Button, a leader in mobile commerce optimization, has partnered with Linktree, the widely used "link in bio" platform for creators. This integration introduces Button’s AI-powered dynamic links to Linktree’s 50+ million users, enhancing shopping journeys with higher conversions and personalized experiences.

Linktree empowers creators to curate, grow, and monetize their content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. With the launch of Linktree Shops in March, the platform solidified its mission to streamline creator-driven shopping experiences, ensuring smooth journeys and accurate commission attribution.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration

1. Enhanced Shopping Journeys with AI-Powered Dynamic Links

   • Button’s dynamic links direct users to the most relevant shopping destination, such as retailer apps, ensuring tailored and seamless purchasing experiences.
   • This optimization simplifies the shopping process while driving higher conversion rates and boosting revenue.

2. Seamless Integration for Creators and Brands

   • Linktree’s integration with Button provides creators with tools to deliver smarter shopping experiences.
   • Key benefits include:
     • Faster navigation to checkout.
     • Improved revenue generation for creators and brands.

3. Impact on Social Commerce

   • Button’s technology has proven to significantly increase conversion rates:
     • +175% on Facebook.
     • +230% on Instagram.
     • +100% on TikTok.
   • This partnership represents a shift in social commerce, turning content into actionable, revenue-generating moments.

4. Leadership Perspectives

   • Sam Else, Sr. Director of Business Development at Linktree:
     • “This collaboration ensures every tap counts, driving audiences straight to checkout while benefiting creators and brands.”
   • Michael Jaconi, CEO of Button:
     • “Creators deserve technology that bridges content and commerce. Button and Linktree are transforming the future of social commerce together.”

Button’s history of driving over $12 billion in sales makes it a game-changer in commerce intelligence. Its integration with Linktree empowers creators to recommend products effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and revenue-generating shopping experience. As social commerce evolves, tools like Button’s linking solutions will redefine how creators and retailers connect with audiences.

Datamaran, a leader in ESG governance software, has appointed Sebastian Hempstead as its first Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This appointment follows the company’s successful $33 million Series C funding round in September 2024, reflecting its commitment to expanding in the US market and enhancing its innovative AI-driven platform.

Sebastian brings extensive expertise in driving growth within the B2B SaaS sector, positioning him to spearhead Datamaran’s ambitious growth and commercial strategy.

1. Sebastian Hempstead’s Leadership Experience

   • Over 15 years of experience driving revenue growth and scaling operations.
   • Key roles at companies such as GoCardless, Streetbees, Idio/Episerver, and Brandwatch.
   • Former go-to-market strategy advisor to Datamaran (2017–2021), giving him unique insights into the company’s vision.
   • Proven track record of exponentially increasing revenue.

2. Strategic Vision for Growth

   • Hempstead’s appointment aligns with Datamaran’s expansion plans, particularly in the US.
   • Focus areas include:
     • Enhancing generative AI initiatives.
     • Scaling customer success operations.
     • Building strategic partnerships to meet growing demand for ESG governance solutions.

3. Support from Datamaran’s Leadership

   • CEO Marjella Lecourt-Alma expressed confidence in Hempstead’s ability to drive commercial growth, stating,
     • “Sebastian’s expertise will be instrumental as we expand our US presence. This milestone signifies an exciting chapter for Datamaran.”

4. Enhancing ESG Governance Amid Tightening Regulations

   • Datamaran’s AI-powered platform enables businesses to:
     • Address ESG risks and opportunities effectively.
     • Navigate compliance challenges with tightening regulations.
     • Achieve sustainability goals and build long-term resilience.

Sebastian Hempstead’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Datamaran’s journey toward becoming the market leader in ESG governance software. With his expertise and the company’s commitment to innovation and expansion, Datamaran is poised to transform how organizations approach ESG challenges and opportunities.

EDO, a TV outcomes company, has partnered with Chalice, an AI-powered adtech leader, to enhance Connected TV (CTV) campaign performance. By integrating EDO’s outcomes data with Chalice’s platform, advertisers can make data-driven decisions, optimize high-performing regions, and maximize return on investment (ROI).

This collaboration combines EDO’s extensive database of streaming ad engagement data with Chalice’s advanced tools, driving impactful KPIs like share of search, brand health, and site visits.

1. Integration Overview

   • EDO’s engagement data is now integrated into Chalice Outcomes AI.
   • Advertisers can leverage custom algorithms for precise targeting and measurement.
   • Campaigns across CTV, linear TV, and digital platforms benefit from improved insights.

2. Enhanced Campaign Optimization

   • Identify high-engagement regions for targeted media buys.
   • Automatically adjust campaigns in real time, prioritizing high-performing geographies.
   • Optimize resource allocation across programmatic and digital channels like Meta, YouTube, and CTV.

   Example:
   High consumer engagement in cities like Los Angeles or Dallas triggers Chalice’s AI to allocate more resources to these areas, maximizing brand lift and ROI while reducing investment in low-performing regions.

3. Business Outcomes and Use Cases

   • Custom search algorithms drive precision targeting in underpenetrated markets.
   • Advertisers achieve higher customer acquisition rates and improved return on ad spend (ROAS).
   • Agencies like Rain the Growth Agency report significant improvements in new customer acquisition and ROI using these advanced tools.

4. Value of EDO and Chalice Collaboration

   • EDO’s database includes 130M+ streaming ad airings and predictive engagement signals.
   • Chalice’s platform uses these insights to uncover untapped opportunities and deliver measurable results.
   • Aggregated, non-personally identifiable data ensures privacy while enabling informed decisions.

The collaboration between EDO and Chalice represents a transformative moment in adtech, empowering advertisers with precision tools to optimize campaigns and drive meaningful outcomes. By combining AI with data-driven insights, this partnership sets a new standard for campaign efficiency and ROI across CTV and digital ecosystems.

Rokt, the global leader in ecommerce optimization, has announced a $300 million investment in mParticle, a leading customer data platform (CDP). This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize ecommerce, advertising, and customer experiences by combining Rokt’s expertise in transaction moment relevancy with mParticle’s real-time CDP capabilities.

This merger enhances innovation in real-time data activation, empowering businesses to unlock the potential of their customer data and drive significant performance improvements.

1. Investment and Vision

   • Rokt’s $300 million investment will double mParticle’s funding to accelerate product innovation and delivery.
   • The partnership aims to redefine how businesses activate customer data in real time, boosting ecommerce and advertising outcomes.

   Performance Impact: Joint clients have reported up to a 50% improvement in consumer and business outcomes when using mParticle.

2. Leadership Insights

   • Bruce Buchanan, CEO and Co-founder, Rokt:
     "This merger brings a significant performance lift to our clients, enabling them to unlock moments that matter most."
   • Michael Katz, CEO, mParticle:
     "By combining mParticle and Rokt’s capabilities, businesses can create real-time, meaningful connections with customers while maintaining full ownership and control over their data."

3. Enhanced Customer Data Capabilities

   • Brands will maintain complete control over first-party data, ensuring alignment with data privacy and compliance standards.
   • The merger will deliver new solutions allowing businesses to activate customer data in real time to achieve measurable business outcomes.

4. Executive Team Expansion

   • Michael Katz will continue as CEO of mParticle.
   • Andrew Katz will become Chief Technology Officer of Rokt, leading innovation and data security.
   • Jason Lynn will remain Chief Product Officer of mParticle.
   • All three mParticle founders will join Rokt’s executive team.

5. Rokt’s Continued Growth

   • Revenue grew over 40% year-over-year, reaching $600 million in 2024.
   • Acquisitions and Innovations:
     • Acquired AfterSell and launched ACE, a generative AI tool optimizing ad spend.
   • Key Appointments in 2024:
     • Jacqueline Purcell, Chief Financial Officer.
     • Claire Southey, Chief Product Development Officer.

The Rokt and mParticle merger marks a significant milestone in ecommerce and data-driven customer experience. By combining their expertise, the partnership aims to empower brands with real-time relevance, innovation, and data control, setting new standards for success in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

AdOmni, a global leader in digital-first advertising, has announced the launch of its new program, Smart Video Everywhere, to enhance video advertising capabilities. Designed to address fragmented media consumption, this innovation allows brands to seamlessly connect with audiences across in-home streaming, digital out-of-home (DOOH), and online video platforms.

1. Purpose of Smart Video Everywhere

   • The program addresses challenges of fragmented video inventory and disjointed campaign management.
   • Offers brands a unified approach to reaching consumers across their daily journey—whether at home, commuting, shopping, or on-the-go.

2. Performance Benefits

   • 20% Higher ROI: Cross-channel campaigns deliver increased efficiency.
   • Reduced Media Waste: Enhanced targeting reduces waste by 20%.
   • 50% Unique, Unduplicated Reach: Broadens audience engagement.
   • 35% Higher Ad Recall: Ensures impactful campaign results.

3. Platform Differentiators

   • Unified Cross-Channel Buying: Integrates CTV, Online Video, YouTube, and DOOH for enhanced performance.
   • Premium Inventory: Exclusive access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
   • Holistic Reporting and Attribution: Advanced transparency through cross-channel reporting.
   • AI-Powered Efficiency: Enables smarter targeting and real-time insights for creative optimization.

4. CEO Insights

   • Jonathan Gudai, CEO, AdOmni:
     "Our mission is to simplify how brands connect with audiences using cutting-edge technology. Smart Video Everywhere enables brands to create cohesive stories across touchpoints, resonating at every moment of the consumer journey."

5. Empowering Growth Brands and Agencies

   • Democratizes access to high-quality video inventory and measurement tools.
   • Provides growth brands and independent agencies with resources to achieve better cross-channel campaign results.

AdOmni’s Smart Video Everywhere program signifies its evolution into a holistic video advertising platform, empowering brands to navigate fragmented media consumption with seamless cross-channel campaigns. This innovative solution enhances performance, reduces inefficiencies, and helps advertisers connect meaningfully with their audiences.

A robust and diverse digital marketing mix is set to be a cornerstone of leasing success in 2025, as highlighted in Rent.’s latest report, "The State of Multifamily Marketing in 2025." The report emphasizes the growing need for qualified leads and precise audience targeting, pushing marketing teams to adopt diverse channels such as social media, paid search, geofencing, and digital display advertising.

1. Shifting Marketing Strategies

   • Multifamily marketing is evolving with increased owner involvement and AI adoption, marking a shift toward data-driven, highly-targeted strategies.
   • Kathy Neumann, Rent.’s CMO, highlights, "Forward-thinking teams realize the need to diversify channel approaches to stay competitive and secure valuable leads."

2. Industry Challenges

   • Economic Uncertainty:
     • Falling rents and increased supply in many regions have amplified concerns about renters meeting move-in qualifications.
     • 65% of multifamily professionals identify qualifying prospects as a top concern, mirroring renter anxieties about costs and fees.

3. Adoption of Diverse Marketing Channels

   • While Internet Listing Services (ILS) remain the foundation of multifamily marketing (used by 88% of teams), other channels are gaining prominence:
     • Social Media & Paid Search: Over 80% plan to maintain or increase budgets in 2025.
     • Emerging Technologies: Interest in geofencing and digital display advertising is growing, with 40% of marketers considering these for the first time.

4. Increased Owner Involvement

   • 47% of multifamily professionals report more owner involvement in marketing efforts, seeking improved results.
   • 67% of marketing professionals find precise audience targeting technology crucial for meeting leasing goals.

5. AI as a Game Changer

   • AI is emerging as a critical tool for marketing efficiency, resident acquisition, and retention.
   • Although only one-third of professionals are currently comfortable using AI, there is widespread recognition of its benefits.
   • The report emphasizes the importance of training programs to help teams embrace AI and leverage it effectively.

Other Highlights

• Optimizing Marketing Efficiency: Teams are focusing on strategies to maximize renter acquisition in increasingly complex markets.
• Budget Utilization: Insights into how marketers aim to derive greater value from 2025 budgets.
• AI’s Role in Operations: From resident acquisition to retention, AI is becoming a top priority for multifamily professionals.

As the multifamily industry navigates economic uncertainties and a competitive landscape, a diversified digital marketing mix and the adoption of AI-driven solutions will be critical for success in 2025. Rent.’s report underscores the importance of innovation, training, and leveraging technology to address industry challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Quad/Graphics Inc., a marketing experience company known for addressing complex marketing challenges, has introduced At-Home Connect by Quad—a direct-mail platform that combines email-style personalization with the proven effectiveness of reaching consumers at home. This innovative solution merges print's strengths with digital insights, enabling true omnichannel marketing campaigns.

Key Features of At-Home Connect by Quad

1. Bridging Print and Digital

   • The platform uses data-driven design and messaging integrated with multiple media touchpoints for precision-timed, omnichannel engagement.
   • Brands can foster stronger, more personalized connections with audiences across various channels.

2. Addressing Digital Marketing Challenges

   • In a cluttered digital landscape where consumers encounter:
     • 10,000 digital ads daily
     • Over 80 emails per day
     • High unsubscribe rates and widespread use of ad blockers
   • Direct mail provides a tangible and impactful alternative.

3. Consumer-Triggered Direct Mail

   • Personalized campaigns triggered by consumer behaviors such as:
     • Birthdays
     • Loyalty anniversaries
     • Abandoned online shopping carts
   • Encourages upselling, lapsed customer re-engagement, and purchase completion.

4. Seamless Workflow Automation

   • The platform automates tasks including personalization, printing, mail sorting, and in-home delivery.
   • Integration with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms ensures a cohesive omnichannel strategy.

5. Cost Efficiency and ROI Optimization

   • Quad's robust direct-mail infrastructure reduces delivery costs and maximizes return on ad spend (ROAS).

Statements from Leadership

“Consumers today are overwhelmed by digital clutter, making it increasingly challenging for marketers to connect meaningfully,” said George Forge, Senior Vice President of Client Technology and Product Development at Quad.
“With At-Home Connect, marketers can engage consumers across their preferred channels—whether online, through email or text, or via their physical mailbox. This solution enables deeper connections and more impactful engagement.”

The Power of Direct Mail in Modern Marketing

• Standout Performance:
  In a digital-first world, direct mail remains a uniquely effective tool for cutting through noise.
• Real-Time Personalization:
  Signal-based mail solutions provide tailored experiences based on customer data.
• Omnichannel Advantage:
  Completes the marketing ecosystem, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.

Quad’s At-Home Connect platform redefines direct mail by integrating digital insights, automation, and personalization to create impactful omnichannel campaigns. By addressing digital fatigue and offering cost-effective solutions, this innovation enables marketers to drive meaningful engagement and improve customer journeys.

Illumio Inc., the leader in breach containment, has appointed Karl Van den Bergh as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With over 25 years of leadership experience, Van den Bergh will focus on scaling global marketing efforts and increasing awareness of Illumio's breach containment platform, particularly its Zero Trust Segmentation (ZTS) for securing hybrid multi-cloud environments.

Key Points about Karl Van den Bergh’s Appointment

1. Extensive Experience in Cloud Marketing

   • 25+ years of experience in building market-leading brands and driving innovation at global technology companies.
   • Prior roles include CMO at Gigamon, DataStax, and TIBCO, where he was instrumental in driving growth and establishing thought leadership in cloud technologies.

2. Focus on Breach Containment and ZTS

   • Van den Bergh’s primary focus will be raising awareness about Illumio's Zero Trust Segmentation (ZTS) platform, which helps organizations secure their hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
   • His leadership will aim to solidify Illumio as a vital solution for businesses striving to prevent cyber disasters.

3. Proven Leadership in Cloud Technology

   • At Gigamon, Van den Bergh spearheaded a marketing strategy that positioned the company as a leader in Deep Observability, addressing security gaps in hybrid multi-cloud environments.
   • At DataStax, he led initiatives that drove the company’s success in real-time AI and cloud-based solutions.

Statements from Leadership

“Karl is a world-class business and marketing leader with a deep understanding of how to align strategy and execution to drive market demand,” said Andrew Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Illumio.
“As organizations face mounting pressure to maintain resilience in an ‘assume breach’ world, Karl’s expertise in cloud marketing will be crucial in highlighting Illumio’s role in securing hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures.”

Karl Van den Bergh’s Vision

“Organizations today are under constant threat, and the growing complexity of hybrid multi-cloud environments only adds to the challenge,” said Karl Van den Bergh, Illumio's new CMO.
“I’m excited to join a company with a compelling mission to help organizations protect their critical assets and reduce cyber risk. I look forward to amplifying Illumio’s story and driving our next phase of growth.”

Karl Van den Bergh’s appointment as CMO marks a new chapter for Illumio, aligning marketing strategy with the company’s mission to provide innovative breach containment solutions. His expertise in cloud marketing will accelerate Illumio’s growth and its position as a leader in securing hybrid multi-cloud environments.