Rembrand, a leader in In-Scene Media and Virtual Product Placement technology, has raised $23 million in Series A financing to fuel its rapid growth. This funding round was led by super{set}, with participation from The Trade Desk, Naver D2SF, and existing investors such as BOLD (L'Oréal’s corporate venture fund) and Greycroft.

About the Series A Funding

• Amount Raised: $23 million
• Lead Investors:
  • super{set}
  • The Trade Desk
  • Naver D2SF
• Other Investors:
  • BOLD (L'Oréal’s corporate venture fund)
  • Greycroft
• Purpose: The funding will be used to expand Rembrand’s team, accelerate growth, and enhance its technology platform to meet the needs of the evolving advertising and content industries.

Technology and Market Impact

Rembrand's AI-powered platform seamlessly integrates brand placements within video content, offering non-intrusive, engaging advertising experiences for viewers. The technology provides a variety of benefits to advertisers, such as:

• Increased brand awareness
• Improved engagement
• Access to premium video inventory with extended on-screen time and AI-driven attention-generating tools.

The funding will also enable Rembrand to further penetrate the Connected TV (CTV) market, which is seeing rapid expansion and increasing demand for non-intrusive advertising formats.

Statements from Leadership

• Omar Tawakol, CEO and Co-Founder of Rembrand:
  “We’re thrilled to have the backing of such distinguished investors. This funding will allow us to accelerate growth, expand our team, and enhance our platform to meet the needs of advertisers and content owners in the video marketplace.”

• Tom Chavez, Co-Founder and General Partner at super{set}:
  "Rembrand is leading a transformative shift in the advertising space, utilizing AI to create innovative solutions. We’re excited to support their journey as they scale and reshape how brands connect with consumers."

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

With the Series A funding, Rembrand is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for non-intrusive advertising and In-Scene Media, particularly in the CTV market. The company’s AI-driven platform is set to transform the advertising landscape and offer advertisers new ways to engage with audiences.

Bandwidth Inc., a leading global enterprise cloud communications company, has officially named Devesh Agarwal as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Agarwal, who had been serving as interim COO since July 2024, brings decades of leadership experience in technology, sales, and innovation to his new role.

1. Career Highlights

• Current Role: Appointed COO after successfully serving as interim COO since July 2024.
• Previous Roles:
  • Joined Bandwidth in July 2022 as Chief Software Strategy Officer.
  • Played a pivotal role in designing and delivering Bandwidth’s Universal Platform and the award-winning Bandwidth Maestro™ platform.
  • Holds an impressive 25 patents in software and technology innovation.
  • Former executive at Oracle, specializing in sales, go-to-market strategies, customer co-creation, and P&L leadership.

2. Contributions at Bandwidth

• Led the development of key innovations that strengthened Bandwidth’s market position.
• Drove operational and product excellence, earning respect across teams and customers.

Statements from Leadership

• David Morken, CEO of Bandwidth:
  “Devesh has demonstrated both the vision and the heart for our mission to serve customers while uplifting Bandmates globally. His leadership will be instrumental in executing our strategy, engaging with customers, and fostering innovation as we move into Bandwidth’s next phase of growth.”

• Devesh Agarwal:
  “I’m honored to take on the role of COO during such an exciting time for Bandwidth. Our strong customer base, market leadership, and culture of innovation provide a unique opportunity to drive growth and deliver exceptional value. I look forward to collaborating with Bandmates to shape the future of our success.”

Key Responsibilities as COO

• Drive the execution of Bandwidth’s global strategy.
• Engage closely with customers to foster relationships and deliver tailored solutions.
• Spearhead innovation to maintain Bandwidth’s leadership in the market.
• Ensure operational excellence and elevate company culture across global teams.

Aditude, a leader in enterprise adtech solutions for publishers, has appointed Justin Wohl as Vice President of Strategy. Wohl, a veteran in publisher monetization, brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast dedication to supporting independent publishers, strengthening Aditude’s mission to empower the open internet.

About Justin Wohl

1. Professional Experience

• Served as Chief Revenue Officer for Salon.com and Snopes.com for eight years.
• Spearheaded programmatic advertising strategies that drove substantial revenue growth and ensured sustainability for these publications.
• Played a key role in reshaping business models, expanding newsrooms, and deploying adtech solutions with publisher-centric decision-making.

2. Previous Roles

• Worked with Federated Media, a pioneer in premium advertising for high-quality, editorial content, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the digital advertising ecosystem.

3. Vision and Mission

• Advocates for addressing structural inefficiencies in digital advertising to improve margins for publishers and buyers alike.
• Focuses on enhancing direct supply paths, improving audience access, and equipping publishers with tools for efficient ad tech management.

Statements from Leadership

• Jared Siegal, CEO of Aditude:
  “Justin’s passion for the open internet and expertise in programmatic advertising aligns seamlessly with Aditude’s mission. His strategic vision will be pivotal in driving innovation and empowering publishers.”

• John Shankman, Chief Strategy Officer, Aditude:
  “Justin is perfectly positioned to lead the evolution of the online ad ecosystem, ensuring publishers thrive amidst increasing complexity.”

Justin Wohl’s Vision at Aditude

• Enhance monetization opportunities and boost net revenue for publishers.
• Address inefficiencies in digital advertising, providing innovative SaaS solutions.
• Strengthen independent publishers to maintain a healthy, competitive online landscape.

Quote from Wohl:
“Independent publishers are vital to a thriving online ecosystem. At Aditude, we aim to empower their growth by optimizing supply paths, streamlining buyer access, and delivering state-of-the-art tools for ad tech management.”

MATRIX Business Resource, Inc., a pioneer in lead generation services, proudly announces its feature in The Enterprise World magazine, spotlighting the company’s proprietary MATRIX 7-Step Lead Generation Process™. This innovative approach has distinguished MATRIX in the competitive lead generation landscape, delivering high-quality leads tailored to clients' unique needs.

1. The MATRIX 7-Step Lead Generation Process™

• A sophisticated, proprietary approach that builds valuable leads from diverse, reliable sources, including:
  • Sales Navigator
  • Business directories
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Public government records
• This method ensures precision, aligning leads with each client's specific requirements.

2. Strategic Nurturing for Long-Term Growth

• Beyond generating leads, MATRIX emphasizes relationship-building with prospects.
• Through targeted education and awareness campaigns, clients are positioned as the go-to choice when prospects are ready to act.
• This nurturing strategy fosters trust and ensures a steady, robust client acquisition pipeline.

Recognition

“We’re honored to be featured in The Enterprise World for our innovative lead generation approach,” said Trinity L. Clark-Dean, President and CEO of MATRIX Business Resource. “Our MATRIX 7-Step Process™ drives high-quality leads and long-term growth for our clients, underscoring the value of tailored strategies in today’s market.”

Specialization

MATRIX Business Resource specializes in supporting:

• Leadership Development Companies
• Executive Coaches
• Consultants

The company’s tailored lead generation strategies accelerate growth, optimize acquisition pipelines, and ensure sustainable business development for its clients.

Rovshan Rasulov, Founder and CEO of Rgand, has been invited to join the Forbes Business Council, a distinguished community for global business leaders. This recognition underscores Rovshan's exceptional contributions to technological entrepreneurship and his expertise in developing innovative trading and logistics platforms.

1. Visionary Leadership

• Rgand Marketplace: A cutting-edge platform redefining sales strategies.
• Sample Box Marathon: Streamlining product sampling and customer engagement.
• Direct Trade Foundation: Advancing direct trade practices through technology.

2. Industry Recognition

• Honored in 2023 for groundbreaking innovations in sales technology, cementing his reputation as a leader in the field.
• Selected by the Forbes Business Council for his exceptional business accomplishments and industry impact.

Membership Significance

The Forbes Business Council is renowned for bringing together influential leaders who drive innovation and excellence in their respective industries. Rovshan’s inclusion in this prestigious community reflects his:

• Professionalism and Leadership: Demonstrated through his career achievements.
• Commitment to Innovation: Consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions.
• Strategic Vision: Driving transformative changes across industries.

Statement from Rovshan Rasulov

“It’s a tremendous honor to join the Forbes Business Council,” said Rovshan Rasulov. “This recognition motivates me and my team to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients and driving innovation in the industry.”

Chief Marketer, a leading resource for Fortune 1000 marketers, has announced its prestigious 2025 list of Top Agencies of the Year. Among the 84 honorees is Modo Modo Agency, recognized for its innovation and expertise across B2B and B2C marketing platforms. This exclusive editorial roster highlights the top talent in 23 capability areas, serving as a trusted guide for brands seeking exceptional agency partnerships.

1. Celebrating Agency Excellence

• The list includes agencies that excel in creativity, strategy, and innovation across the marketing ecosystem.
• Recognized as a trusted resource for Fortune 1000 brands to identify reliable marketing partners.

2. Modo Modo Agency’s Distinction

• Honored for its ability to deliver business-centric marketing solutions in dynamic and uncertain market conditions.
• Celebrated for its resilience and commitment to driving forward progress for its clients.

Modo Modo Agency: Achievements in 2024

1. Campaign Successes

• Launched the impactful Northside Hospital Heart Institute Media Campaign.
• Secured the prestigious Agency of Record account for Stone Mountain Park.

2. Service Expansion

• Enhanced digital media capabilities to meet evolving client needs.
• Expanded focus on:
  • Fractional Strategic Marketing Support: For high-growth mid-market clients.
  • Sales Enablement: Strengthening sales efforts for transformative businesses.
  • Employer Branding: Helping Fortune 500 companies empower and engage their teams during periods of change.

What This Recognition Means

As a 2025 Top Agency honoree, Modo Modo Agency stands out for its ability to adapt, innovate, and provide creative partnerships that deliver measurable results. This accolade solidifies its position as a go-to partner for brands navigating a complex and ever-changing business landscape.

Modo Modo Agency’s recognition by Chief Marketer underscores its dedication to delivering impactful marketing strategies and creative excellence. As the agency continues to expand its offerings and drive client success, it sets a benchmark for innovation and resilience in the marketing industry.

BrandRep, a leader in digital marketing innovation, has unveiled its proprietary AI-powered keyword generator designed to revolutionize how small and mid-sized businesses enhance their online visibility. This advanced tool uses artificial intelligence to identify high-impact keywords that boost SEO performance and drive measurable growth in today’s competitive digital landscape.

1. Real-Time Trend Analysis

• Identifies high-impact, low-competition keywords tailored to each business.
• Continuously updates based on evolving search trends and market dynamics.

2. Consumer Intent Prediction

• Generates keywords aligned with what customers are actively searching for.
• Helps businesses tap into user intent for targeted marketing campaigns.

3. Local and National SEO Optimization

• Offers solutions for niche markets and broader audiences based on specific business goals.
• Enhances visibility across both local and national search engine results.

4. Cost and Time Efficiency

• Automates the keyword research process, enabling businesses to focus on core operations.
• Reduces dependency on manual research, saving resources for other critical tasks.

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

Small and mid-sized businesses often face resource constraints when competing in digital spaces. BrandRep’s AI-driven tool provides a competitive edge by enabling these businesses to:

• Execute data-driven strategies.
• Improve search engine rankings.
• Attract and retain their target audience.
• Maximize ROI with personalized, actionable insights.

Integration with BrandRep Services

BrandRep’s AI-powered keyword generator seamlessly integrates with the agency’s suite of services, including:

• SEO Campaigns: Enhance website rankings with relevant keywords.
• Blogging: Create content optimized for search visibility.
• PPC Campaigns: Drive cost-effective, targeted ad campaigns with precise keywords.

Unlike generic tools, this solution delivers tailored keyword recommendations to meet each client’s unique goals, ensuring optimized results across all marketing efforts.

BrandRep’s AI keyword generator is a game-changer for small and mid-sized businesses, offering an efficient, data-driven solution to enhance online visibility and achieve sustainable growth. With its innovative features and seamless integration into comprehensive marketing strategies, the tool empowers businesses to thrive in the digital era.

Mitel, a global leader in business communications, enters 2025 with strong momentum, positioned to meet the rising demand for flexible, secure hybrid cloud deployment models. With over 70 million global users following the acquisition of Unify, Mitel continues to drive innovation and transformation in enterprise business communications.

1. Strategic Initiatives

• Combined Portfolio Strategy: Introduced a comprehensive suite focused on hybrid cloud and multimodal solutions for diverse workforce needs.
• Mitel Common Communications Framework: Provides organizations with a consistent communications experience across deployment models.
• Mitel Secure Cloud: Tailored for enterprises in regulated industries, with initial rollouts in the UK and Germany.

2. AI-Driven Innovations

• Mitel CX Platform: An AI-powered customer experience solution launching in 2025, enhancing engagement and productivity.
• MIR Insights AI: Advanced analytics for customer communication data to improve quality management and compliance.
• Critical Event Management (CEM): Consolidates emergency response tools into a single platform.

3. Strategic Partnerships

• Zoom Partnership: Jointly developing an AI-first hybrid communications solution with bi-directional capabilities.
• Talkative Collaboration: Integrating generative AI tools into Mitel’s contact center solutions.

4. Expanded Solutions

• Virtual Care Collaboration Service (VCCS): Enhances telehealth communication with a focus on security and patient confidentiality.

Leadership and Recognition

1. Key Leadership Appointments

• David Petts: Chief Sales Officer, leading global revenue strategy.
• Eric Hanson: Chief Marketing Officer, driving marketing strategies.
• Bill Dunnion: Chief Information Security Officer, focusing on cybersecurity and compliance.

2. Industry Recognitions

• Unified Communications Vendor of the Year by Tahawultech.
• Global Partner Program awarded a 5-star rating by CRN.
• MiVoice Business received the Unified Communications Product of the Year Award.
• Leader positions in the Aragon Research Globe™ Reports for 2025.

As Mitel advances into 2025, it remains dedicated to empowering organizations with hybrid UC solutions, AI-driven innovations, and flexible communication tools. With a proven track record and strong leadership, Mitel is set to redefine business communications for years to come.