R/GA Ventures has opened the application process for the R/GA Marketing Tech Venture Studio in partnership with Interpublic Group. The program will take place at R/GA’s NY headquarters and invites applications from growth-stage and early-stage startups that are leveraging new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to monetize platforms including messaging, voice activation, and nascent software innovations. Up to ten startups will be selected to participate in the program, which will emphasise opportunities for business development and partnerships in addition to fundraising, and is designed to enable companies to explore and launch new business models that will reimagine the future of digital marketing and digital products. The program will support companies not only in launching great products and services, but also in creating long-lasting customer experiences with global brands. As with all R/GA Ventures programs, R/GA will provide each company selected for the R/GA Marketing Tech Venture Studio with its award-winning business transformation, strategic marketing, branding, design, and technology-focused methodology and agency services as well as access to its network of industry partners, mentors, and investors.
Michael Roth
A unique element of this program is the resources that will come with access to industry-leading experts from across the full range of IPG operating companies. With agencies in more than 100 countries specialising in every aspect of the marketing mix, as well as relationships with many of the world’s largest marketers, IPG provides companies selected for the program unprecedented access and opportunities to tap into a global network of influencers and experts that can accelerate their business development.
“This program benefits our clients and people helping us lean into the future of communications”
Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO of Interpublic, said: “IPG is proud to partner with R/GA on the Marketing Tech Venture Studio. The program benefits our clients and our people, helping us lean into the future of communications. The investment we’ll make in these companies is a strategic asset for IPG, it gives our agencies advance knowledge of cutting-edge products, platforms and services that can help clients reach consumers in a connected world. The Studio also gives participating companies access to creative capital from across our organisation.”
Stephen Plumlee, Global Chief Operating Officer of R/GA and Managing Partner of R/GA Ventures, added: “R/GA is especially honoured to work with our parent, IPG, to create this program. IPG has been at the forefront of innovation in our industry and will bring to this program unparalleled expertise which will help shape the future of marketing tech and marketing services.”
Stephen Plumlee
Program areas of interest include AI and Machine Learning, messaging and conversational platforms, natural language processing, predictive analysis, chat bot services and platforms, voice recognition and activation, conversational commerce, face scanning/swapping, productivity automation, marketing automation, dynamic price automation, testing and targeting, content personalisation and optimisation, predictive customer service and cognitive content development, management and distribution. While the program is particularly interested in these categories, it remains open to any application that can impact the future of digital marketing and digital products on a global scale. Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply, and can submit their applications through to October 24, 2016. The program will start on January 10, 2017. The program will conclude in early April with a Demo Event, at which each company will have the opportunity to present to an invited audience of investors, industry leaders, and press.
