COMPANY NEWS
Accenture Acquires Fjord
What is it? Accenture announces an agreement to acquire Fjord, a digital design consultancy that helps clients engage consumers across platforms including smart devices, tablets and PCs.
WIIFM? Marketers will be better enabled to complement business strategy, data analytics, technology, and marketing operations services offered through Accenture Interactive, the company promises.
Who’s talking? “Our clients need new services and experiences that are powered by technology, analytics, mobility, and scalable marketing operations,” says Brian Whipple, global managing director of Accenture Interactive.
Billaway Offers Enhanced Utility
What is it? Billaway launches its API, allowing bill payers to collect points and reduce payments when paying bills on the websites of its partners.
WIIFM? Utilities—the company’s primary partners—can look forward to higher participation. Previously, members of the loyalty program had to pay their bills on the Billaway site to receive points.
Who’s talking? “Utility bills, which cost U.S. consumers more than $64 billion annually, are our primary focus,” says CEO Paul Harkins.
PlaceIQ Locates Extra Cash
What is it? PlaceIQ, a provider of location intelligence solutions for mobile marketers, announces $6.75 million in Series B financing led by U.S. Venture partners.
WIIFM? The company pledges it will use the capital to bring “market defining products and measures” to clients looking to boost engagement through mobile geo-location campaigns.
Who’s talking? “Location is the critical component that allows marketers to spend their mobile marketing dollars effectively,” says John Hadl, partner at U.S. Venture Partners.
PRODUCTS
Facebook ROI Enhancer
What is it? Marin Software announces enhancements to its revenue acquisition platform for optimizing targeting and financial return on Facebook ads.
WIIFM? The real “like”: more revenue from Facebook efforts.
Who’s talking? “The key to maximizing revenue through Facebook ads is to find the right mix of ad types, content, bids, and audience,” says CEO Chris Lien.
Bigger Payoff for Small Business
What is it? Return Path introduces Anti-Phishing Solutions to help brand owners combat attacks from all email domains.
WIIFM? The ability to identify fraudulent email from “look-alike” domains with similar names and from domains entirely unrelated to the brands being targeted in phishing or spoofing attacks.
Who’s talking? “This is a monumental breakthrough in the fight to protect companies and consumers from phishing and other forms of email brand abuse,” says Ken Takahashi, GM of Anti-Phishing Solutions at Return Path.
Protecting the Party of the First Part
What is it? Lotame Solutions launches Crowd Syndicate, claiming it gives publishers, ad networks, and brands the ability to share first-party data safely.
WIIFM? Gives users a way to build and augment new and existing audience data with partner data, as well as set restrictions on shared first-party data.
Who’s talking? ““What [marketers] critically need are solutions that enable them to manage, safeguard, and activate that data—allowing them to leverage their information assets, share data with trusted partners and maintain a high degree of control,” says Jonathan Margulies, managing director group Winterberry Group, a consulting firm.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Who is it: Christopher Daily, promoted to COO of eWayDirect, a real-time data provider.
What’s his role: He will spearhead the company’s growth strategy, leading outside and inside sales and account management, marketing, media services, customer support, and operations
Where was he prior: He was previously SVP of Sales at eWayDirect. Before that he served as VP of Sales at Altruik.
Why he was appointed: “I am delighted to have his level of expertise and dedication to success as part of our senior leadership,” says CEO Neil Rosen.
Who is it: Robert Bosch, named Chief Sales Officer at Sociomantic, a provider of display solutions for e-coms
What’s his role: He will be responsible for for driving Sociomantic’s revenue strategy in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Where was he prior: Bosch was previous SVP of business development for Groupon in EMEA.
Who’s talking: “Real-time, data-based advertising will be the standard in the media landscape of the future,” says Bosch.
