AdTechGod Pod: Episode Summary
Title: The Refresh News: Accelerating Growth in Advertising with StackAdapt's Vitaly Pecherskiy
Host: AdTechGod
Guest: Vitaly Pecherskiy, CEO of StackAdapt
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod welcomes Vitaly Pecherskiy, the CEO of StackAdapt, to discuss the latest developments and future plans within the advertising technology landscape. The conversation delves into StackAdapt's journey, recent substantial funding, company culture, and strategic vision for innovation and growth in a competitive market.
Vitaly Pecherskiy and the Genesis of StackAdapt
Vitaly begins by sharing his unexpected transition from finance to the ad tech industry. Initially aiming for a career in investment banking, he found himself at an eight-person ad tech startup in 2011, promoting games on Facebook. This pivot ignited his passion for advertising technology and set the foundation for StackAdapt.
Notable Quote:
"I thought that job was hilarious and I loved it." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (01:40)
Vitaly recounts the early days collaborating with co-founders Ildar and Yang, recognizing the limitations of existing programmatic platforms. This realization led to the creation of StackAdapt, centered around three core product tenets: Solutions, Automation & AI, and User Experience.
Notable Quote:
"At the end of the day, we exist for the purpose of accelerating the growth of our customers." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (05:30)
Understanding StackAdapt’s Role in the AdTech Ecosystem
When asked to categorize StackAdapt within the Lumascape, Vitaly emphasizes that StackAdapt functions beyond traditional DSP (Demand-Side Platform) roles. He explains that the company focuses on delivering comprehensive solutions rather than merely participating in the value chain.
Notable Quote:
"Decisions around our product are not guided by the fact that we're sitting in a value chain at the DSP layer. DSP is just the how." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (06:39)
Securing $235 Million in Funding
A significant highlight of the episode is Vitaly's announcement of StackAdapt securing approximately $235 million in funding through the Teachers Venture Growth Fund. This influx of capital marks a pivotal moment for the company, transitioning from a primarily bootstrapped startup to a major player poised for accelerated growth.
Notable Quote:
"Investment is just a way to buy time. How do we condense time and get there faster." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (07:31)
Strategic Utilization of Funding
Vitaly outlines the strategic use of the newly acquired funds, focusing on two main areas:
- Research and Development (R&D): Enhancing technology capabilities to drive innovation.
- Global Distribution: Expanding support for customers beyond North America.
He reinforces that despite the significant funding, the company's core vision and ambition remain unchanged, prioritizing the continuous development of their technology platform to accelerate customer growth.
Notable Quote:
"It's about maximizing the way for all these components to be compatible and effective working together." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (14:21)
Diverse and Expanding Customer Base
StackAdapt boasts a diverse clientele spanning various verticals, including healthcare, CPG, retail, travel, and education. The majority of their customers are agencies, reflecting StackAdapt's agency-first business model. Vitaly highlights the importance of agencies in orchestrating comprehensive marketing strategies, positioning StackAdapt as a pivotal tool in their arsenal.
Notable Quote:
"Our customer base spans everything from smaller agencies and smaller brands all the way to enterprise brands." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (08:49)
Fostering a Healthy and Driven Company Culture
Vitaly emphasizes the significance of company culture at StackAdapt. He believes that every team member, from interns to executives, plays a crucial role in shaping the organizational culture. The emphasis is on actions aligning with shared values, creating a self-sustaining positive environment that attracts and retains talent.
Notable Quote:
"Culture is just created through action. We hold ourselves to very high standards around how we show up every day." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (10:33)
Automation, AI, and Responsible Advertising
The conversation shifts to the pivotal role of automation and AI in StackAdapt's offerings. Vitaly discusses how AI enhances various facets of programmatic advertising, including fraud prevention, brand safety, audience targeting, and performance optimization. He underscores the company's commitment to responsible advertising, ensuring that automation and AI advancements are balanced with ethical considerations.
Notable Quote:
"AI is undeniably a very exciting area. It maximizes the way for all these components to be compatible and effective working together." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (13:06)
Opportunities for Differentiation and Innovation
Vitaly addresses the challenges posed by privacy regulations, cookie deprecation, and measurement issues within the ad tech industry. He articulates StackAdapt's focus on fundamental business truths, particularly customer acquisition, as the cornerstone of their innovation strategy. By prioritizing solutions that drive tangible business outcomes, StackAdapt aims to differentiate itself in a fragmented market.
Notable Quote:
"Customer acquisition is a fundamental truth. Advertising is the how, but it's not the why." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (14:46)
Vision for the Future: StackAdapt in Five Years
Looking ahead, Vitaly envisions StackAdapt not by fixating on competitors but by striving to continually improve and innovate. The goal is to evolve into the best version of StackAdapt, with planned product launches set to lay the groundwork for future growth over the next three to five years. He maintains a clear focus on the company's roadmap, anticipating significant developments to come.
Notable Quote:
"We always wanted to think of how we can continue becoming the best version of StackAdapt." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (17:00)
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation between host and guest. Vitaly expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share StackAdapt's journey and vision, while AdTechGod extends congratulations and optimism for the company's future growth.
Notable Quote:
"Excited to share that, but it's a bit too early now." — Vitaly Pecherskiy (17:58)
Timestamp References:
Note: The summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the request.