55% of consumers who receive marketing messages (emails, mailers, and text messages) from restaurants will dine at or order from that restaurant within the next month.

Consumers want to hear from restaurants, and when they do, restaurants win

Tapping into coupons and marketing messages is a classic technique used by many to bring in new and existing customers, and restaurant operators should be pleased to know these efforts are well received. The majority of consumers surveyed indicated a positive sentiment toward receiving marketing messages from restaurants, with only 29% saying they actively ignore or opt out of marketing communications. Moreover, 32% said they receive up to five marketing messages per week directly from restaurants, demonstrating an interest in hearing from multiple businesses on a consistent basis.

Overwhelmingly, consumers are more likely to act within one week of receiving a marketing message, whether that be a coupon, a promotion or menu/seasonal updates. In fact, 62% of consumers said they are 50% to 100% more likely to visit a restaurant within one week after receiving a promotional offering. This shows an immediate return on investment for restaurant operators. For those not leveraging a marketing messaging strategy, they are missing out on repeat orders and visits.

Connecting the right message, at the right time, in the right channel delivers the highest impact

Knowing what types of messages stick with a customer is instrumental in properly executing a successful marketing campaign. According to HungerRush, 82% of consumers cite weekly or monthly menu updates as their top reason to stay in the loop with a restaurant – outside of deals and promotions – followed by new store openings at 43%. Lower priority topics cited were business updates and community involvement news. Highlighting content that excites consumers' taste buds and gives them incentives to repeat an order online or revisit a restaurant is key.

Across every age group surveyed, email marketing was the preferred method of contact, with 63% saving email messages, followed by mailers (61%) and text messages (55%). When it comes to which type of message has the most impact, email marketing messages are the most popular across all age demographics, with Boomers (60%), Gen X (67%), Millennials (64%), and Gen Z (60%) all saying they save email coupons more than physical mailers and text messages. As many as 61% of respondents said they use coupons and promotions as often as possible.

Andy Nannoshi, Owner of Uncle Andy’s Pizza, has simplified his marketing process by leveraging automated solutions from HungerRush.

“As a restaurant owner, I have the added challenge of figuring out how and when to connect with my customers,” said Nannoshi. “Text messages are something that customers are more open to now than ever, and HungerRush simplifies the process of sending out email blasts and text messages with customized promotions based on dining behaviors. The HungerRush technology has been instrumental in helping me build a loyal customer base.”

“Restaurant operators have been facing a number of challenges in recent years,” said Olivier Thierry, CRO of HungerRush. “Inflation and economic uncertainty are heavily impacting consumer decisions on where and how often they eat out. Meanwhile, with more options available to consumers, it’s increasingly difficult for restaurants to capture customer attention and bring them back for more. The good news is restaurants can gain a significant advantage and see a positive impact on their bottom line through automated omni-channel marketing campaigns that drive repeat orders and improve brand loyalty by meeting consumers in their favorite channel, be it text, email, or direct mail.”

Leveraging marketing campaigns to gather greater customer insight

In addition to driving repeat orders and brand loyalty, marketing messages offer additional benefits to restaurant operators in the form of data. The impact and usage of third-party delivery apps surged during the pandemic, and while these apps offer benefits to consumers, it can create a blind spot for restaurant operators looking to know more about their customers. Knowing the best topics and timeframes to push promotional offerings are important data points that operators can obtain through marketing campaigns.

Restaurants can look to improve and offer a comparable or better experience through streamlined payment options. Thirty-four percent of consumers cite the convenient checkout process with their saved payment information as the top reason for selecting third-party delivery apps.

“Our survey confirmed what we know anecdotally from our customers: nearly 40% of consumers are not using third-party delivery apps,” said Thierry. “At HungerRush, we see this as a huge market opportunity for QSR operators to bring consumers directly to their sites or mobile apps to communicate, engage and learn about ordering behaviors. Harnessing this data and keeping consumers engaged through weekly and monthly marketing messages is a foolproof way to capitalize and encourage repeat visits and revenue.”

Today, HungerRush restaurant owners that use the HungerRush 360 Marketing add-on module routinely see an increase in repeat online orders by as much as 12%.