Adswizz Company Overview - Digital Audio Advertising Innovator

Adswizz is a technology company specializing in digital audio advertising, with a focus on providing innovative solutions for advertisers, publishers, and agencies. The company was founded in 2008 by Alexis van de Wyer, a veteran in the digital advertising industry, who identified a need for advanced monetization and advertising solutions in the rapidly growing digital audio market.

The company’s headquarters are located in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Europe and Asia. Adswizz’s diverse team of experienced professionals in technology, advertising, and digital media has played a crucial role in the company’s success and innovation in the digital audio advertising space.

Offerings

Adswizz has developed a comprehensive suite of digital audio advertising solutions, including AudioServe, AudioMatic, and PodWave. These products cater to the needs of various stakeholders in the digital audio advertising ecosystem, such as advertisers, publishers, and agencies.

AudioServe is a digital audio ad-serving platform that enables publishers to manage, traffic, and measure audio advertising campaigns. The platform supports multiple ad formats, such as audio, video, and display ads, and provides advanced targeting capabilities, including geo-targeting, demographic targeting, and behavioral targeting.

AudioMatic is a programmatic audio buying platform designed specifically for agencies and advertisers. It allows advertisers to create, manage, and optimize audio advertising campaigns across multiple digital audio platforms, including podcasts, music streaming services, and internet radio. AudioMatic’s sophisticated algorithm ensures efficient ad buying and effective targeting, leading to higher return on investment for advertisers.

PodWave is the first podcast-specific ad marketplace created by Adswizz. It connects advertisers with premium podcast publishers, enabling advertisers to efficiently reach their target audience through podcast advertising. PodWave offers a wide range of targeting options, including contextual targeting, genre targeting, and demographic targeting. The platform also supports dynamic ad insertion, allowing advertisers to insert ads into podcasts in real-time, ensuring ad relevance and improving listener experience.

Funding Rounds

Adswizz has received several rounds of funding since its inception, which have been instrumental in fueling the company’s growth and innovation. The company’s first seed funding round took place in 2010, raising $1.5 million from investors, including Sofinnova Partners and Daniel Marhely, the founder of Deezer.

In 2012, Adswizz raised $2 million in a Series A funding round, led by Sofinnova Partners, with participation from existing investors. This funding enabled the company to expand its product offerings and strengthen its position in the digital audio advertising market.

A Series B funding round took place in 2014, with Adswizz raising $8 million. The round was led by Fortino Capital, and the funds were used to further expand the company’s global presence, develop new products and features, and accelerate growth.

Acquisitions

Adswizz has been active in acquiring companies that complement its product offerings and strengthen its position in the digital audio advertising market. In 2016, Adswizz acquired LiquidCompass, a Denver-based streaming solutions provider. The acquisition allowed Adswizz to expand its product offerings and enhance its streaming capabilities.

In 2017, Adswizz acquired AdWave, a global mobile and digital audio advertising marketplace. The acquisition of AdWave bolstered Adswizz’s position as a leading digital audio advertising platform and expanded the company’s reach to millions of additional listeners.

Acquisition by AdsWizz

In 2018, Adswizz was acquired by Pandora, a leading music streaming service, for $145 million in a cash and stock transaction. Pandora’s acquisition of Adswizz marked a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to strengthen its position in the digital audio advertising market.

The acquisition enabled Pandora to leverage Adswizz’s advanced advertising technology and broaden its advertising solutions for brands and marketers. It also allowed Pandora to expand its programmatic audio capabilities, offering more sophisticated targeting options, improved analytics, and enhanced ad experiences for listeners.

Post-acquisition, Adswizz continues to operate as an independent subsidiary of Pandora, serving not only Pandora’s advertising needs but also those of other digital audio publishers and platforms globally. Alexis van de Wyer, the founder and CEO of Adswizz, remained at the helm of the company, leading its ongoing innovation and growth efforts.

Market Position and Impact

Adswizz’s advanced advertising technology and comprehensive suite of products have made it a significant player in the digital audio advertising market. The company’s solutions have been adopted by several leading audio publishers, including Spotify, iHeartMedia, and Deezer, as well as many podcast publishers and internet radio stations worldwide.

Adswizz’s innovative approach to digital audio advertising has played a crucial role in driving the growth of the industry. The company’s dynamic ad insertion technology has been particularly impactful, enabling publishers to deliver personalized ads based on listener preferences, location, and other factors. This technology has not only improved ad relevance and effectiveness but also enhanced the overall listening experience for users.

Adswizz has also been a strong advocate for transparency and standardization in the digital audio advertising industry. The company has been actively involved in various industry initiatives and collaborations, such as the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and the Digital Audio Committee. These efforts have helped establish industry standards and best practices, promoting a healthier and more sustainable digital audio advertising ecosystem.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout its history, Adswizz has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative products and significant contributions to the digital audio advertising industry. Some of the notable accolades include:

In 2015, Adswizz was awarded the “Best Overall Technology for Programmatic Trading” at The Drum Digital Trading Awards.
In 2017, the company received the “Best Innovation in Radio and Audio” award at the Festival of Media Global Awards.
In 2018, Adswizz was recognized as the “Most Innovative Technology Platform” at the Digiday Technology Awards.
In 2020, the company won the “Best Monetization Platform” award at the Radio Ink Tech Awards.
These awards and recognitions serve as a testament to Adswizz’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital audio advertising space, as well as the company’s significant impact on the industry.

In summary, Adswizz is a pioneering company in the digital audio advertising market, with a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that cater to advertisers, publishers, and agencies. The company’s history includes multiple funding rounds, strategic acquisitions, and a successful acquisition by Pandora in 2018. Adswizz has been instrumental in driving the growth of the digital audio advertising industry and continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in this rapidly evolving market.