Demand Local, a San Francisco Bay Area-based Automotive Ad Tech firm, has officially launched LinkOne, a cost-efficient 1st Party Customer Data Platform (CDP) tailored for the automotive industry. Founded in 2008, Demand Local aims to bridge the data technology gap in the sector with a scalable and integrated solution.

Features of LinkOne

• SOC 2 Compliant – Ensures high security and data protection standards.
• Seamless Integrations – Compatible with major DMS, CRM, and inventory platforms.
• Cost-Effective & Scalable – Designed for both automotive retail outlets and Tier 2 regional ad associations.
• Advertising Platform Integration – Easily connects with digital advertising channels.

Industry Need & Innovation

• Shifting Market Dynamics – Increased demand for 1st Party data and reduced reliance on 3rd Party data.
• Transparency in Ad Reporting – A critical gap identified by the industry due to the lack of cost-scalable solutions.
• Solving a Key Challenge – LinkOne provides an actionable and practical CDP solution for automotive businesses.

CEO’s Perspective

Ray Bhatia, Co-Founder & CEO of Demand Local, highlights the importance of LinkOne:

"During the recent demand market years within the automotive industry, we identified a significant technology gap. As the demand for actionable 1st Party data increased and reliance on 3rd Party data declined, there was a clear need for transparent ad reporting. However, no ad technology solution existed that was both cost-scalable and practical for automotive retail outlets or Tier 2 regional ad associations. We are thrilled to introduce LinkOne to address this critical gap."

With LinkOne, Demand Local is set to revolutionize automotive data management and advertising strategies, offering a secure, scalable, and cost-effective CDP solution. This launch marks a significant step in enhancing data transparency and operational efficiency for automotive businesses.

Collabstr, a leading influencer marketing platform, has released its 2025 State of Influencer Marketing Report, drawing on first-party data from over 40,000 advertisers and 100,000 creators. The report sheds light on the latest trends, industry shifts, and emerging opportunities in influencer marketing, user-generated content (UGC), and the creator economy.

Key Findings & Industry Trends

• Market Growth – Influencer marketing is set to expand by 12.12%, reaching $22.2 billion by the end of 2025.
• Creator Economy Boom – Expected to grow from $191 billion in 2025 to $528.39 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 22.5%.
• UGC on the Rise – The number of UGC creators surged 93% year-over-year, highlighting the increasing demand for authentic, relatable content.
• Platform Dominance – TikTok and Instagram account for 83% of brand collaborations, maintaining their leadership in the influencer space.
• Gender Pay Gap – Male influencers earn 40% more per collaboration than female influencers, despite women making up 70% of the market.

Expert Insights

[Your Executive's Name], [Your Title] at Collabstr, commented:

"This year's report underscores how rapidly the creator economy is maturing. Brands are prioritizing authentic content and strategic collaborations to engage increasingly savvy audiences. This shift creates opportunities and challenges brands to innovate in an ever-changing landscape."

Emerging Trends Shaping Influencer Marketing

• AI in Influencer Marketing – From virtual influencers to AI-driven campaign management, automation is enhancing content strategies.
• The Rise of Micro-Influencers – Smaller influencers are proving to be more cost-effective and engaging, making campaigns more accessible for brands.
• UGC's Growing Impact – 15% of all influencer collaborations now involve user-generated content, reflecting a preference for authentic, non-branded content.
• TikTok’s Millennial Expansion – More millennials and affluent demographics are engaging with TikTok, solidifying its status as a lucrative advertising platform.

The influencer marketing landscape continues to evolve, driven by AI, UGC, and shifting consumer behavior. Brands must adapt to emerging trends to stay competitive in this dynamic market. Collabstr’s report serves as a valuable resource for businesses navigating the changing digital landscape.

Panjaya.ai, founded by former Apple TV, Meta, and Vimeo executives, has launched Pod Pro, the world’s first AI-powered dubbing platform designed specifically for podcast publishers. Using proprietary BodyTalk technology, Pod Pro ensures seamless voice, lip, and gesture synchronization, creating natural, multilingual translations that eliminate the awkwardness of traditional dubbing.

Sign up for the limited free trial at panjaya.ai

Why Podcast Localization Matters

• Global Podcast Growth – 60% of Spotify’s podcast listeners are non-English speakers, highlighting the need for effective localization.
• Bridging Cultural Gaps – Traditional dubbing fails to maintain the tone, pacing, and emotional depth of original content.
• Expanding Audience Reach – AI-driven localization enables culturally relevant and engaging audio experiences.

Pod Pro’s Key Features

Multi-Speaker Support – Accurately syncs voices, lips, and gestures for seamless multi-speaker conversations.
AI-Driven Speech Modulation – Adjusts tone, rhythm, and pacing to match the original speaker’s delivery.
Freedom from Occlusions – Handles object interference (e.g., hands, mics) for a flawless viewing experience.
Contextual Adaptation – Captures pauses, emphasis, and inflections for a natural and immersive translation.
Scalable Localization – Supports single episodes to full podcast libraries, ensuring effortless global expansion.
Human-in-the-Loop Tools – Provides precision editing options for fine-tuned translations that align with a creator’s message.

Proven Impact for Podcast Creators

• 115% increase in international listener engagement for translated TED Talks.
• 2x higher completion rates for dubbed podcast episodes, improving audience retention.
• Frictionless Integration – Works seamlessly with existing podcast workflows and requires no technical expertise.

CEO’s Vision

"Pod Pro is the deep connective tool podcast publishers have been waiting for," said Guy Piekarz, CEO of Panjaya.ai. "By delivering translations that feel natural and culturally authentic, creators can now connect with global audiences in a way that's never been possible before."

Pod Pro redefines podcast localization, making authentic, high-quality dubbing accessible to creators of all sizes. With AI-driven precision, cultural adaptability, and scalable solutions, Panjaya.ai is shaping the future of global podcasting.

The Trade Desk, a global leader in advertising technology, has appointed Alex Kayyal to its board of directors. Kayyal brings extensive experience as an investor, operator, and advisor, with deep expertise in cloud-based services and AI-driven businesses.

Kayyal’s Industry Expertise

• Early Investor in The Trade Desk – His relationship with the company spans over a decade.
• Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners – A leading venture capital firm focused on high-growth technology companies.
• Former Senior VP at Salesforce – Led Salesforce Ventures’ global expansion, overseeing $5 billion in investments.
• Venture Growth Leadership – Previously co-founded HGP, where he spearheaded the firm’s initial investment in The Trade Desk.

Track Record in Technology Investments

Kayyal has invested in and advised top technology companies across 15 countries, including:

• Enterprise Tech – Gong, Miro, monday.com, Snyk
• AI & Data Platforms – Algolia, Atlan, Fabric Health
• Acquisitions & Exits – SessionM (Mastercard), NewVoiceMedia (Vonage), Privitar (Informatica), Zoomin Software (Salesforce)

Leadership Endorsements

"Alex’s early belief in The Trade Desk’s mission and expertise in global markets make him an invaluable addition," said Jeff Green, Founder & CEO of The Trade Desk. "His strategic vision will support our next phase of global growth."

Kayyal echoed this sentiment, stating:
"The Trade Desk is pioneering a more open and transparent advertising ecosystem. I look forward to helping drive continued innovation and value creation."

With Kayyal’s appointment, The Trade Desk strengthens its leadership team as it continues to expand its global footprint and ad tech innovation.

Basis Technologies, the leading advertising automation platform, has introduced Unify, a modular software solution designed to give advertisers complete control over their media data and operations. Unify enables brands to work seamlessly with in-house teams, agencies, or Basis Technologies for consulting and activation while maintaining full transparency, ownership, and efficiency in their media investments.

Challenges in Media Operations

Advertisers face growing challenges in data visibility and control, especially when working with multiple agencies. Without a centralized solution, brands risk losing valuable historical data and strategic insights. Meanwhile, fully in-housing media operations presents challenges such as staffing and technology constraints.

Unify: The Solution for Advertisers

Unify addresses these challenges by providing brands with:

• Data Ownership & Continuity – Ensures campaign insights and historical data remain accessible, even during agency transitions.
• Full Transparency – Offers real-time performance insights, financial reporting, and spending breakdowns for data-driven decision-making.
• Flexibility – Allows brands to work with any agency while maintaining full control over media operations.
• Strategic Empowerment – Basis Technologies’ consulting and activation services enhance brand and agency collaborations.
• Operational Efficiency – Streamlines workflows, integrates data, and simplifies processes to optimize resources and ROI.

Industry Validation & Expert Insights

"Basis Technologies has been a trusted partner for RE/MAX, helping us gain deeper insights, improve agency accountability, and enhance collaboration," said Abby Lee, EVP of Marketing at RE/MAX.

Grace Briscoe, EVP of Client Development at Basis Technologies, emphasized:
"Ownership is critical for brands to future-proof their media investments. Unify meets brands where they are—offering operational flexibility whether they in-house, work with agencies, or combine both approaches."

Unify by Basis Technologies fills a crucial market gap, providing brands with the data ownership, security, and operational agility needed to maximize ROI and streamline media management.

Brightcove, the global leader in intelligent video engagement, has appointed Takayuki Tadokoro as Country Manager of Brightcove Japan. With over 35 years of experience in the streaming and technology industry, Tadokoro is set to drive Brightcove’s growth in the Japanese market by expanding customer reach, increasing sales, and strengthening business strategy execution.

Leadership Expertise & Industry Impact

"Takayuki Tadokoro’s deep expertise in the streaming industry, combined with his track record of driving customer success, makes him the perfect leader for Brightcove Japan," said Jim Norton, Chief Revenue Officer at Brightcove.

Tadokoro’s career spans key leadership roles at leading IT and technology companies:

• Edgio Japan (formerly Limelight Networks Japan) – Led the regional team for 11 years, managing VOD, live streaming, and CDN solutions.
• EMC Japan – Served as General Manager for Isilon Systems Business Division, specializing in clustered file system hardware and software.
• Alacritus, Inc. – Managed Asia-Pacific operations for disk-based data protection software solutions (acquired by NetApp).
• Nissho Electronics Corporation – Began his career in storage software solutions.

Tadokoro holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Chiba Institute of Technology.

Vision for Brightcove Japan

"It’s an honor to join Brightcove at such a pivotal moment in its 20+-year history," said Tadokoro. "The streaming market in Japan is evolving rapidly, creating immense opportunities for businesses to enhance engagement and revenue through high-quality video experiences. With Brightcove’s technological advancements and AI strategy, we are well-positioned to help Japanese organizations scale their video initiatives and drive business growth."

Under Tadokoro’s leadership, Brightcove Japan aims to expand its market presence, drive innovation in video engagement, and support businesses in delivering seamless streaming experiences.

Muck Rack, the leading PR software provider, has unveiled Muck Rack Social Listening, a powerful new suite that enables PR and communications teams to track and measure brand perception across social and earned media. This new feature enhances visibility into how news and social conversations shape brand reputation, empowering users to anticipate crises, refine messaging, and measure campaign impact—all within a single, integrated platform.

Bridging Social & Earned Media with Advanced Insights

Powered by Muck Rack’s vast media database and Keyhole’s social listening technology (acquired in September 2024), the new suite monitors brand mentions, hashtags, influencers, and keywords across Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

"PR professionals need tools built for their workflows—not generic solutions repurposed from other industries," said Greg Galant, cofounder & CEO of Muck Rack. "With Muck Rack Social Listening, teams can now seamlessly monitor conversations, identify influencers, and analyze engagement metrics to drive strategic decision-making."

Features of Muck Rack Social Listening

Real-time Monitoring – Track brand, industry, and competitor mentions across major platforms and forums.
Influencer Identification – Discover voices shaping public discussions and driving engagement.
Sentiment Analysis – Measure audience perception and refine messaging accordingly.
Integrated Analytics – Measure the full impact of PR campaigns, combining social and earned media insights.

New Dashboard Templates & Metrics

Muck Rack has introduced two new Social Dashboard Templates within its platform:

• Social & Earned Media Analysis – A comprehensive view of combined media impact.
• Social Listening Impact Analysis – Focused insights on social conversation trends and engagement.

Within these templates, PR teams can customize key metrics, including:

Engagement & Impressions Timeline – Track likes, shares, and post reach over time.
Geographic Insights – Identify where brand conversations are happening globally.
Share of Voice – Compare brand mentions across platforms.
Content Analysis – Measure sentiment, trending hashtags, and key referral sources.

Strategic Growth & Future Enhancements

The launch follows Muck Rack’s January 2025 acquisition of Ruepoint, a global media intelligence company, further strengthening curated monitoring, reporting, and AI-powered insights for PR teams. More social listening enhancements, including influencer tracking and advanced reporting, are set to roll out throughout 2025.

Muck Rack Social Listening marks a new era for PR measurement, giving brands and agencies unparalleled insight into the intersection of social media and earned media. As PR professionals seek data-driven strategies, Muck Rack continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions for modern communications.

Reply, a global systems integrator and technology firm, has announced the North American launch of Comwrap Reply, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion. With a strong presence in Germany, Italy, and the UK, Comwrap Reply is now bringing its AI-powered, end-to-end digital experience solutions to North American enterprises.

Deepening Collaboration with Adobe

This expansion reinforces Reply’s commitment to AI-driven digital transformation while further solidifying its Adobe partnership. As an Adobe Platinum Solution Partner and 2024 Adobe Digital Experience Emerging Partner of the Year for Central Europe, Comwrap Reply delivers industry-leading expertise in:

Adobe Experience Cloud solutions
AI-accelerated content supply chains
Personalized customer insights
Data-driven customer acquisition strategies

"Launching Comwrap Reply in North America underscores our commitment to empowering organizations globally with innovative, AI-driven, and cloud-based digital solutions," said Davide Maria Rossi, Executive Partner at Reply.

Why North America?

By expanding into the North American market, Comwrap Reply offers localized expertise to businesses seeking scalable and customer-centric digital transformation solutions.

"This expansion is a pivotal moment for Comwrap Reply," said Luke Barton, Partner at Comwrap Reply. "By harnessing AI-powered solutions alongside Adobe's digital experience tools, we help businesses accelerate growth, optimize costs, and scale effortlessly while delivering exceptional customer experiences."

Comwrap Reply’s North American expansion represents a strategic step forward in AI-driven digital innovation. With its expertise in content management, e-commerce, and personalization, businesses across North America can now leverage AI-powered Adobe solutions to enhance their digital strategies and achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and customer engagement.