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FOX Acquires Red Seat Ventures to Expand Creator Economy Reach

FOX Acquires Red Seat Ventures to Expand Creator Economy Reach

business 11 Feb 2025

Fox Corporation has announced the acquisition of Red Seat Ventures, a leading company in the creator economy that helps talent build and expand their direct-to-consumer media businesses. The acquisition positions Red Seat Ventures as a standalone entity within FOX’s Tubi Media Group, with Paul Cheesbrough, CEO of Tubi Media Group, assuming the role of Chairman.

Strategic Growth in the Creator Economy

The creator economy is a rapidly growing media sector, with consumers increasingly seeking direct access to trusted voices and brands. FOX aims to leverage this trend by integrating Red Seat Ventures’ expertise in content creation, subscription products, and live events.

According to Paul Cheesbrough, CEO of Tubi Media Group:
"The creator economy is one of the fastest-growing media categories, and we see tremendous opportunities to drive additional scale in sports, news, and entertainment with Red Seat Ventures."

Red Seat Ventures' Continued Leadership and Expansion

  • Red Seat Ventures, led by founding partners Chris Balfe and Kevin Balfe, will continue operating independently within FOX.
  • The company has a proven track record in managing and scaling creator-led media businesses across multiple platforms.
  • Its portfolio includes 17 creator-led shows that generated over 200 million monthly active views in November 2024.

Benefits of the Acquisition

  • Expanded Media Reach: Strengthens FOX’s presence in the creator-driven content space.
  • Diverse Content Offerings: Enhances cross-platform distribution of podcasts, video, and live events.
  • Creator Support & Growth: Enables Red Seat Ventures to offer more services while maintaining brand independence.

Chris Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures, emphasized:
"Aligning with FOX allows us to expand our services while ensuring creators retain their independence and brand integrity."

With this acquisition, FOX aims to scale its presence in the creator economy, leveraging Red Seat Ventures' expertise to expand its direct-to-consumer media offerings. The move strengthens FOX’s position in sports, news, and entertainment while empowering creators with enhanced resources and distribution opportunities.

Monks Appoints Karan Chetal as Chief Sales Officer for Technology Services

Monks Appoints Karan Chetal as Chief Sales Officer for Technology Services

technology 11 Feb 2025

Monks, the global digital and data-driven brand of S4 Capital plc, has announced the appointment of Karan Chetal as its new Chief Sales Officer for Technology Services. Recognized among the Top 25 Technology Consultants and Leaders of 2025 by The Consulting Report, Chetal brings over 25 years of expertise in business development, technology adoption, IT consulting, and sales leadership.

Driving Growth in Technology Services

In his new role, Chetal will lead Monks' Technology Services sales organization, focusing on:

  • Software & Platform Development
  • Cloud & Infrastructure Solutions
  • Data, AI & Automation
  • Consulting Services

His strategic focus will be on cross-pillar integration, ensuring seamless technology solutions for Monks' clients. Additionally, he will support the development and adoption of Monks.Flow, an AI-driven suite designed to enhance business transformation through advanced tech integrations.

Industry Leaders Welcome Chetal’s Vision

Nikki Gifford, Chief Operating Officer, Technology Services at Monks, stated:
"Karan’s expertise in enterprise technology sales will help Monks expand beyond marketing transformation into large-scale business transformation. His leadership will be invaluable as we grow our Technology Services division."

Karan Chetal expressed his enthusiasm:
"Technology is the foundation for all marketing. I’m excited to join Monks, a company that has redefined itself beyond traditional marketing and advertising to become a strategic technology solutions partner."

Proven Track Record in Technology Leadership

Before joining Monks, Chetal served as Global Head of Strategic Engagements at Wipro. His career also includes senior leadership roles at NTT and Atos, where he drove business growth, M&A initiatives, and digital transformation.

Chetal’s educational background includes:

  • MBA from Oxford University
  • Executive programs in Organizational and Digital Leadership from HEC Paris & Harvard University

Karan Chetal’s appointment signals Monks' commitment to enhancing its technology services offerings, further cementing its role as a leader in AI, cloud computing, and business transformation solutions. His leadership will drive Monks’ growth in enterprise technology solutions, helping clients navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Boostly Secures $22M to Expand AI-Powered SMS Marketing for Restaurants

Boostly Secures $22M to Expand AI-Powered SMS Marketing for Restaurants

artificial intelligence 11 Feb 2025

Boostly, a leading provider of automated SMS marketing and feedback solutions for restaurants, has secured $22 million in Series A funding, led by PeakSpan Capital, with participation from Y Combinator, Trestle Partners, and Singularity Capital. This funding follows a $5.6M Seed round just six months ago, highlighting Boostly’s rapid growth and industry impact. The new investment will accelerate innovation and expand Boostly’s ability to help restaurants maximize first-party customer data for revenue growth.

Revolutionizing Restaurant Marketing Through AI-Driven SMS

The restaurant industry is evolving with digital engagement trends such as online ordering and delivery services. Boostly addresses these shifts by providing:

  • AI-Powered Behavioral SMS Marketing – Achieves 10x higher engagement rates than standard text campaigns.
  • Gamified Texting Experiences – Drives customer interaction through interactive promotions.
  • First-Party Data Utilization – Accelerates SMS subscriber opt-ins 5x faster than traditional solutions.

With a patent-pending data aggregation process, Boostly enables restaurants to convert raw customer data into actionable insights, fostering long-term engagement and repeat business.

Expanding Market Adoption and Growth

Currently serving 1,200+ restaurant locations across the U.S. and Canada, Boostly is proving its platform’s effectiveness in automating marketing, generating customer reviews, and increasing revenue.

Founded by Shane and Mikey Murphy, Boostly benefits from their deep expertise in restaurant technology, having previously built and sold an online ordering platform and led a restaurant operations software firm.

Leadership Insights on Boostly’s Growth

Shane Murphy, Co-Founder & CEO, shared Boostly’s vision:
"Restaurant owners juggle countless responsibilities daily. They need a marketing system that operates on autopilot and delivers measurable ROI. We’ve gamified SMS marketing to drive superior engagement and revenue, ensuring our success is directly tied to our customers’ growth."

Matt Melymuka, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at PeakSpan Capital, emphasized Boostly’s market potential:
"With privacy regulations limiting traditional digital ads, first-party data is now a restaurant’s most valuable asset. Boostly provides an automated, compliant solution to transform this data into revenue-driving engagement."

As data privacy regulations reshape digital marketing, Boostly’s AI-powered, first-party data marketing platform positions it as a key player in restaurant technology. With $22M in new capital, Boostly is set to expand its offerings, enhance AI capabilities, and drive long-term growth for restaurants worldwide.

SiteSpect Launches Superfresh: A Redesigned UX for Digital Optimization

SiteSpect Launches Superfresh: A Redesigned UX for Digital Optimization

customer experience management 11 Feb 2025

SiteSpect, a leader in digital optimization and experimentation, has launched Superfresh, a transformative user experience initiative designed to simplify workflows, enhance usability, and improve team collaboration. This update brings a modernized interface, new tools, and an upcoming redesigned Campaign Builder for seamless, cross-channel optimization.

"Superfresh is more than a visual update—it's a complete redesign focused on ease of use, simplification, modernization, and self-sufficiency," says Paul Bernier, VP of Product Management.

Features Already Released

Superfresh introduces several usability enhancements to streamline digital experimentation:

  • Streamlined Navigation – A modernized menu for quick, intuitive access to key tools.
  • Recently Viewed Items – Simplifies workflow continuity with easy project access.
  • Enhanced Creation Tools – Reduces setup time with simplified test workflows.
  • Global Triggers – Enables reusable triggers for consistent metrics and variations.
  • Redesigned List Pages – Improves search, filtering, and custom views.
  • New Metric Builder – A step-by-step wizard for seamless data capture and analysis.

Coming Soon: A Reimagined Campaign Builder

SiteSpect will soon release a fully redesigned Campaign Builder, featuring:
Multi-Channel Experimentation – Create experiences across web, mobile, and apps.
Visual & Code-Based Editing – Supports users of all skill levels.
Tab-Based UI – Enhances collaboration across teams.
Advanced Code Editing – Includes feature flagging and personalization tools.

"Superfresh underscores SiteSpect's commitment to evolving with customer needs," says Kate Orchard, Product Manager. Future updates will continue refining onboarding, experimentation tools, and cross-team collaboration.

With Superfresh, SiteSpect delivers a more intuitive, efficient, and powerful platform for digital optimization. As businesses demand seamless A/B testing and personalization, this initiative ensures teams can experiment with confidence and drive meaningful growth.

BigScoots Joins Secure Hosting Alliance to Strengthen Web Hosting Industry

BigScoots Joins Secure Hosting Alliance to Strengthen Web Hosting Industry

technology 11 Feb 2025

BigScoots proudly announces its role as a founding member of the i2Coalition’s Secure Hosting Alliance (SHA). This new coalition of 21 hosting providers and affiliated companies is dedicated to strengthening the hosting and cloud industry by fostering trust, advocating for fair policies, and ensuring an open and secure Internet.

"BigScoots has been in hosting for almost 15 years and has seen, first-hand, the impact of legislation on the industry, innovation, and client success. BigScoots is honored to be part of the SHA to participate in, and support, a bigger voice for advocacy and positive change in the hosting space."
Tim Monner, CMO, BigScoots

SHA’s Mission and Goals

SHA aims to create a trusted, secure, and ethical web hosting environment. As part of this initiative, the alliance will:
Strengthen fraud prevention and abuse response through collaborative frameworks.
Establish common industry standards for security, privacy, and ethical practices.
Define unified terminology for better communication within the cloud industry.
Advocate for cybersecurity and data protection tailored to hosting and cloud providers.
Foster industry collaboration through events and networking opportunities.

"I'm excited to lead the Secure Hosting Alliance as we bring member companies together to build a more trusted, secure, and ethical web hosting industry," said David Snead, Director of SHA.

With SHA’s initiatives, BigScoots continues to reinforce its commitment to security, transparency, and industry-wide collaboration. As web hosting evolves, SHA’s trust-driven approach will play a critical role in shaping a safer and more resilient online ecosystem.

AMA Triangle Launches AI Workshop for Marketing Professionals

AMA Triangle Launches AI Workshop for Marketing Professionals

artificial intelligence 11 Feb 2025

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Triangle proudly announces the launch of its latest initiative: “Empowering Marketers with AI: A Hands-On Workshop.” This comprehensive 7-week program is designed for marketing professionals eager to integrate AI-driven strategies into their workflows, optimize content creation, and leverage AI for business success.

"This program is not just about understanding AI tools—it’s about transformation," said Becky Lee, VP of Programming at AMA Triangle. "Participants will leave with actionable insights and proven strategies to champion AI initiatives and align their team’s goals for seamless adoption."

What to Expect

This interactive and immersive workshop provides marketing professionals with step-by-step training on:
AI-Powered Workflows – Align AI with business goals for data-driven decision-making.
Market Research & Segmentation – Scale audience insights and persona creation.
AI-Generated Marketing Assets – Create emails, blogs, ad campaigns, and more with AI-driven tools.
Brand Governance & Authenticity – Maintain transparency, brand voice, and ethical AI use.
Multi-Step AI Strategy – Integrate AI into research, content creation, and campaign optimization.

Event Details

Start Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (90-minute sessions)
Format: Online (Webinar)
Duration: 7 Weeks

Admission:

 Early Bird Pricing (Now – Feb 15, 2025)
Members: $55.00
Non-Members: $65.00

 Standard Pricing (Feb 15 – Launch Day)
Members: $65.00
Non-Members: $75.00

Why Attend?

AI is transforming marketing, and this exclusive workshop provides hands-on experience with leading AI platforms to help professionals stay ahead of the curve. Expert instructors will guide attendees through practical applications, ensuring they leave equipped to lead AI-driven marketing efforts in their organizations.

Practical Training on AI-Powered Tools
Real-World AI Marketing Applications
Expert-Led Sessions & Actionable Insights

Marketers looking to future-proof their skills and drive innovation within their teams won’t want to miss this opportunity. Secure your spot today and become an AI champion in marketing!

Alorica Drives CX Innovation with AI, CCaaS, and Global Expansion

Alorica Drives CX Innovation with AI, CCaaS, and Global Expansion

technology 11 Feb 2025

Alorica Inc., a tech-enabled global leader in customer experience (CX), is entering 2025 with unparalleled momentum, building on a transformative 2024. The company achieved key milestones in AI-driven CX, multilingual solutions, CCaaS growth, and global expansion, reinforcing its industry leadership.

"Alorica has set the bar in the CX sector, delivering phenomenal results for our clients while building an empowered workforce," said Mike Clifton, Co-CEO, Alorica. "With AI-powered solutions and strategic partnerships, we’re redefining customer interactions and ensuring brands stay ahead in an evolving digital landscape."

Breakthroughs in Digital-First CX

Alorica’s 2024 innovations included:

AI-Driven Agent Assist – Over 45 million notifications processed, improving client productivity by up to 20%.
Alorica ReVoLT – First-to-market real-time voice language translation, cutting costs by up to 50%.
Knowledge IQ & Conversational AI – AI-powered assistive systems solving complex customer issues.
Conversational AI Success – Engagement rates soared from 20% to 120%, driving immediate, predictive interactions.
CCaaS Growth368% increase in deployments, reducing implementation time from months to weeks and cutting client costs by 35%.
Alorica IQ Labs Expansion – Strengthening co-development capabilities in Bangalore.

AI-Powered CX in Action: Aer Lingus Case Study

Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flagship airline, partnered with Alorica IQ to drive Digital Experience (DX) transformation.

"Alorica has been an innovative partner, always bringing us new CX solutions. Their team helped us develop ‘Kara,’ our meta human, to enhance customer support," said Helen van Tonder, Head of Customer Care, Aer Lingus.

Record-Setting Customer & Employee Engagement

Alorica’s CX advancements translated into industry-leading satisfaction metrics:

Record-High Net Promoter Score (NPS) – Surpassing B2B industry benchmarks.
300% Growth in Digital-First Services – Brands are turning to Alorica for Advisory, Analytics, and Alorica IQ Innovation.
87 eNPS Employee Engagement Score – APAC and LATAM regions exceeded 90.
20% Reduction in Agent Attrition – Thanks to proprietary Alorica Connect, NextGen Coaching, and AVA RTA.
30% Workforce Expansion – Strengthening service quality and innovation.

Global Expansion & Future-Focused Growth

In 2024, Alorica expanded its global footprint to Paraguay, South Africa, and Egypt, reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class CX services worldwide.

"The brands leading CX in 2025 will embrace AI, multilingual delivery, and data-driven personalization while investing in a skilled workforce," said Max Schwendner, Co-CEO, Alorica. "Alorica continues to disrupt the market, ensuring clients have cutting-edge solutions and expert teams to drive extraordinary growth."

As AI and digital-first CX continue to evolve, Alorica is pioneering the future with AI-powered tools, multilingual solutions, and a customer-first philosophy. With record-setting achievements in 2024, the company is positioned to redefine CX innovation in 2025 and beyond.

Yes& Acquires Beacon Digital to Strengthen B2B Marketing Capabilities

Yes& Acquires Beacon Digital to Strengthen B2B Marketing Capabilities

marketing 11 Feb 2025

Yes&, a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Washington, DC, has announced the acquisition of Beacon Digital Marketing, a leading B2B digital marketing agency based in New York. This strategic move enhances Yes&’s ability to provide world-class digital strategy, performance marketing, creative branding, and marketing automation to a growing client base.

"Yes& is committed to helping brands drive real impact, and bringing Beacon into our fold elevates that mission," said Robert W. Sprague, Founder and CEO of Yes&. "Beacon’s expertise in fintech, cybersecurity, and SaaS, along with its data-driven approach, makes them the perfect fit for Yes&. Together, we will deliver even greater innovation and success for our clients."

Why Beacon Digital?

Yes& recognized Beacon Digital’s strong B2B track record in high-growth industries such as:

Fintech
Cybersecurity
Professional Services
SaaS

Beacon’s integrated approach combines performance marketing, website development, creative branding, PR, and strategic communications, making them a top choice for global brands seeking measurable marketing results.

"Beacon Digital was built on the idea that high-growth B2B brands deserve world-class marketing strategy and execution," said Whitney Parker Mitchell, Founder of Beacon Digital. "Joining Yes& allows us to scale our impact, bringing expanded creative capabilities and deeper industry expertise to our clients."

Strengthening Yes&’s Growth Strategy

Yes&’s acquisition of Beacon Digital follows a series of strategic expansions, including:

2022: Lipman Hearne Acquisition – Strengthening expertise in higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy.
2023: CommCore Consulting Group Acquisition – Enhancing communications training and crisis management for commercial and government clients.

These acquisitions have broadened Yes&’s capabilities, bringing in top industry talent and long-term client relationships.

Expanding Yes&’s Marketing Capabilities

Yes& is known for its data-driven, full-service approach, delivering:

Branding & Creative
Digital Strategy & Performance Marketing
Customer Experience (CX) & Market Research
Media Buying & Advertising
Public Relations & Crisis Communications
Event Production & Media Training

Recognized as one of Adweek’s Fastest Growing Agencies and featured on the Inc. 5000 list six times, Yes& continues to expand its influence in digital marketing and brand transformation.

What This Means for Clients

With Beacon Digital joining the Yes& family, clients can expect:

Enhanced digital strategy & execution in complex B2B industries.
Expanded creative capabilities for branding, PR, and performance marketing.
Stronger data-driven marketing approaches to drive measurable impact.

The acquisition of Beacon Digital reinforces Yes&’s position as a powerhouse in B2B digital marketing, equipping brands with cutting-edge strategies and world-class execution. As the agency continues its rapid expansion, clients will benefit from an unmatched combination of creativity, technology, and data-driven insights.

   

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