So, ad tech often feels like a byzantine maze of acronyms and fleeting digital footprints but Drew Stein of Audigent emerges not just as another player but as the genre’s latest virtuoso. On a recent episode of the ADOTAT Show, hosted by none other than Pesach Lattin, Stein dives deep into the mechanics and ethos driving Audigent, a company that’s much more than its parts suggest. Here’s a revelatory look into the conversation, where Stein’s words serve as both a blueprint and a manifesto for the future of advertising.
From the outset, Stein’s enthusiasm is palpable. “I’m so well, Pesach. Thank you for having me here,” he starts, setting the stage for a discussion that’s as much about the nuts and bolts of ad tech as it is about vision and philosophy. He lauds the platform for its contribution to the ad tech dialogue, a compliment that both acknowledges Lattin’s role and underscores the mutual respect driving the industry’s forward-thinkers.
Stein’s journey from a finance background into the throes of ad tech is not just a career pivot but a testament to his belief in the transformative power of data. He paints a vivid picture of Audigent’s genesis – a tale of innovation borne out of frustration with the status quo and a relentless pursuit of something better. “We knew we weren’t a DMP… We wanted to be a next-gen 2.0 DMP. We were going to rewrite the rules,” he shares, capturing the essence of Audigent’s ambition.
The dialogue then shifts to the heart of Audigent’s differentiation: curation. Stein’s explanation is a masterclass in simplicity, distilling complex processes into digestible insights. “Curation is simply putting data through the supply path… It opens up the door to a new treasure chest of opportunity,” he elucidates, illustrating how Audigent is pioneering a paradigm shift in how data interacts with the ad supply chain.
Stein’s discourse on the transition from a planned DMP to a groundbreaking curation company is both a narrative and a nod to the industry’s dynamism. The mention of Greg Williams, who helped Stein see Audigent’s true potential, serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that propels ad tech forward.
As the conversation deepens, Stein delves into the technical prowess behind Audigent, highlighting its RTDP (Real-Time Data Protocol) integrations, or as they whimsically call it, R2D2 integrations. This innovation, he points out, is a game-changer, enabling real-time decision-making that’s light-years ahead of traditional methods. The discussion on dynamic pricing further illuminates Audigent’s approach, showcasing a model that’s both efficient and attuned to the fluid nature of digital advertising markets.
Yet, it’s not just about the technology or the business model. Stein’s reflections on the broader implications of ad tech for society capture the existential weight of the industry’s endeavors. “We’re talking about the free internet at this point,” he asserts, tying Audigent’s mission to the larger battle for an open, accessible online ecosystem. This vision for a virtuous ad tech landscape, where innovation and integrity coexist, is a rallying cry for the industry at large.
Drew Stein stands out not just for his disruptive tech but for wielding a moral compass in an industry often criticized for lacking one. “So, oh, there’s no doubt. When you think about our mission, when you think about not just clean intelligent data, but that we use the word virtuous, it’s a very specific word,” Stein tells Pesach Lattin on the ADOTAT Show. This isn’t just tech talk; it’s a crusade for a cleaner, more ethical digital realm where everyone from the consumer to the publisher doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Stein, who was once told he was too nice for the rough-and-tumble world of ad tech, has turned that supposed vulnerability into his company’s most formidable asset. “I truly believe that this is the moment where the good guys do win. Being virtuous is the only path forward if you want to be successful in this business,” Stein asserts with the kind of confidence that would make even the most jaded Silicon Valley veterans sit up and take notice. It’s a refreshing narrative in an era where cynicism often reigns supreme.
As for the advice he’d beam back to his younger self, embarking on the ad tech odyssey? “I would just tell myself to stay the course,” Stein reflects. And staying the course has led him to helm an enterprise that’s as much about moral integrity as it is about market innovation. In the soap opera that is ad tech, Stein’s Audigent is scripting a new narrative, one where being “too nice” translates to being ahead of the curve. It’s a lesson in how enduring values can pave the way for enduring success. Stein’s journey is a testament to the power of ethical leadership in transforming the digital landscape — a message as clear and compelling as any product his company offers.
We are aften quick to compartmentalize and label, yet Drew Stein and Audigent stand out as harbingers of a new era in advertising. Their story, as unpacked in this invigorating dialogue with Pesach Lattin, is not just about data, technology, or even advertising.
It’s about the power of vision, the importance of integrity, and the unyielding belief that, even in the cutthroat realms of ad tech, being virtuous is not just possible – it’s imperative.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Stein’s journey from being “too nice” to a pioneering CEO embodies the essence of innovation driven by purpose, a beacon for all who believe in the transformative power of ad tech done right.
