Manychat, a global leader in conversational AI and automation across messaging and social platforms, has secured $140 million in growth capital led by Summit Partners. This round brings the company’s total funding to $163.3 million, following its first institutional investment from Bessemer Venture Partners in 2019.

Highlights of the Announcement

1. Capital to Drive AI Innovation and Global Expansion

• Funding will be used to:

  • Accelerate global expansion

  • Invest in R&D and AI innovation

  • Scale marketing and customer support

  • Enhance Manychat AI, the company’s flagship intelligent automation solution

2. Manychat’s Growing Role in Social Commerce

• Operates across Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more

• Supports over 1 million businesses in 170+ countries

• Powers billions of automated messages annually

• At the heart of a booming social commerce market, projected to surpass $100 billion in the U.S. by 2026

3. Agentic AI for Better Customer Experiences

• Manychat AI, launched in 2024, helps businesses and creators:

  • Scale personalized conversations

  • Maximize engagement

  • Monetize audiences more effectively

• CEO Mike Yan: “We’re simplifying foundational technologies so customers can focus on delivering exceptional value.”

4. Strategic Backing from Summit Partners

• Sophia Popova, Partner at Summit Partners, joins Manychat's Board of Directors

• Popova: “Manychat is redefining digital communication and marketing in the age of social commerce.”

Manychat's latest funding round underscores its leadership in a fast-growing market at the intersection of AI, automation, and social commerce. With a focus on agentic AI and intelligent engagement, the company is well-positioned to revolutionize how brands and creators connect with audiences globally.

The "2025 State of B2B Pipeline Growth" survey from Pipeline360 reveals critical insights into the obstacles B2B marketers face today and the strategies employed by high-performing teams to overcome them. With economic uncertainty, shrinking budgets, and lengthening sales cycles on the rise, marketers must adapt and evolve to thrive. This report identifies six key areas where top performers excel and highlights how data utilization, streamlined tech stacks, and smarter strategies can drive pipeline growth and revenue generation.

Challenges Facing B2B Marketers:

1. Economic Uncertainty

   • 45% of marketers cite economic uncertainty as their top concern.

   • Unrealistic leadership expectations and declining buyer engagement also rank high.

2. Shrinking Marketing Budgets

   • 63% of organizations report stagnant or decreasing marketing budgets.

   • This financial strain makes it difficult to scale marketing programs and drive growth.

3. Longer Sales Cycles

   • 74% of marketers report longer sales cycles, with 41% seeing increases of 2 to 6 months.

   • This shift demands sustained engagement across longer periods.

4. Declining Buyer Engagement

   • Challenges like declining email open rates and form fills are further complicating efforts.

Areas Where High-Performing Teams Excel:

1. Data Utilization

   • 79% of high performers excel in data handling versus only 14% of low performers.

   • Effective data utilization helps optimize marketing efforts and leads to better targeting.

2. Streamlined Tech Stacks

   • 72% of high performers have optimized tech stacks, compared to just 12% of low performers.

   • A streamlined tech stack is vital for efficiency and enhanced marketing performance.

3. Buyer Engagement

   • 72% of high performers effectively engage target audiences, while only 12% of low performers do the same.

   • Consistent and impactful engagement is essential for building lasting customer relationships.

4. Lead Nurturing

   • 69% of high performers excel in lead nurturing, significantly outperforming the 10% of low performers.

   • Nurturing leads is critical for maintaining momentum and driving conversions.

5. Content Quality

   • 85% of high performers produce exceptional content versus 27% of low performers.

   • High-quality content is a cornerstone for building trust and engagement.

6. Sales-Marketing Alignment

   • 75% of high performers align their marketing and sales teams closely, compared to just 24% of low performers.

   • Strong sales-marketing collaboration is essential for driving revenue growth.

How AI and Personalization Are Shaping Marketing:

1. Data-Driven Personalization

   • 52% of marketers see data-driven personalization as the top factor in improving lead nurturing.

2. Generative AI

   • 36% find generative AI valuable for content creation and optimizing email campaigns.

3. AI’s Role in Bridging Data Gaps

   • AI helps connect fragmented data to deliver personalized buyer experiences that boost engagement.

The Importance of Revenue Metrics:

1. Top KPIs for Marketing Teams

   • Website traffic (43%), revenue generated (42%), and SQLs (39%) are the top KPIs.

   • High-performing teams prioritize revenue metrics, with 50% using revenue generated as their main KPI.

2. Revenue as the Key Driver

   • The shift toward revenue-driven metrics is essential for a more integrated approach to pipeline growth.

The 2025 State of B2B Pipeline Growth survey underscores the need for a smarter, more integrated marketing approach. With challenges such as economic uncertainty, shrinking budgets, and longer sales cycles, B2B marketers must focus on high-impact strategies like data utilization, AI, and sales-marketing alignment. By prioritizing actionable insights, personalizing experiences, and focusing on revenue generation, marketers can optimize their efforts and achieve sustainable success.

The Town of Petawawa has taken a significant step in defining its future by selecting Syntax Strategic, a leading Canadian communications agency, to develop its new brand identity. This rebranding initiative is designed to reflect the town’s dynamic growth, natural beauty, and strong sense of community, positioning it for a bold future.

The Rebranding Project Overview:

1. New Visual Identity and Narrative

   • The rebranding includes a complete visual overhaul and a refreshed narrative that highlights Petawawa’s strengths.

   • The new brand will represent Petawawa's evolution and its aspirations moving forward.

2. Strategic Engagement

   • Syntax Strategic was chosen for its expertise in brand storytelling and community engagement.

   • The agency will work closely with the people of Petawawa to ensure the brand is both authentic and aspirational.

3. Experience in Municipal Rebranding

   • Syntax Strategic has successfully led similar projects for the Village of Carp, the Town of Renfrew, and Whitewater Region.

   • The agency’s experience in public-sector communications makes them a strong partner for the rebranding of Petawawa.

The Significance of the Project:

1. Reflecting Growth and Community Spirit

   • The new brand will reflect Petawawa’s ongoing growth, including its evolving identity and commitment to its residents.

   • The refreshed brand is designed to highlight the town’s natural beauty and tight-knit community.

2. Excitement and Anticipation

   • The Town of Petawawa is excited to unveil its new brand identity to its residents and stakeholders in the coming weeks, marking an exciting chapter in its future.

Petawawa’s decision to partner with Syntax Strategic represents a key milestone in the town’s journey of growth and redefinition. By crafting a brand that is authentic and forward-looking, the initiative aims to strengthen Petawawa's connection with both its residents and the wider community.

Delfi Labs, an AI-native balance sheet decision engine platform for financial institutions, has chosen William Mills Agency, a leading fintech PR firm, to enhance its public relations strategy and expand its market presence. Delfi aims to strengthen its position as an innovator in AI-powered automation, risk management, and operational efficiency for banks and credit unions.

Delfi's Innovative Solutions:

1. OVERWATCH

   • Evaluates balance sheet risk performance with dynamic models and Monte Carlo simulations.

   • Provides real-time views of a bank’s current risk exposure.

2. WHAT-IF

   • Allows bank management to assess the financial and risk impact of strategic decisions.

   • Transitions from diagnosis to actionable insights quickly.

3. AI CO-PILOT

   • Enhances decision-making by generating concrete, actionable solutions for financial institutions.

4. ESSENTIALS

   • Offers a simple, no-cost entry point for financial institutions to experience Delfi’s capabilities.

   • Provides rate and scenario shock analyses, and WHAT-IF capabilities as a free alternative to industry ALM software.

Delfi's Mission and Leadership:

1. A Transformative Approach to Risk Management

   • Delfi helps financial institutions navigate the complexities of interest rate risk with AI-driven solutions.

   • The platform supports smarter decision-making for better financial outcomes.

2. Leadership Expertise

   • Co-founders Daniel and Joseph Ahn bring significant experience in economics, data science, and AI.

   • Daniel Ahn, Ph.D., has held key roles at the U.S. Department of State, Federal Reserve, and Citibank.

   • Joseph Ahn, Ph.D., has extensive experience in financial economics and data science, with a background at The White House Office of Management and Budget.

Delfi Labs, with its cutting-edge AI solutions, is poised to revolutionize how financial institutions manage risk. Partnering with William Mills Agency will amplify Delfi’s message and enhance its presence in the financial sector, making a significant impact on how institutions approach financial strategies and decision-making.

Ketch, a leading Data Permissioning Platform, has launched Data Sentry, a groundbreaking solution for detecting website privacy risks. Designed for privacy and security teams, Data Sentry provides comprehensive, real-time visibility into website data flows, enabling businesses to detect vulnerabilities before they result in lawsuits or regulatory scrutiny.

Challenges in Website Data Collection:

1. Lack of Visibility:

   • Businesses often fail to realize the extent of data collection occurring on their websites.

   • Lawsuits alleging privacy violations, such as those under CIPA and VPPA, are increasingly targeting companies for hidden or misconfigured data practices.

2. Current Solutions Are Inadequate:

   • Existing cookie and code scanning tools offer limited insights, focusing only on cookies or website code.

   • Significant data collection activity occurs in website scripts and third-party SaaS integrations, which are invisible to these tools.

How Data Sentry Solves the Problem:

1. Real-Time Network Traffic Scanning:

   • Scans actual network traffic to analyze data transfers and pinpoint sensitive data being shared with both authorized and unauthorized third parties.

2. Opt-Out Compliance Validation:

   • Flags data collection occurring after consumers have opted out, such as tracking pixels firing or unauthorized data being sent to advertising platforms.

3. IAB Signal and String Passing Verification:

   • Ensures consent signals are properly passed through the entire adtech chain, identifying vendors who fail to respect user consent preferences.

Product Benefits and Capabilities:

1. Comprehensive Data Map:

   • Provides a detailed map of all data collection, transfers, and vulnerabilities in website frontend data flows.

2. Prevents Legal Risks:

   • By detecting hidden privacy risks, Data Sentry allows businesses to fix issues proactively, minimizing the risk of lawsuits or regulatory fines.

3. Enhanced Privacy Monitoring:

   • Offers advanced monitoring capabilities, enabling privacy teams to stay ahead of modern regulations and data collection practices.

Data Sentry from Ketch is an essential tool for businesses seeking to protect themselves from privacy risks. With its comprehensive frontend data map, real-time monitoring, and proactive compliance validation, Data Sentry ensures that companies can identify vulnerabilities before they become costly liabilities.

MidOcean Partners, a leading New York-based alternative asset manager, has announced its acquisition of GSTV, a national video network that engages and entertains targeted audiences at fuel retailers across the U.S. This acquisition marks a strategic move to expand MidOcean’s portfolio in the fast-growing sectors of digital video, retail media, and digital out-of-home advertising.

GSTV:

1. National Reach:

   • GSTV engages over 115 million monthly viewers at more than 29,000 fuel and convenience retail locations.

   • The network delivers targeted video advertising, leveraging advanced data and analytics to connect brands with high-intent consumers.

2. Advertising Strategy:

   • GSTV’s platform offers contextually relevant, full-sound video advertising, influencing consumer decisions at a key moment during the purchase journey.

   • By combining retail media with digital video and digital out-of-home (DOOH), GSTV drives immediate consumer action while building brand equity.

Strategic Value of the Acquisition:

1. Growth in Digital Video and Retail Media:

   • GSTV operates at the intersection of three fast-growing sectors: retail media, digital video, and DOOH, positioning the company for continued growth.

   • The shift away from traditional linear advertising to performance-driven media creates significant opportunities for GSTV’s model.

2. MidOcean’s Investment Focus:

   • MidOcean sees GSTV as a leader in the digital video and retail media spaces, where brands seek effective, measurable ways to engage consumers near the point of purchase.

   • With a national footprint and advanced targeting capabilities, GSTV is well-positioned to benefit from these trends.

Partnership and Future Growth:

1. Leadership Strength:

   • Jim Wilson and Eric Kozic, MidOcean’s executive advisors with expertise in digital media and marketing, helped shape the investment strategy.

   • Jim Wilson will join as Chairman of GSTV’s Board to further guide the company’s strategic direction.

2. Expansion Plans:

   • GSTV aims to expand its national presence, enhance its retail and programmatic capabilities, and continue delivering measurable results for its brand partners.

   • CEO Sean McCaffrey looks forward to partnering with MidOcean to accelerate GSTV’s growth trajectory in the evolving advertising landscape.

The acquisition of GSTV by MidOcean Partners offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on the expanding retail media and digital advertising sectors. By combining GSTV’s national reach with MidOcean’s strategic expertise, this partnership is set to drive the next phase of growth in digital video and performance-based media.

Bombora, a leading B2B data provider, has been honored with the prestigious Dick Reed Award for Channel Advancements & Innovation. This award, presented alongside Simpli.fi, recognizes the groundbreaking work of both companies in creating a first-to-market contextual targeting solution that is reshaping B2B marketing strategies.

The Dick Reed Award:

1. Purpose of the Award:

   • The Dick Reed Awards celebrate trailblazers in the B2B marketing industry who demonstrate exceptional innovation, forward-thinking strategies, and impactful solutions.

   • Award recipients are chosen for their ability to push the boundaries of B2B marketing and establish new standards in the industry.

2. Bombora’s Contribution:

   • Bombora's integration with Simpli.fi to create a cutting-edge contextual targeting solution has earned the company recognition for revolutionizing how B2B marketers reach and engage with audiences.

Bombora and Simpli.fi's Contextual Targeting Solution:

1. Company Surge® Intent Data:

   • Bombora’s patented Company Surge® Intent data powers this solution, providing real-time insights into companies showing intent to purchase specific products or services.

   • This data allows B2B marketers to identify potential buyers before they even enter the market, offering a strategic advantage in audience targeting.

2. Simpli.fi’s Native Targeting Platform:

   • Simpli.fi’s granular native targeting platform complements Bombora’s data, enabling B2B marketers to target audiences based on highly relevant topics, including advanced subjects like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency.

   • This powerful combination ensures that ads are served to the right audience, at the right time, across the right channels, with the scale necessary for large campaigns.

3. Audience Segments:

   • The solution gives access to more than 70 topic-oriented audience segments, allowing for precise and effective ad placement in a variety of B2B industries.

Implications for B2B Marketers:

1. Enhanced Engagement:

   • By leveraging Bombora's data and Simpli.fi’s targeting capabilities, B2B marketers can increase the relevance of their campaigns, engaging prospects at moments of high intent.

   • The solution enhances the precision and effectiveness of digital advertising, driving better results for brands and agencies.

2. Unlocking New Opportunities:

   • This collaboration showcases how data-driven insights can unlock new marketing opportunities, allowing businesses to connect with potential customers more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

Bombora’s receipt of the Dick Reed Award highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing B2B marketing through innovative solutions. By partnering with Simpli.fi, Bombora continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing, providing advertisers with the tools to engage with the right audiences at the right time.

Biddeo.io, an innovative AI-driven video ad tech startup, has announced the appointment of Sheldon Owen as its US Managing Director. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, including key roles at Dentsu, Owen is set to lead the company’s expansion in the US digital video advertising market, valued at $100 billion. His leadership comes at a time when brands are increasingly demanding AI solutions that combine precision targeting with robust brand safety.

Why Biddeo.io’s AI Technology is a Game-Changer:

1. Brand Safety and Programmatic Campaigns:

   • The demand for brand-safe digital advertising is growing, with brands requiring assurance that their ads will appear in appropriate contexts. Biddeo.io addresses this challenge with its proprietary LAIA AI technology.

   • LAIA (Language-Audio-Image Analysis) combines Natural Language Processing (NLP) and video content recognition to analyze videos in real-time, ensuring ads avoid unsafe placements while aligning with brand values.

2. Cost Efficiency with Premium Inventory:

   • Biddeo.io leverages AI-powered technology to acquire premium video inventory at a significant cost advantage, offering inventory on major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and connected TV at up to 80% below market rates.

   • This ensures that brands can access high-quality ad placements without sacrificing cost efficiency.

The Growing Demand for AI Solutions:

1. Rising AI-Powered Video Ad Spending:

   • As AI-powered video ad spending is projected to grow by 25% annually, Biddeo.io’s innovative approach is positioned to capitalize on this growth.

   • The platform’s use of machine learning and advanced algorithms to enhance video ad targeting while ensuring brand safety sets a new industry standard for AI in advertising.

2. Sheldon Owen’s Expertise:

   • With a successful track record at Dentsu, where he led performance video strategy for Fortune 500 clients, Owen brings a wealth of experience in optimizing AI-driven campaigns for brand performance.

   • His leadership in performance media and expertise in driving ROI through AI solutions makes him the ideal candidate to lead Biddeo.io’s expansion in the US market.

Sheldon Owen’s Impact on Biddeo.io’s Growth:

1. Experience and Leadership in Ad Tech:

   • Owen’s deep expertise in ad tech and performance advertising will be crucial in scaling Biddeo.io’s presence in the competitive US market.

   • His history of driving measurable brand and performance lift through AI-driven optimization will help position Biddeo.io as a leader in the AI-powered video ad space.

2. AI and Creative Strategy in Regulated Sectors:

   • Owen’s specialization in bridging machine learning and AI with creative strategies, particularly in regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and alcohol, will play a key role in tailoring Biddeo.io’s offerings to meet the needs of diverse industries.

Biddeo.io’s appointment of Sheldon Owen as US Managing Director highlights the company’s commitment to revolutionizing the digital video advertising space with cutting-edge AI technology. As the demand for brand-safe, cost-effective, and high-performance advertising solutions grows, Owen’s leadership will be instrumental in driving Biddeo.io’s success in the highly competitive US market.