Starcom MediaVest Group Announces Tech Team
UK brand experience company unveils new tech solutions team to inspire start-up culture and collaboration.
Starcom MediaVest Group UK (SMG UK) has unveiled a new tech solutions team called NextTECHnow (NTN) in a move designed to accelerate unique collaborative partnerships with tech start-ups.
The initiative will see SMG UK develop start-up propositions that deliver real business benefits for clients and the agency in general, particularly in the areas of mobile, social and data, and the launch follows a successful pilot throughout 2014, which saw SMG UK actively engage clients with complementary tech solutions.
Platforms and partners
Headed up by strategic development director Jim Kite, the NTN team is made up of eight specialists from across SMG’s portfolio. The NTN function will bring the latest technology into the agency allowing the team to match clients with start-ups, putting the agency at the forefront of integrating technology with marketing.
This development builds on the agency’s strong heritage in the technology space. In 2014 the global media network acquired Run, a real-time programmatic buying platform, and Relevant24, which creates original, multi-media branded content in real time. The agency also incorporated MRY, the Publicis Group social media network, into the fold.
TECH & talent
“Over the last year we have introduced over 70 start-ups to our clients, and several of these introductions have already resulted in partnerships that have been activated,” states Kite. “We’re in daily contact with entrepreneurs from Tech City – either here in our offices or in the Shoreditch area – and the launch of our dedicated NextTECHnow team reinforces our belief that this area has massive growth potential for all parties involved.”
Steve Parker, co-CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group UK adds: “By harnessing the great entrepreneurial talent this city has to offer we will become a much smarter, stronger and more agile agency. Today's announcement builds on our growing reputation for delivering innovation in an open and collaborative way. Ultimately, our aim is to be the agency of choice for tech innovation hubs, start-ups and clients who want to connect forward thinking tech solutions to brand consumer experiences and business goals.”
SMG is the biggest media agency in the US and last year became the agency of record for clients such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Spotify to name a few. The agency will be remembered most in 2014 for its involvement in Samsung's Oscars selfie (below) and the NTN initiative signals the start of a promising year in 2015 for the agency.
