Crackle Technologies has successfully raised $1.7 million in a pre-seed funding round led by We Founder Circle and AC Ventures. This investment marks a significant step in Crackle's mission to develop AI-based products aimed at helping publishers maximize their adtech earnings.

1. Funding and Investors:

   • Crackle’s pre-seed round was led by We Founder Circle and AC Ventures.
   • Other notable investors include founders from Impetus Technologies, Sunicon Ventures, Global DeVC, and Misfits Capital.
   • Prominent publishers such as Ludo King, Dainik Jagran, and Amar Ujala have also invested in Crackle.

2. Expansion and Focus:

   • Crackle is set to expand its operations across Southeast Asia, with a primary focus on Vietnam and Indonesia.
   • The funding will support scaling operations globally, particularly in gaming, apps, news, and OTT sectors.

3. Technology and Impact:

   • The company will use the funding to advance its product and technology, addressing key issues like low fill rates and eCPMs.
   • Crackle’s proprietary technology leverages advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to optimize ad revenue, automate workflows, and enhance user experiences.

4. Founders’ Background:

   • Crackle was founded by Harsh Mittal, Shashank Dudeja, and Jaivir Singh Nagi, all former Google executives with 18 years of combined experience in adtech.
   • The founders have previously managed billions in ad revenue and significantly boosted monetization for publishers.

5. Statements from Key Figures:

   • Vikash Jaiswal, creator of Ludo King, praised Crackle’s team and their expertise in ad monetization.
   • Jaivir Singh Nagi expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the role of this funding in advancing Crackle’s mission.
   • Harsh Mittal highlighted the potential of Southeast Asia’s tech scene and the company’s eagerness to partner with local developers.

Crackle Technologies’ recent funding round is a crucial milestone in its journey to revolutionize adtech for publishers. With a strong focus on Southeast Asia and advanced AI-driven solutions, Crackle aims to drive substantial growth and innovation in the adtech industry.

Entreprises can now benefit from seamless access to diverse data across every Salesforce application and workflow

Coveo, a leader in enterprise AI, has announced a new integration with Salesforce Data Cloud. This development aims to improve data accessibility and search precision across Salesforce's ecosystem, enhancing user experiences across Service Cloud, Commerce Cloud, and Experience Cloud.

1. Integration Highlights:

   • Enhanced Data Access: The integration provides secure access to a broader range of enterprise data sources and engagement data through Coveo-powered search.
   • Improved Relevance and Precision: Offers significant advantages for large enterprises by delivering precise answers and relevant content, crucial for organizations with complex data needs.

2. Key Features of the Coveo and Salesforce Data Cloud Integration:

   • External Content Integration: Integrates external data sources into Salesforce via Coveo, improving contextual depth and accuracy of AI-driven insights.
   • Unified and Secured Data Access: Coveo’s indexing capabilities ensure that previously siloed content is seamlessly integrated into Salesforce, providing up-to-date insights.
   • Robust Analytics: Delivers comprehensive analytics across both platforms, enabling better decision-making through detailed interaction tracking.

3. Statements from Leadership:

   • Kishan Chetan, EVP & GM of Service Cloud at Salesforce: Emphasized how precise answers from Coveo can reduce service costs and enhance customer satisfaction, particularly for enterprises with high content volumes.
   • Laurent Simoneau, President and CTO at Coveo: Highlighted the synergy between Coveo’s indexing and relevance capabilities with Salesforce Data Cloud, aiming to set a new standard for enterprise data unification.

4. Event Information:

   • Dreamforce Presence: Coveo will showcase this integration at Dreamforce, booth 1426, and will present alongside customer F5 on September 18th at 12:00 pm PDT in Moscone North, LL, Campground, Theater 2.

The integration of Coveo with Salesforce Data Cloud represents a significant advancement in enterprise data management, offering enhanced search capabilities and data accessibility. This collaboration is set to improve performance and value across Salesforce's suite of products, benefiting large enterprises with complex content ecosystems.

PureID's AI-Based Identity Engine to power ColorTokens' Next-Gen Security Enhancements for IoT/OT, Cloud, Container, and User Environments

ColorTokens Inc., a global leader in enterprise microsegmentation, has announced its acquisition of PureID, an innovative startup specializing in secure identity and access management. This acquisition aims to bolster ColorTokens' microsegmentation capabilities by integrating PureID’s robust identity solutions, enhancing security and breach readiness for IT and security leaders.

1. Acquisition Impact:

   • Enhanced Xshield Platform: The integration of PureID strengthens ColorTokens' Xshield platform by incorporating identity-based segmentation across cloud, containerized, IoT/OT, and user environments.
   • Improved Security: The acquisition supports advanced security measures through AI-based access regulation, addressing evolving threats and providing comprehensive protection.

2. Benefits of Identity-Based Segmentation:

   • Cloud and Containerized Environments: Unlike traditional methods reliant on infrastructure attributes like IPs, identity-based microsegmentation ensures effective policy enforcement with stable, strong identities.
   • IoT and OT Environments: Provides accurate policy enforcement despite complex, distributed infrastructures, securing these environments with reliable identity-based methods.
   • User Environments: Enforces user-specific policies to maintain security as users move and share infrastructure, overcoming limitations of traditional user policies.

3. Statements from Leadership:

   • Rajesh Khazanchi, CEO of ColorTokens: Highlighted how PureID’s identity-based segmentation aligns with ColorTokens' vision to enhance segmentation and containment while ensuring secure access to critical resources.
   • Ajit Hatti, CEO of PureID: Expressed excitement about the integration, emphasizing how it will minimize breach impacts for businesses.

4. Continued Operations and Innovations:

   • PureID’s Role: PureID will continue to expand its PureAUTH passwordless and MFA platform, contributing to Xshield’s identity-based microsegmentation.
   • Distinct Capabilities: PureID’s cryptographically secure authentication methods distinguish it from other IAM solution providers, reinforcing ColorTokens' position as a leader in microsegmentation.

5. Industry Recognition:

   • Forrester Wave™ Leader: ColorTokens was recently named a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Microsegmentation, Q3 2024 evaluation, praised for its commitment to making customers "breach ready."

The acquisition of PureID by ColorTokens significantly enhances its microsegmentation offerings with advanced identity-based solutions. This strategic move strengthens Xshield’s capabilities, ensuring comprehensive and adaptive security measures in today’s complex digital landscape.

Workflow Tasks simplifies task management and helps boost team efficiency

Cognito Forms, a leading platform for online form building, has unveiled Workflow Tasks, a new feature designed to automate and streamline task management directly within the platform. This innovation aims to significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive form-filling tasks, converting what typically takes four hours into just four minutes, thus enhancing team efficiency and productivity.

1. Overview of Workflow Tasks:

   • Centralized Task Management: Users can view and manage assigned tasks in one central location, with completed tasks automatically disappearing from the list.
   • Automatic Task Assignment: When a form is submitted, tasks are automatically assigned to specific individuals or roles, simplifying coordination and reducing manual intervention.

2. Benefits of Workflow Tasks:

   • Time Savings: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic and creative responsibilities.
   • Improved Efficiency: Reduces the need for project managers or third-party integrations by consolidating task management within the Cognito Forms platform.
   • Enhanced Coordination: Ensures that tasks are assigned to the appropriate team members or roles at the right time, based on pre-set rules and conditions.

3. Applications for HR Departments:

   • Onboarding Process: Facilitates the completion of online onboarding forms and automates the assignment of tasks such as equipment assignments, approvals, and payroll setup.
   • Error Reduction: Minimizes errors and reduces the mental load on employees by automating task assignments and notifications.

4. Statements from Leadership:

   • Jamie Thomas, Co-founder and CEO of Cognito Forms: Emphasized the importance of automation in improving both customer experience and employee well-being, highlighting how Workflow Tasks simplifies task management without the need for additional tools or integrations.

Cognito Forms' Workflow Tasks feature offers a powerful solution for automating task management associated with online forms. By streamlining task assignments and reducing manual work, it provides significant time savings and efficiency improvements, particularly valuable for HR departments and other teams managing complex processes.

Coordinated Bot Mega-Attack and Escalating Deepfake Threats Severely Impact APAC Region

AU10TIX, a leading global technology firm specializing in identity verification and management, has released its Q2 2024 Global Identity Fraud Report. The report, based on millions of transactions processed globally from April to June 2024, reveals troubling trends in organized identity fraud, including a dramatic rise in automated bot attacks and deepfake incidents.

1. Key Findings of Q2 2024 Report:

   • Surge in Bot Attacks: Social media platforms have seen the highest number of automated bot attacks ever recorded by AU10TIX. The proportion of attacks targeting social media rose from 3% in Q1 to 16% in Q2.
   • APAC Region Vulnerabilities: The APAC region experienced a significant mega-attack in the payments sector, with over 5,000 fraudulent onboarding attempts. Additionally, the region has seen a 1,530% increase in deepfake incidents and a 24% rise in fraud rates from 2022 to 2023.

2. Impact of Bots and Deepfakes:

   • Impersonation Bots: According to Imperva's 2024 Bad Bot Report, impersonation bots account for 32% of internet traffic. These bots use deepfake technology to create convincing fake profiles for spreading disinformation, malware, and manipulating online interactions.
   • Financial Fraud: The fraudulent accounts created by these bots often facilitate money laundering and other sophisticated financial crimes.

3. Statements from Leadership:

   • Dan Yerushalmi, CEO of AU10TIX: Highlighted the efficiency and danger of bots and deepfake technology in automating complex scams, making them difficult to detect with traditional methods. AU10TIX's Serial Fraud Monitor is noted as a key solution for detecting widespread bot-driven fraud.

4. Positive Developments:

   • Disruption of Criminal Networks: AU10TIX analysts observed a 17% decline in attacks targeting the payments sector in Q2, attributed to INTERPOL'S HAECHI IV and First Light operations, which targeted online financial crime and social engineering fraud.

5. Actionable Insights for Organizations:

   • Self-Regulation of Social Media: Platforms should require users to authenticate their identity to maintain credibility and prevent fraud.
   • Advanced Fraud Detection: Leveraging deepfake detection and consortium validation technologies can combat social media impersonation.
   • Multi-layered Authentication: Implementing KYC/KYB solutions, biometric verification, and advanced fraud detection tools can enhance defenses against identity fraud.

The AU10TIX Q2 2024 Global Identity Fraud Report underscores the growing threat of automated bot attacks and deepfakes, particularly in the APAC region. Organizations are encouraged to adopt advanced fraud detection technologies and multi-layered authentication measures to protect against these evolving threats.

MGID+ is a 360° data-driven suite designed in collaboration with publishers to solve complex challenges of open web monetization

Global advertising platform MGID has unveiled MGID+, an integrated solution tailored for premium publishers navigating the evolving landscape of the open web. MGID+ combines tools for monetization, audience acquisition, and engagement into a single suite, enhanced by real-time data on advertising, website, and content performance.

1. Challenges Addressed by MGID+:

   • Revenue Sustainability: Publishers often struggle to maintain consistent ad revenue amidst increasing competition and evolving regulations. MGID+ offers the ‘Campaign Studio’ tool, enabling publishers to launch direct native campaigns without intermediaries, and ‘Contextual Intelligence’ for effective cookieless targeting while preserving data exclusivity.
   • Audience Acquisition: The platform helps publishers discover and attract new, engaged readers through content syndication and external audience exchange. It includes a content promotion platform and provides Core Web Vital and SEO recommendations to enhance webpage performance and drive traffic.
   • Audience Engagement: MGID+ boosts reader retention with personalized content recommendations and push notifications through the ‘Audience Hub’. The ‘Analytics Hub’ provides a comprehensive view of backend operations, allowing publishers to track and analyze content performance for informed decision-making.

2. Features of MGID+:

   • Sustaining Revenue:
     • Campaign Studio: Direct native campaign management for greater control and revenue retention.
     • Contextual Intelligence: Cookieless targeting with full data control.
   • Acquiring Audiences:
     • Content Syndication & Promotion: Expand reach and minimize reliance on social platforms.
     • Technical Optimization: Core Web Vital and SEO enhancements.
   • Engaging Readers:
     • Personalized Recommendations: Keep audiences engaged with tailored content.
     • Push Notifications: Drive return visits with personalized alerts.
     • Analytics Hub: Monitor and analyze content performance for strategic insights.

3. Statements from Leadership:

   • Sergii Denysenko, CEO of MGID: Expressed pride in developing MGID+ through collaboration with publishers, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing core challenges and benefiting advertisers with high-quality audience access and advanced brand safety.

MGID+ represents a significant advancement for publishers seeking to enhance revenue, acquire new audiences, and engage readers effectively. By offering a comprehensive suite of tools and real-time data insights, MGID+ is set to address key publishing challenges and deliver value to publishers, advertisers, and readers alike.

VideoAmp, a leading tech-first media measurement company, has announced the appointment of Jessica Jensen as Senior Director of Product Methodology and Analytics. This move underscores VideoAmp's commitment to enhancing its cross-platform media measurement standards and compliance.

1. Role and Responsibilities:

   • Jessica Jensen's Background: Jensen joins VideoAmp from Ernst & Young (EY), where she spent 16 years in Consulting Services. At VideoAmp, she will focus on optimizing audit readiness, implementing strategic policies for transparency, and amplifying the company’s industry exposure.
   • Reporting Structure: Jensen will report directly to Adria Jewell, SVP of Product Methodology at VideoAmp.

2. Previous Experience:

   • At Ernst & Young: Jensen led independent audits for MRC and expanded EY’s media measurement assurance team. Her expertise in industry standards and relationships with accreditation bodies will support VideoAmp’s growth and enhance its measurement capabilities.

3. Statements from Leadership:

   • Jessica Jensen: “I’m excited to join the innovative team at VideoAmp and contribute to building on their strong foundation to deliver exceptional results for clients.”
   • Josh Hudgins, Chief Product Officer at VideoAmp: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jessica as we enhance our measurement standards and compliance efforts. Her expertise will accelerate our progress towards MRC accreditation.”

4. Company Milestones:

   • Financial Goals: VideoAmp is on track to guarantee over $1 billion in currency for 2024.
   • Growth Metrics: The company has achieved 641% YoY growth, 98% coverage of the TV publisher ecosystem, and partnerships with 11 agency groups and over 1,000 advertisers.

Jessica Jensen’s appointment marks a significant step for VideoAmp as it continues to advance its media measurement standards and compliance efforts. With a focus on optimizing transparency and audit readiness, Jensen’s expertise will drive the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality results for its clients.

Seasoned ad tech leader will focus on strategic growth opportunities in programmatic, unique partnerships, and international expansion.

Nativo, a platform that empowers brands to engage and influence their audiences through content, has announced the appointment of Michael Lehman as its new President. This strategic leadership addition aims to drive Nativo's growth in key areas such as programmatic direct deals, open exchange revenue, and international expansion.

• Michael Lehman's Expertise:

  • Lehman brings extensive experience in the ad tech industry, particularly in supply, demand-side platforms (DSPs), and exchange dynamics.
  • His expertise is expected to significantly contribute to Nativo's next growth phase by enhancing the company's capabilities in the rapidly evolving ad tech landscape.

• Lehman's Track Record at TripleLift:

  • Lehman played a crucial role at TripleLift, where he helped scale the company’s revenue significantly from its early Series A funding stage to its acquisition by Vista Equity Partners for $1.4 billion in 2021.
  • He managed a global team of over 100 members, demonstrating strong leadership and deep knowledge in revenue generation and supply chain management within ad tech.

• Previous Roles:

  • Before TripleLift, Lehman spent over four years at The Rubicon Project in senior publisher development roles, further solidifying his expertise in the ad tech sector.

• Nativo’s Market Position:

  • Nativo stands out in the ad tech space by using patented technology to automate the distribution of content as non-interruptive ad units, a unique positioning that Lehman believes is increasingly critical.
  • Lehman’s vision for Nativo includes expanding its mid-funnel ad tech capabilities and exploring new innovations in commerce media and other adjacent areas.

• Cultural Fit and Team Dynamics:

  • Lehman expressed admiration for Nativo’s culture and team, highlighting the synergy between his professional goals and the company’s values.
    
    

Michael Lehman's appointment as President is a strategic move by Nativo to leverage his vast experience and leadership in ad tech. His background in scaling revenue and fostering innovation positions him well to drive Nativo's growth in new and existing markets. Lehman’s alignment with Nativo's culture and his commitment to building future-focused ad tech solutions signal a promising new chapter for the company.