Hightouch, the leading composable Customer Data Platform (CDP), has announced the launch of Hightouch for Offsite Media Networks, a self-service audience management platform developed in collaboration with Databricks, the AI and data company. This innovative solution is designed to help Retail Media Networks (RMNs) stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape, enabling retailers to build and activate AI-enhanced custom audiences across more than 50 media channels, including DSPs, CTV platforms, and walled gardens.

Key Features of Hightouch for Offsite Media Networks

• Warehouse-Native Audience Builder
  Retailers can utilize Hightouch’s self-service visual audience builder to curate premium custom audiences from first-party data stored in Databricks, including valuable insights such as loyalty, purchase, and behavioral data. This feature enables fast and efficient audience creation.

• AI Tools for Predictive Targeting
  With the power of AI predictions and advanced dimensions powered by Databricks, retailers can refine their targeting strategies, ensuring that custom audiences are optimized for performance. These insights are then syndicated across all media channels via the Hightouch platform.

• Seamless Integration with 50+ Channels
  The platform allows for quick testing and launching of new offsite media campaigns across more than 50 media channels and marketplaces, providing a versatile solution that scales with demand. Meta Ads, Google Ads, and The Trade Desk are some of the key channels supported.

• Enhanced Audience Reach
  Retailers can increase match rates and audience reach across ad platforms with minimal effort, driving better CPM revenue and expanding their potential for engagement.

• Unbundled Pricing for Easy Onboarding
  Hightouch for Offsite Media Networks offers flexible pricing that allows retailers to only pay for the tools they need, with the option to scale as their needs evolve. This pricing model makes it easier for businesses to get started and grow their offsite media capabilities.

Strategic Collaboration with Databricks

Tejas Manohar, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Hightouch, shared the vision behind the partnership:
"By layering Hightouch’s self-service tools on top of the Databricks foundation, retailers can build and monetize differentiated custom audiences faster than ever before. This partnership addresses a critical need for fast, flexible, and scalable audience solutions in the offsite campaign space."

Rob Saker, Global VP Retail at Databricks, emphasized the advantage of harnessing data intelligence:
"Retailers who can leverage AI-powered data intelligence to reason on their first-party data gain a competitive edge in attracting media buyers. Our partnership with Hightouch combines the best of both platforms to help retailers drive more ad sales and build better offsite audiences."

Impact on the Retail Media Network Industry

With major retail media networks, including one of Europe’s largest online retailers and a leading global delivery app service, already using Hightouch for Offsite Media Networks, this new solution has proven effective in helping retailers monetize and measure custom audiences across various offsite channels.

The self-service nature of the platform and its deep integration with Databricks empowers retail media networks to enhance audience reach, improve targeting, and boost ad revenue across a variety of channels.

Infinite Reality (iR)™, a leading innovation company in extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI), recently secured $3 billion in funding from a private investor specializing in global technology and real estate investments. This funding marks a pivotal moment in the immersive technology sector, validating iR’s vision to redefine digital media, e-commerce, and customer engagement. With projections for the global immersive technology market nearing $1 trillion by 2030, iR is poised to capture a significant share of this rapidly growing industry.

Strategic Growth Approach

• iR emphasizes meaningful investor relationships over traditional venture funding.
• Since its founding in 2019, the company has positioned itself as a pioneer in immersive technology.

Investment Utilization and Goals

• Enhancing iR Studio, its no-code immersive SaaS product, to democratize XR creation.
• Expanding infrastructure with projects like the innovation hub in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Scaling operations through global partnerships, acquisitions, and groundbreaking product launches.

Recent Milestones

1. Landmark Partnerships

   • A five-year deal with Google Cloud to power AI-driven immersive experiences.
   • Expansion in MENA, including projects for the UAE Ministry of Finance and DMCC Crypto Centre.

2. Strategic Acquisitions

   • $450 million acquisition of Landvault, renowned for creating high-profile virtual experiences.
   • Additional acquisitions like the Drone Racing League ($250 million) and Ethereal Engine ($75 million).

3. Technological Innovations

   • Collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for immersive apps like FIM SGP-VERSE.
   • Joint ventures with Pairpoint for cutting-edge mixed reality experiences showcased at GITEX Global 2024.

Vision for the Future

• Empower brands and creators with tools to own their data, enhance customer relationships, and drive e-commerce success.
• Continue positioning Florida as a hub for internet innovation through bold infrastructure projects.

With its robust financial backing, Infinite Reality is set to lead the evolution of immersive technologies. By prioritizing customer ownership and leveraging its proprietary tools, iR aims to redefine how brands and creators connect with their audiences. This historic funding not only affirms iR's mission but also positions it as the definitive platform for the next generation of the internet.

Contentstack, a leader in composable digital experience platforms (DXP), has acquired Lytics, a pioneer in real-time customer data platforms (CDP). This acquisition, finalized in December 2024, enhances Contentstack's platform with advanced audience insights, content analytics, and profile management capabilities. By integrating Lytics' technology, Contentstack empowers brands to deliver real-time personalization at scale for both known and unknown users.

With global brands like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Glassdoor, Universal Music Group, and LiveNation joining the Contentstack community, this acquisition signifies a transformative step in redefining digital experiences.

Strategic Impact of the Acquisition

• Enhanced Personalization: Combines scalable content management with actionable first-party data for real-time user engagement.
• Market Differentiation: Sets Contentstack apart from traditional headless CMS vendors and legacy DXPs by prioritizing real-time customer data activation.

Core Benefits for Brands

1. Real-Time Data Insights: Access engagement data for both known and anonymous visitors.
2. Audience Segmentation: Create detailed audience profiles and segments effortlessly.
3. Data Activation Layer: Instantly access, analyze, and distribute enriched customer data across preferred channels.

Visionary Leadership

• Neha Sampat, CEO of Contentstack: "This integration ensures brands can deliver the world's best digital experiences by uniting content management and actionable data."
• James McDermott, Co-founder of Lytics: "With Contentstack, we’re turning data into meaningful digital experiences with the world's best Composable DXP."

Industry Innovations

• Native Personalization Engine: Introduced in June 2024, enables brands to leverage genAI-driven content creation and automation.
• Composable Approach: Aligns with enterprise needs for modular and scalable technology that adapts as businesses evolve.

Contentstack's acquisition of Lytics is a game-changer in the DXP space, bridging the gap between content management and real-time data activation. By delivering actionable insights and enabling real-time personalization, Contentstack ensures brands can create dynamic, customer-centric digital experiences. This partnership sets a new benchmark for modern, composable DXPs, empowering businesses to innovate and scale with agility.

Entravision has announced the addition of Edwin Garcia and LeaAnna Hernandez to its leadership sales team, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, growth, and exceptional client service. Based in Los Angeles, these seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles as Vice Presidents of Digital Sales. Their appointment marks a significant step in Entravision’s mission to connect brands with multicultural audiences through cutting-edge digital marketing solutions.

Edwin Garcia: Vice President of Digital Sales

• Professional Background: Over 20 years of experience in multicultural media and consultative sales.
• Notable Roles:
  • Sales Director at NGLmitú: Successfully drove revenue growth and built partnerships with Fortune 500 companies.
  • Leadership at Univision: Managed sales teams across Digital, Social, TV, and Radio platforms in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tucson.
• Focus Areas:
  • Leveraging expertise in the U.S. Hispanic market.
  • Developing tailored digital marketing strategies to empower clients in achieving measurable success.

LeaAnna Hernandez: Vice President of Digital Sales

• Professional Background: Renowned for her work in branding, marketing, and growth strategies.
• Notable Contributions:
  • Collaboration with global brands and agencies to deliver tech-driven solutions.
  • Entrepreneurial expertise in identifying opportunities and implementing creative approaches to drive results.
• Focus Areas:
  • Accelerating growth and transformation in the digital space.
  • Equipping clients with innovative strategies to engage multicultural audiences effectively.

Leadership Perspective

• Juan Navarro, Chief Revenue Officer: "Edwin and LeaAnna’s expertise and vision will drive innovation and strengthen Entravision’s ability to deliver tailored solutions to our diverse audiences."

The addition of Edwin Garcia and LeaAnna Hernandez highlights Entravision’s commitment to bridging brands and audiences through innovation, cultural intelligence, and meaningful engagement. As a leader in connecting brands with the growing U.S. multicultural demographic, Entravision continues to empower businesses with cutting-edge media and marketing solutions that amplify the voices of diverse communities.

Starbox Group Holdings Ltd., a leader in cash rebates, advertising, and payment solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation, StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute. Developed by its subsidiary, Starbox Technologies Sdn. Bhd., this cutting-edge AI-driven system is set to revolutionize the advertising process through advanced data-driven insights and seamless multi-platform integration. The system is poised to be a game-changer for Starbox's advertising subsidiary, 180 Degrees Brandcom Sdn. Bhd., enhancing its advertising offerings for a diverse clientele.

Key Features of StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute

StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute is designed to optimize advertising workflows with advanced AI capabilities:

• Data-Driven Insights: Real-time analytics to refine audience targeting and ad performance.
• Content Personalization: AI-generated custom content tailored to audience preferences and trends.
• Smart Scheduling: Automated timing of ad releases to maximize audience engagement.
• Multi-Platform Integration: Seamless deployment across multiple digital platforms for consistency and reach.

Empowering 180 Degrees Brandcom

Through the integration of StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute, 180 Degrees Brandcom, a 51% owned subsidiary of Starbox and a premier 4A advertising agency, will gain the ability to:

• Create Compelling Campaigns: Leverage AI for unique, engaging ad content.
• Enhance Efficiency: Optimize audience targeting and distribution strategies.
• Reduce Costs: Streamline campaign workflows for cost-effective results.

CEO's Vision

Mr. Lee Choon Wooi, CEO and Chairman of Starbox, stated:
“Our AI smart information distribution system exemplifies our commitment to innovation. StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute enhances 180 Degrees Brandcom’s capabilities, ensuring their clients benefit from smarter, more impactful advertising campaigns. We believe this launch cements our position as a leader in AI-driven business solutions and opens the door to greater opportunities in AI-enhanced advertising.”

The launch of StarboxAI-IntelliDistribute, alongside the StarboxAI VI-Pro series, underscores Starbox’s ongoing vision to empower businesses with transformative AI tools. As the company continues to innovate, it positions itself as a frontrunner in reshaping industries through AI-driven advancements.

Inuvo, Inc., a leader in AI-powered advertising solutions, has announced a groundbreaking enhancement to its IntentKey® technology—the integration of zip code-level audience insights and targeting capabilities. This innovation offers advertisers unparalleled precision in geographic targeting and audience understanding, all while adhering to privacy-compliant practices.

Key Features of IntentKey® Technology

Inuvo's proprietary AI analyzes consumer behavior patterns across 40,000+ U.S. zip codes, enabling advertisers to:

• Access Granular Insights: Understand the reasons behind consumer interest at a hyper-local level.
• Leverage Real-Time Adaptation: Dynamic audience models that reflect changing consumer behaviors.
• Implement Advanced Media Matching: Tailored placements across video, connected TV, and other platforms.

Benefits for Advertisers

This innovation eliminates the need for personal data, empowering advertisers to:

• Retailers: Optimize local market strategies with precise audience insights.
• Service Providers: Target specific neighborhoods for community-centric campaigns.
• National Brands: Execute regional campaigns tailored to diverse audiences.
• Local Businesses: Engage community segments through hyper-local targeting.

A Future-Proof Solution for Privacy-Compliant Advertising

As the advertising industry faces challenges from the deprecation of cookies and identity-based targeting, IntentKey focuses on the "why" behind consumer interest instead of the "who." This approach:

• Ensures privacy compliance.
• Provides advanced geographic targeting accuracy.
• Positions Inuvo as a pioneer in AI-driven, future-proof marketing solutions.

Statement from Leadership

“By incorporating zip code-level data into our audience models, we're helping advertisers connect with their ideal audiences with more precision than ever before,” said Amir Bakhshaie, SVP Products at Inuvo. “This granular approach, combined with insights generated by our proprietary technology, gives brands the ability to both reach their most valuable consumers and understand their intent.”

The enhanced zip code targeting capability is now available to all IntentKey clients, marking a significant leap forward in privacy-compliant, AI-driven digital advertising. Inuvo continues to lead the industry by equipping advertisers with sophisticated tools to understand and engage their audiences with precision and insight.

At CES 2025, Amazon Ads unveiled an innovative SQL generator for Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC), marking a breakthrough in generative AI for advertisers. This tool enables advertisers to effortlessly create SQL queries using natural language, drastically reducing query development time from hours to minutes. With this new capability, advertisers can quickly build custom audiences, activate them in Amazon DSP and Ads Console, and execute campaigns across the entire marketing funnel.

Key Features of the SQL Generator

1. Natural Language Interface
   Advertisers simply describe their desired audience in plain language, such as:

   • “Create an audience of customers who have viewed our product pages, seen my STV ads, but haven’t purchased in the last 30 days.”
     The SQL generator then translates this into actionable SQL queries, eliminating the need for manual coding expertise.

2. Cross-Channel Audience Creation
   The SQL generator supports audience building for campaigns across streaming TV (STV), audio, and digital channels, enabling advertisers to deliver full-funnel advertising strategies from awareness to conversion.

3. Step-by-Step Query Guidance
   Alongside query generation, advertisers receive detailed steps and explanations, enhancing usability and confidence in deploying AI-generated queries.

4. Enhanced Use Case Exploration
   Advertisers can prompt the system with questions like:

   • “How can I create an audience of customers who heard our audio ads but haven’t made a purchase?”
     The tool provides customized code and instructions to streamline the process.

Benefits for Advertisers

• Increased Productivity: Reduces query development time, freeing up resources for strategic planning.
• Expanded Accessibility: Empowers advertisers with limited SQL knowledge to leverage AMC signals effectively.
• Enhanced Campaign Innovation: Unlocks novel audience insights and segments to optimize media spend and drive growth.

Industry Perspectives

Paula Despins, VP of Ads Measurement at Amazon Ads, stated:
"The SQL generator brings the power of generative AI to help advertisers unlock value from their data and shopping signals, enabling them to execute truly full-funnel advertising strategies."

Robert Avellino, VP of Innovation and Growth at Tinuiti, commented:
"This tool allows our teams to turn complex ideas into actionable insights, expanding innovation and delivering more sophisticated strategies for our clients."

Broader AI Integration in Amazon Ads

The SQL generator builds on Amazon Ads' robust AI ecosystem, which includes:

• Creative Generators: Tools for image, video, and audio ad creation.
• Campaign Optimization: AI-driven relevancy models in Amazon DSP to maximize ad performance.

Availability

The SQL generator will be available to all AMC customers in early 2025, empowering advertisers to explore a new era of precision and efficiency in audience targeting and campaign execution.

Iterate.ai has announced a strategic partnership with jp.ik, a global leader in educational technology solutions. This collaboration integrates Iterate.ai's Generate platform into jp.ik's educational ecosystem, enabling secure, private AI capabilities for students and educators across over 100 countries.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

1. Secure AI for Education

   • The Generate platform brings cutting-edge, private AI capabilities that operate offline on PCs, tablets, and other devices.
   • Features include document analysis, content generation, and AI-assisted learning tools while ensuring student data privacy and security.

2. Accessibility in Limited Connectivity Regions

   • The platform's offline functionality ensures advanced AI capabilities are accessible in regions with limited internet connectivity, bridging the digital divide for global education.

3. Aligned Vision

   • Jorge Castilho, Product and Solutions Director at jp.ik, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with jp.ik's mission to make transformative technology secure and accessible to all learners.

4. Global Reach

   • With jp.ik’s established presence in over 100 countries, the partnership ensures widespread availability of private AI tools for educational institutions worldwide.

Statements from Leaders

Jon Nordmark, CEO of Iterate.ai, highlighted:
"This partnership combines Generate’s offline-capable, private AI technology with jp.ik’s global education network, creating possibilities for AI-enhanced learning where traditional cloud-based solutions fall short."

Jorge Castilho, Product and Solutions Director at jp.ik, remarked:
"The integration of Iterate.ai’s Generate platform enhances our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI capabilities while maintaining our commitment to security, privacy, and equal access to educational technology."

Showcase at Bett 2025

The companies will demonstrate their integrated solutions at Bett 2025, held from January 22-24 at ExCeL London. Education industry professionals can experience firsthand how private AI technology is reshaping learning and ensuring accessibility, security, and innovation in classrooms.