Starcom MediaVest Group UK (SMG UK) (www.smvgroup.com) today 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.
The launch follows a successful pilot throughout 2014, which saw SMG UK actively engage clients with complementary tech solutions. 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.
Jim Kite, Strategic Development Director, said: “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. 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 said: “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.”
About Starcom MediaVest Group
Starcom MediaVest Group is the Human Experience Company. We believe experiences matter. They enhance lives and build brands. We bring brand experiences to life through SMG’s three global award winning agency brands: MediaVest, Starcom and Spark. In 2014, SMG was named Media Network of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. SMG was also named Festival of Media Global Network of the Year for the second year in a row, and the fourth time in the last six years.
Ranked the number one global media network in billings in the world by RECMA, SMG (www.smvgroup.com) encompasses an integrated network of human experience strategists, investment specialists, content creators and digital & technology experts. With over 8,000 employees in 130 offices worldwide, SMG partners with the world’s largest marketers including The Coca-Cola Company, P&G, Samsung, and Walmart, as well as new establishment brands including Spotify, Twitter, LinkedIn and Airbnb. SMG is part of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40], one of the world’s leading communications groups.