SummaryIn the inaugural episode of the FPC podcast, Rich, Ciaran and Alex discuss recent M&A activity, the emergence of super signal aggregators, and the potential impact of US election on the M&A landscape. They highlight the success of companies like AppLovin and The Trade Desk, delve into the growing retail media sector, and introduce Pixels, a company focused on transforming vertical video for the open web. The conversation emphasises the evolving nature of ad tech and the opportunities for investment and growth in the sector. Key TakeawaysM&A activity is increasing in the ad tech space.The ad tech industry is bifurcating into signal and media execution.Super signal aggregators are becoming crucial in ad tech.Political changes may influence M&A activity in the coming years.AppLovin and Trade Desk are leading success stories in ad tech.Retail media is a growing sector with significant potential.Pixels aims to bring vertical video to the open web.The market for vertical video is growing rapidly.Generalist investors should be aware of the opportunities, but also the complexities in the ad tech space. Chapters00:00 Introduction to The FPC Podcast 01:49 M&A Trends in Ad Tech 06:10 The Rise of Super Signal Aggregators 09:48 Political Impacts on the M&A Landscape 14:10 Success Stories: AppLovin and The Trade Desk 17:56 Retail Media and Non-Traditional Ad Businesses 21:48 Pixels: The Future of Vertical Video 29:55 Market Potential and Future Plans for Pixels Pixels - Additional InfoTo learn more about Pixels, check out the full video interview here, and the pitch deck here. FirstPartyCapital - Additional InfoTo learn more about FPC, check out our website here, and subscribe to our newsletter here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.