WEBTOON Entertainment Inc., a global leader in digital storytelling and home to the world’s largest webcomic platforms, announced that its Founder & CEO Junkoo Kim and CFO & COO David Lee have been named to Gold House’s prestigious 2025 A100 List. The annual list recognizes the most influential Asian Pacific leaders who are shaping culture, driving innovation, and advancing global industries.

Highlights and Contributions:

• Industry Recognition by Gold House:

  • Junkoo Kim and David Lee honored alongside cultural icons like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, and Tubi CEO Anjali Sud.

  • Acknowledged for contributions to entertainment, technology, and global storytelling.

• Junkoo Kim – Founder & CEO:

  • Founded WEBTOON in 2005 in Korea, pioneering the now-standard mobile vertical scroll format.

  • Transformed digital comics into a global phenomenon, empowering millions of creators.

  • Led WEBTOON’s expansion as a storytelling powerhouse with a global audience.

  • Quote: “This recognition is a testament to the power of storytelling and the creativity of our global creator community.”

• David Lee – CFO & COO:

  • Guided WEBTOON through its historic IPO, positioning it as a leading entertainment-tech brand.

  • Known for his strategic acumen and successful leadership in transforming global companies.

  • Quote: “This recognition reflects the incredible work our team has done to revolutionize digital storytelling.”

WEBTOON’s Cultural and Market Impact:

• Global Reach and Content Influence:

  • WEBTOON’s content inspires major screen adaptations such as:

    • Sweet Home and Through My Window (Netflix)

    • Vigilante (Disney+)

    • Sidelined: The QB and Me (Tubi)

    • Tower of God (Crunchyroll)

  • Recognized for transforming digital narratives into mainstream IP successes.

• Strategic Brand Partnerships:

  • Collaborations with top brands like Duolingo, DC Comics, Ubisoft, HYBE, CAPCOM, Discord, and Dropout.

  • Strong appeal to Gen Z audiences through immersive, mobile-native storytelling.

Junkoo Kim and David Lee’s inclusion in the 2025 A100 List reflects WEBTOON’s revolutionary influence at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and IP. As WEBTOON continues to amplify global voices and power screen adaptations, it stands as a beacon of innovation in the digital storytelling economy.

ON24, the intelligent engagement platform for B2B sales and marketing, has secured the top ranking in the G2 Spring 2025 Enterprise Grid® for Webinar Platforms. With the highest satisfaction (98) and market presence (96) scores, ON24 continues to demonstrate its category leadership in digital engagement, AI-powered analytics, and enterprise webinar experiences.

Highlights:

• G2 Enterprise Grid® Recognition:

  • ON24 ranked #1 in the Enterprise Grid for Webinar Platforms, based on G2’s customer-driven metrics.

  • Achieved top satisfaction and market presence scores: 98 and 96, respectively.

  • Recognition highlights ON24’s value in turning audience engagement into measurable pipeline impact.

• Customer-Centric Innovation:

  • Sharat Sharan, CEO of ON24, emphasized the company's ongoing innovation in AI and first-party data utilization:

    “We’re empowering marketing, sales, and customer teams to transform every digital interaction into business impact.”

  • G2 CMO Sydney Sloan reaffirmed that the rankings are rooted in authentic customer feedback, strengthening the credibility of ON24’s leadership position.

Platform Excellence and Differentiation:

• ON24 Intelligent Engagement Platform:

  • Powered by the ON24 ACE (AI-powered Analytics and Content Engine).

  • Enables enterprises to create and personalize webinars, virtual events, and digital experiences at scale.

  • Converts digital engagement into actionable insights that fuel pipeline acceleration.

• AI-Powered Capabilities:

  • Real-time audience engagement tracking

  • Post-event analytics and reporting

  • Intelligent content repurposing

  • Scalable first-party data collection and conversion

ON24’s top placement in G2’s Spring 2025 Enterprise Grid® for Webinar Platforms affirms its status as a leader in enterprise digital engagement. Through continuous innovation in AI and data-driven customer experiences, ON24 is enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of first-party engagement and drive business outcomes in a digital-first world.

MessageGears, the leading data activation and engagement platform for enterprise brands, has announced a robust suite of updates designed to streamline marketing operations and improve campaign personalization at scale. The new capabilities address key enterprise needs, including smarter audience segmentation, enhanced workflow visibility, dynamic content control, and heightened data security.

Updates and Features:

• Smarter, Faster Segmentation:

  • Updated interface provides a clearer view of audience segments, associated campaigns, and destinations.

  • A new "mini map" and improved zoom features simplify navigation through large, complex audience logic.

  • Enhanced drag-and-drop tools enable marketers to build and update segments—without writing SQL.

• Streamlined Campaign Workflow:

  • A redesigned campaign builder uses a “who, what, when” structure for quicker, more intuitive setup.

  • Integrated channel/template selection within workflow creation.

  • A campaign launch schedule displays the next 10 scheduled sends for real-time clarity.

  • Marketers can now add custom metadata to campaign events—boosting transparency, flexibility, and troubleshooting.

• Advanced Personalization:

  • New FreeMarker macros enable quick content personalization across large recipient lists.

  • Marketers can efficiently tailor content for individual recipients with ease.

• Secure Data Preview Access:

  • A new user role ensures PII protection while still allowing full access to targeting attributes.

  • Marketers can activate campaigns using sensitive data without exposing identities, enhancing both security and compliance.

Executive Insight:

“Enterprise brands managing millions of customer data records need precise and nuanced control over who, what, when, and how they use that 
customer data to build successful campaigns,” said Craig Pohan, Chief Technology Officer at MessageGears.

“These enhancements and refinements streamline how enterprises turn complex data into personalized, high-impact messaging — fast.”

Trusted by Leading Brands:

MessageGears continues to empower top-tier brands such as Expedia, Chewy, and Vimeo by enabling them to deeply understand and engage customers across the buyer journey with
real-time data activation.

With its latest platform enhancements, MessageGears reinforces its leadership in enterprise-grade data-driven marketing. By simplifying complex segmentation, improving workflow visibility, and enabling secure personalization, MessageGears is helping brands unlock the full power of their data to create more meaningful and effective customer experiences.

On May 2, 2025, TSUTA-WORLD Inc., a Tokyo-based digital marketing agency, announced the launch of Kita Buzz, Hokkaido’s first regional influencer marketing service. The initiative aims to promote the unique attractions of Hokkaido by leveraging the power of local influencers, in turn supporting the region's economic growth and self-esteem.

Background and Purpose:

TSUTA-WORLD CEO Yamaoka, who relocated to Sapporo City for personal reasons, became deeply enamored with the rich offerings of Hokkaido—from its natural landscapes to its food culture. Motivated by a desire to showcase Hokkaido’s charms to a wider audience, Yamaoka met ROY, a well-established influencer with 80,000 followers, who shared the same passion for promoting the region. This collaboration led to the creation of Kita Buzz, a service dedicated solely to marketing Hokkaido through influencers.

Service Overview:

• Targeted Local Marketing:
  Over 100 Hokkaido-based influencers will highlight regional attractions such as local foods, tourist spots, and seasonal activities.

  • Figures Involved:

    • ROY, an influencer with a significant following, will act as a core figure, guiding the initiative.

    • Riho Yokomichi, with 200,000 TikTok followers, brings expertise in TikTok marketing.

    • Yuki Matsutani, known for her extensive network within Sapporo’s restaurant scene, contributes to content creation and local outreach.

    • CEO Yamaoka will oversee production, drawing on his experience generating over 30 million views across TikTok.

Novelty and Features:

• Hokkaido-Centric Approach:
  "Kita Buzz" is the first influencer marketing service dedicated entirely to promoting Hokkaido, giving it a localized focus that allows advertisers to deliver relevant content to target audiences within the region.

• Pay-for-Performance System:
  The service introduces a pay-for-performance model based on view counts, making it cost-effective and accessible even for small businesses. Advertisers can track their ROI and gauge the effectiveness of their campaigns clearly.

• Efficient Regional Reach:
  By collaborating exclusively with influencers who are either based in or deeply familiar with Hokkaido, Kita Buzz ensures the most accurate and engaging messaging about the region reaches the right audience.

Social Contribution and Economic Impact:
The Kita Buzz service aims to bolster Hokkaido’s economy by attracting tourists from both Japan and abroad, positioning the region as a premier global tourist destination. Additionally, it strives to enhance the pride and self-esteem of local residents, fostering a sense of ownership and community among Hokkaido's population. By sharing regional stories through influencers, the service works to build a bright future for Hokkaido—one where both the community and tourism thrive.

"Kita Buzz" represents a game-changing step in the regional marketing landscape, allowing Hokkaido to showcase its charm through local voices and driving the future of tourism and community development. TSUTA-WORLD’s strategic approach brings targeted marketing to life, ensuring maximum impact with performance-based pricing, all while uplifting the local culture and economy.

OPIC Technologies, Inc., a global leader in Spatial Live Stream Technology, has launched a groundbreaking approach to tactical training. By providing real-time spatial live streams that capture depth, movement, and spatial orientation, OPIC offers a new level of realism and situational awareness for military units, law enforcement, first responders, and security teams. This innovation transforms traditional training methods, allowing for more authentic and effective simulations.

Background and Need for Innovation:

In traditional training environments, video-based simulations often struggle to replicate the complexity of real-world scenarios. They fail to convey the depth, dynamic interactions, and nuanced spatial relationships critical for effective tactical training. OPIC’s Spatial Live Streaming overcomes these limitations by providing live streams that accurately maintain depth cues, giving trainees a true sense of positioning, movement, and environmental interaction.

How It Works:

• Real-Time Spatial Awareness:
  OPIC’s Spatial Live Streaming technology delivers a real-time feed that maintains the depth and spatial orientation of the environment. This ensures that every angle, distance, and movement is captured, giving trainees a comprehensive view of the operational scenario.

• Enhanced Tactical Simulations:
  Unlike traditional flat video-based training, this platform allows for dynamic, 3D-like scenarios. Trainees can now understand team formations, individual movements, and how these factors influence mission outcomes in a much more realistic way.

Benefits:

1. Authentic Training:
   Trainees experience tactical exercises as if they were in the field, with better situational awareness and understanding of their environment.

2. Improved Readiness:
   By replicating real-world complexity, OPIC’s technology enhances operational preparedness. Teams can better grasp the importance of timing, positioning, and environmental interactions during missions.

3. Flexibility and Efficiency:
   Instructors can run more varied scenarios remotely, reducing the need for physical relocations while still offering challenging and dynamic exercises.

Applications in Tactical Training:

OPIC's Spatial Live Streaming technology can be used in multiple training settings, such as:

• Mission Rehearsals: Teams can practice in simulated environments before conducting real-life missions.

• After-Action Reviews: Provides accurate recordings to evaluate performance and identify areas of improvement.

• Remote Team Training: Teams in different locations can train together in the same environment, regardless of geographical constraints.

• Skills Evaluation: Instructors can observe and assess how trainees interact with the space and execute their tasks in complex situations.

CEO's Vision:

Bob Douglas, CEO of OPIC Technologies, emphasizes the importance of this innovation:

“In tactical operations, every angle, distance, and movement matters. Our Spatial Live Streaming platform gives trainees the ability to experience scenarios with the depth and situational detail needed for effective preparation.”

OPIC Technologies’ Spatial Live Streaming represents a significant advancement in tactical training. By enhancing realism and situational awareness, this platform offers military, law enforcement, and security teams a more effective way to prepare for complex, real-world situations. The ability to conduct frequent, varied training exercises without the logistical constraints of traditional methods is a game-changer in operational readiness.

Klaviyo, a leading marketing automation platform, has been named a top marketing tool for 2025 by Expert Consumers. The platform is celebrated for its ability to integrate marketing automation, data-driven personalization, and omnichannel engagement. Serving over 167,000 brands worldwide, Klaviyo continues to redefine how businesses connect with customers through email, SMS, and other channels.

Klaviyo’s Rise in the Marketing World:

Founded in 2012 by Andrew Bialecki and Ed Hallen, Klaviyo was designed to solve the challenge of effectively using customer data in marketing. The platform has evolved into a robust B2C CRM that unifies marketing, analytics, and customer service into one seamless solution. Over the years, its continued innovation has empowered businesses of all sizes to build meaningful customer relationships, driving higher engagement and revenue.

Features of Klaviyo’s Success:

1. Intelligent Automation for Personalized Marketing:
   Klaviyo’s intelligent automation tools allow businesses to create automated workflows across multiple channels like email, SMS, and mobile push notifications. These workflows ensure customers receive timely, relevant messages tailored to their interests, making personalized marketing more accessible and effective.

2. AI-Driven Insights to Optimize Campaigns:
   One of the standout features of Klaviyo is its AI-powered tools that enhance campaign performance. Predictive analytics forecast customer behavior, while automated A/B testing refines marketing strategies in real-time. Additionally, Klaviyo uses dynamic content that adapts to individual preferences, optimizing conversion rates and delivering a tailored experience for each customer.

3. Omnichannel Engagement for a Cohesive Brand Experience:
   Klaviyo’s omnichannel approach allows businesses to seamlessly integrate email, SMS, mobile push notifications, and even customer service interactions. This integration ensures a consistent brand experience across every touchpoint, regardless of how customers choose to engage.

Advanced Analytics for Data-Driven Decisions:

Klaviyo’s advanced analytics and reporting tools empower businesses to make data-driven decisions. The platform offers recency, frequency, and monetary (RFM) analysis, funnel tracking, and cohort analysis. These features help brands understand customer behavior, refine their marketing strategies, and ultimately maximize ROI.

Scalability and Easy Integration:

Whether for startups or large enterprises, Klaviyo is designed to scale. With over 350 integrations and flexible APIs, the platform easily fits into existing tech stacks. Pre-built templates and automation flows ensure that businesses can quickly implement sophisticated marketing strategies without needing extensive technical expertise.

Future of Klaviyo:

Looking forward, Klaviyo continues to innovate. The recent introduction of Klaviyo Service integrates customer support into the platform, further bridging the gap between marketing and customer experience. This all-in-one approach helps businesses strengthen customer relationships while streamlining their internal operations.

Spokesperson Quote:

“Klaviyo’s comprehensive approach represents the future of marketing technology. Its ability to integrate marketing, analytics, and customer service into a single platform makes it an invaluable asset for brands seeking to enhance customer engagement,” said Drew Thomas, a spokesperson for Expert Consumers.

Klaviyo’s blend of intelligent automation, AI-driven insights, and omnichannel engagement has earned it the title of a top marketing tool for 2025. With its scalability and seamless integration, it’s a vital platform for businesses of all sizes aiming to enhance customer engagement and drive revenue growth.

After nearly 25 years of continuous innovation and industry leadership, TRIO Solutions Inc. (TRIO) has launched TRIO 4.0, marking a pivotal shift toward AI-powered marketing. The announcement, made during the inaugural Charleston Tech Week, reflects TRIO’s ongoing commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of brands in a technology-driven marketplace.

The Evolution of TRIO Solutions:

Founded by Jessica Munday, TRIO has evolved through various stages. From the original TRIO 1.0, which focused on marketing, events, and web services, to TRIO 2.0, which expanded into digital marketing, the agency has been a consistent innovator. In 2022, TRIO launched TRIO 3.0, aligning with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to solidify its purpose and process. Now, with TRIO 4.0, the agency is embracing AI-driven marketing while still prioritizing human connection and creativity.

Jessica Munday shares, "Each iteration has been an upgrade, and we’re excited about this next version."

The New "Trio" at the Heart of TRIO 4.0:

In TRIO 4.0, the agency’s guiding "trio" now consists of AI, Marketing, and People. The agency recognizes that while technology has transformed the marketing landscape, authentic human connection remains at the core of every brand. Munday emphasizes, "By investing in AI, TRIO amplifies creativity and deepens human connection because brands are built on people, the soul of every brand."

Human and Artificial Intelligence Working in Harmony:

With a focus on small to midsize businesses and nonprofits, TRIO is redefining what it means to be a marketing partner. TRIO 4.0 isn’t just about adopting new technology; it's about harmonizing artificial intelligence with human creativity to deliver innovative, personalized marketing solutions.

"We are proud to honor our legacy while building the future of marketing with our clients," said Munday, who now serves as TRIO’s lead AI strategist.

TRIO’s New Offerings in the AI Era:

TRIO 4.0 brings several new service offerings designed to help brands navigate the intersection of technology and authenticity. These services include:

• AI-enhanced strategy development and assessments

• Marketing automation consulting

• Personalized customer journey design

• AI-powered creative production

By embracing these AI tools, TRIO helps organizations streamline operations, elevate creativity, and uncover new opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Navigating AI Anxiety with Thoughtful Integration:

TRIO recognizes the challenges that come with new technologies, particularly in the realm of AI adoption. The agency is dedicated to helping clients overcome AI anxiety and empowering them to use AI tools effectively without losing the human element that drives success in marketing.

Introducing TRIO’s AI Leadership Team:

To support this transformation, TRIO 4.0 will be powered by a newly formed AI Leadership Team, comprising cross-department specialists who will integrate AI across strategy, creative, digital, and client service operations. Ata Khan, a seasoned AI professional and digital marketing expert, joins as an AI advisor, bringing decades of technology leadership experience.

Global AI Expertise and Networking:

TRIO also benefits from Munday’s active membership in the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), which connects the agency to a global network of AI innovators and pioneers. This network provides TRIO with cutting-edge insights and strategies, helping them stay at the forefront of AI marketing advancements.

Recognizing TRIO’s Continued Excellence:

Further solidifying its industry position, TRIO was recently named Small Business of the Year by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the agency’s excellence in community engagement, entrepreneurship, leadership, employee relations, and business performance.

With the launch of TRIO 4.0, TRIO Solutions is embracing the future of marketing with AI-powered innovation, all while maintaining the personal connections that are essential to successful branding. As the agency continues to evolve, its focus remains on helping small to midsize businesses and nonprofits thrive in an ever-changing, tech-driven world.

In the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven search, staying ahead requires innovative strategies. Generative Search Visibility (GSV), developed by SEO expert Frank Masotti, offers businesses a powerful system to gain recognition from AI platforms and enhance their online presence. As large language models (LLMs) continue to shape how information is discovered, ranked, and presented, GSV is built to align businesses with this new reality, ensuring they appear as authoritative sources across generative search results.

What is Generative Search Visibility (GSV)?

Generative Search Visibility (GSV) is a cutting-edge SEO system designed to improve how businesses are recognized in AI-driven search results. At its core, GSV operates on an entity-based SEO model that focuses on structuring online entities (like businesses, services, and locations) in ways that AI platforms and LLMs can comprehend and prioritize. This helps businesses secure more relevant visibility in the age of conversational AI and predictive search.

How GSV Works: Key Components

The GSV platform combines several advanced SEO techniques to help businesses stand out in AI-powered search ecosystems:

• Schema Markup:
  GSV utilizes structured data through schema markup to ensure that AI platforms can easily understand and categorize business information.

• Knowledge Graph Optimization:
  GSV enhances a business’s presence in the knowledge graph, ensuring it appears as a reliable source in AI-generated summaries and search results.

• LLM Training Alignment:
  GSV leverages the power of large language model (LLM) training to align content and web infrastructure, allowing businesses to be more accurately contextualized in AI-driven search tools.

This strategy positions businesses as authoritative sources in their industries or local markets, making them more discoverable in both search results and knowledge panels.

The Benefits of GSV for Businesses

GSV provides a range of benefits for businesses looking to improve their search visibility and position themselves as trusted sources:

• Increased Visibility in AI Search Results:
  Businesses gain higher visibility in AI platforms by aligning their content with the algorithms used by LLMs to determine relevance.

• Improved Local Market Presence:
  GSV is particularly valuable for businesses operating in competitive local markets, helping them stand out in conversational AI queries and predictive search tools.

• Content and Web Infrastructure Support:
  GSV ensures that business websites are structured to meet the growing demands of AI comprehension and search result relevance, moving beyond outdated SEO tactics.

• Scalable Solutions for Marketing Professionals:
  Marketing agencies and consultants benefit from white-label reporting and branded content frameworks, providing an effective way to improve AI search relevance for their clients.

Why Choose Frank Masotti’s GSV?

Frank Masotti, a recognized leader in the SEO industry with a focus on local SEO, built Generative Search Visibility from the ground up. Known for his hands-on approach and deep technical expertise, Masotti leads the GSV platform with a commitment to staying ahead of AI-driven search trends. His leadership ensures that clients receive personalized attention and actionable strategies.

“When you work with me, you’re not just getting a junior strategist. You’re getting me, Frank Masotti. I built Generative Search Visibility™ from scratch, and I run it the same way I built it: hands-on,” Masotti says.

The GSV Team: Experts in Structured Data and AI Optimization

The GSV team consists of experts in structured data, content creation, and AI search optimization, ensuring that each project is guided by data-driven insights and performance metrics. This expertise is invaluable for businesses seeking to maintain a competitive edge in today’s AI-powered search landscape.

Services Available Nationwide

While GSV operates out of Tucson, Arizona, it offers its services to businesses and agencies nationwide. Whether you're a marketing consultant, a local business, or a national brand, GSV’s customizable strategies help improve search relevance and visibility across generative platforms.

Generative Search Visibility (GSV) offers businesses an advanced, AI-centric SEO solution that improves their position in AI-driven search results. By aligning with the needs of large language models and leveraging cutting-edge SEO techniques like schema markup, knowledge graph optimization, and LLM alignment, GSV ensures that businesses not only appear online but also gain authoritative recognition. Partnering with Frank Masotti and the GSV team means investing in a future-proof strategy for long-term digital success.