TheMarketingblog

The Next Big Thing, the start-up initiative launched by ad:tech London

Unilever partners with adtech London

Unilever is targeting new relationships with marketing and advertising technology entrepreneurs after Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Keith Weed announced an extension of its investment in The Next Big Thing, the start-up initiative launched by ad:tech London in association with Shoreditch-based accelerator Collider

Unilever’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Keith Weed says that the FMCG giant must actively embrace innovation as disruptive technologies and cultural trends change the way people engage with its marketing and advertising.

“In this dynamic and complex word, it’s challenging for marketers to stay abreast of the change, whilst ensuring they’re bringing the right technology to the right brands, at the right time.” says Weed.

“Here in the UK we are privileged to have access to a vibrant tech start-up scene. There is a lot Unilever can learn from technology entrepreneurs and vice-versa. Our investment in The Next Big Thing reflects Unilever’s desire to experiment with new technologies, develop an agile, launch-and-learn culture and stay ahead of the game, whilst at the same time enabling startups to benefit from our global scale. Getting this right is fundamental to our future success and the wider digital economy.”

Weed will give a headline keynote at ad:tech London conference, joining a line-up of global marketing leaders and CEOs from brands including ao.com, O2, Microsoft, MailOnline and Lego plus outspoken Digital Critic and Author Andrew Keen. Meanwhile, hundreds of Unilever marketers will visit the event to meet 150 technology and solution providers participating in the ad:tech London marketplace.

“The Next Big Thing 2015 will challenge entrepreneurs, Unilever and our accelerator partners to realise the next generation of investment-ready marketing and technology start-ups,” adds James Drake-Brockman, ad:tech’s Head of EMEA.

“Featuring new partners, an extended programme of public events and one-to-one networking sessions, the initiative encapsulates the current enthusiasm for progressive brands like Unilever and start-ups to forge new alliances that push the boundaries of marketing innovation.”

Last year’s Next Big Thing award was won by East London-based content crowdsourcing platform seenit after Co-Founder Emily Forbes successfully pitched judges from Unilever, Havas Media, Diageo and Shop Direct. seenit has now partnered with Unilever on 10 projects worldwide and also counts Bacardi and the BBC amongst its clients.

Click here for more information about The Next Big Thing or here for details about ad:tech London.