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The FPC Podcast
Episode 2: Mike Follett, CEO & Co-founder, Lumen
In this episode of the FPC podcast, the team discusses the latest financial news in ad tech, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, the rise of Super Signal Aggregators (SSAs), and the verticalisation of ad networks. The conversation features insights from industry experts on the importance of data and attention technology, as well as the evolving landscape of B2B marketing. In this conversation, Mike Follett discusses the evolution of Lumen's partnerships, the importance of simplicity in ad tech, and how attention metrics correlate with brand uplift and profit. He emphasises the future focus on signal aggregation and AI's role in enhancing creative capabilities. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating valuations and the importance of capital efficiency in building sustainable businesses.
00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics
03:09 M&A Trends in Ad Tech
06:10 The Rise of Super Signal Aggregators
09:02 Verticalisation in Ad Tech
11:56 The Future of B2B Ad Networks
14:54 Lumen's Role in Attention Technology
20:42 Partnerships and Client Demand
23:31 The Importance of Simplicity in Ad Tech
24:52 Linking Attention to Brand Uplift
28:52 Future Focus: Signals Aggregation and AI in Creative
32:03 Navigating Valuations and Capital Efficiency
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26. Episode 26:Q&A with Ruben Niet, Founder & CEO of digitalAudience
32:45||Ep. 2600:00 Introduction to digitalAudience and Its Journey02:50 Ruben Niet's Background and Insights05:54 The Concept of Data Collaboration08:59 Market Dynamics and Competition11:56 Growth and Expansion Plans15:00 Retail Media and Case Studies17:58 Amazon's Market Influence21:02 Google's Antitrust Trial and Industry Impact
25. Episode 25: Q&A with Arthur Querou, Co-Founder & CEO of Vibe
38:16||Ep. 2500:00 Introduction and Background of Vibe02:57 Recent Developments in AdTech06:06 Arthur's Entrepreneurial Journey09:02 Vibe's Growth Strategy and Funding12:03 Fixing AdTech: A New Approach14:57 Targeting the Long Tail of Advertisers18:02 Growth Metrics and Strategies21:04 Future Trajectory and Investor Expectations24:12 Hiring and Company Culture27:06 Parting Thoughts and Key Takeaways
24. Episode 24: ATS / MadTechMoney round up & the latest M&A in AdTech
34:26||Ep. 2400:00 Introduction and Overview of Recent M&A Activity02:49 Deep Intent's Acquisition and the Healthcare Ad Tech Landscape09:15 Bending Spoons Acquires Vimeo: A Strategic Move17:48 Digiseq's Acquisition by Hawk Infinity: A New Player in Ad Tech24:22 Streamr's Acquisition by Magnite: Expanding Creative Solutions26:50 Spaceback and Rembrandt Merger: Ambitious Plans Ahead28:44 Captify's Acquisition by Verve: Analyzing the Deal
23. Episode 23: ATS London / MadTechMoney 2025, joined by Rachel Smith CEO of ExchangeWire
35:44||Ep. 2300:00 Welcome Back and Upcoming Events02:28 M&A Activity in European Ad Tech05:31 Trends in European Ad Tech Acquisitions09:01 Diversity of Acquirers in Ad Tech11:50 The Importance of Financial Conversations14:55 Merging MadTech Money with ATS London18:10 Panel Discussions and Key Topics21:06 Challenges in Ad Tech Financing23:53 Insights from Industry Leaders27:05 Future of Ad Tech and Investment Opportunities30:09 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
22. Episode 22: Q&A with Rob McLaughlin, CEO & Co-founder, AUDIENCES
28:10||Ep. 22Chapters00:00 Introduction to Audiences and Its Mission02:48 The Importance of First-Party Data06:08 How Audiences Differentiates Itself08:57 Real-Time Data Access and Its Impact12:03 Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning14:49 Revenue Growth and Future Plans17:52 Strategic Partnerships and Opportunities21:12 Vision for the Future and Closing Thoughts
21. Episode 21: FPC launches Fund 2 with a strategic investment from Index Exchange
35:45||Ep. 2100:00 Introduction to Index Exchange and FPC Fund 205:11 Andrew Casale's Early Journey in Ad Tech09:54 The Evolution of Index Exchange14:59 Business Model and Market Strategy19:52 Trends in Ad Tech: AI and Sell-Side Curation25:03 Index's Corporate Dev Strategy and Potential IPO Plans29:52 Index's Strategic Investment into FirstPartyCapital
20. Episode 20: Q&A with Brian Wieser, Founder of Madison and Wall
37:55||Ep. 2000:00 Introduction to Brian Wieser and His Background03:02 Impact of Tariffs on Digital Advertising05:45 De-globalization and Its Effects on Advertising09:13 Emerging Opportunities in European Markets12:05 Perception Issues in Advertising15:00 The Role of Advertising in Business17:54 The Future of Agencies and Services20:54 Under-appreciated Trends in Media and Advertising
19. Episode 19: Matthew Goldhill, CEO of Picnic
38:36||Ep. 1900:00 Introduction to Financial News and Guests01:26 M&A Activity in Ad Tech / Insights on Greenbids Acquisition10:02 Founder's Perspective on M&A14:09 Picnic's Fundraising Journey22:02 Shift to Media Quality at Picnic29:55 Ad Tech Partnerships and Curation36:05 Future of Picnic and Industry Trends
18. Episode 18: Launch of FirstPartyStudio
36:52||Ep. 1800:00 Introduction to FirstPartyStudio05:26 The Role of a Venture Studio12:35 Incubation and Innovation Strategies19:30 Building an Expert Network25:48 Investor Perspectives and SEIS Opportunities