TL;DR:
- Moloco, a Silicon Valley ad-tech startup valued at over $2 billion, aims to become a versatile business consulting solution provider.
- They are developing machine learning technology to offer real-time business consulting advice based on big data analysis.
- Moloco has successfully launched ad services for e-commerce platforms and streaming video services using machine learning.
- Their Streaming Media Monetization Solution empowers smaller streaming and OTT media operators to offer tailored ads.
- The Retail Media Platform (RMP) enables app operators to build their own profitable advertising businesses.
- Moloco’s portfolio diversification has resulted in 12 consecutive quarters of profits and a valuation of over $2 billion.
- They plan to expand machine learning applications in the ad sector and launch more business solutions.
- Moloco remains open to postponing its Nasdaq listing to focus on business development.
Main AI News:
Moloco Inc., a prominent ad-tech solution startup hailing from Silicon Valley and currently valued at over $2 billion, is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a versatile business consulting solution provider, according to its CEO, Ahn Ikk-jin.
In a recent interview with The Korea Economic Daily, Ahn expressed the company’s vision to develop machine learning technology capable of supporting businesses in various industries in the medium to long term. Moloco aims to introduce a groundbreaking solution that harnesses big data analysis to offer real-time business consulting advice, perfectly aligned with the flourishing digital economy.
This new aspiration follows Moloco’s successful venture into ad services for e-commerce platforms and streaming video services using machine learning technology in recent years. Since its inception in 2013, Moloco has positioned itself as an ad-tech startup empowering clients to analyze their vast amounts of data and customize advertisements tailored to different customers, ultimately leveraging its cutting-edge machine learning technology to monetize these ads.
Moloco’s relentless pursuit of portfolio diversification has yielded impressive results, with the company being recognized as Silicon Valley’s first Korean CEO-led unicorn in 2021. It has continued to captivate its clients with an expanding range of products, receiving an overwhelming response from the market.
One notable addition to Moloco’s repertoire is the Streaming Media Monetization Solution, introduced earlier this year. Leveraging the power of machine learning, this innovative solution empowers streaming and over-the-top media owners to enhance their revenue streams by maximizing ad profits. Traditionally, the market for ads in streaming video services has been dominated by industry giants like Google LLC and Meta Platforms Inc. However, Moloco’s new service levels the playing field, enabling smaller streaming and OTT media operators to offer a wide array of tailored ads, effectively targeting a diverse range of customers. Ahn proudly stated, “We have made significant advancements in our artificial intelligence technology over the past two years, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of our ad recommendation system.“
In addition, Moloco introduced the Retail Media Platform (RMP) in 2021, empowering app operators to establish their own advertising businesses and generate profits. By leveraging Moloco’s advanced machine learning infrastructure and models, users of the platform, including oHouse, an all-in-one lifestyle platform operated by Korean startup Bucketplace Co., delivery app operators, a major Korean home-shopping channel operator, and a secondhand marketplace developer, can unlock the potential of personalized recommendations. Ahn emphasized that Moloco’s RMP enables users to earn additional ad revenue, much like the renowned Amazon.com, offering a lifeline to smaller e-commerce platforms struggling with subpar ad performance.
With a remarkable track record of 12 consecutive profitable quarters and an impressive $200 million in revenue in 2022, Moloco’s efforts to diversify its product lineup have paid off handsomely. Recently, its enterprise valuation soared by approximately 33% over three years, surpassing the $2 billion mark when Fidelity Management & Research Company and Singapore-based global investor EDBI acquired Moloco shares from Korea Investment Partners (KIP), the company’s Series A investor.
Looking ahead, Ahn envisions an expanded application of machine learning in the ad sector over the next three to five years. Bolstered by operational machine learning, Moloco plans to launch additional services that cater to a wide range of business solutions. Although the company initially planned to list on Nasdaq this year, Ahn revealed that the focus for now remains on business development, indicating a potential Nasdaq debut in the following year. Ahn, a former Google and YouTube engineer, co-founded Moloco with two ex-Google colleagues a decade ago.
In May 2021, Moloco joined the prestigious unicorn club after successfully completing a Series C funding round, raising an impressive $20 million. The company boasts a global presence with offices in the US, the UK, Germany, Korea, China, India, Japan, and Singapore, positioning itself as a key player in the ad-tech industry.
Conclusion:
Moloco’s efforts to unlock the potential of machine learning in the ad-tech industry have positioned them as a rising star in the market. Their innovative solutions, such as the Streaming Media Monetization Solution and the Retail Media Platform, disrupt traditional market dynamics, allowing smaller operators to compete effectively. With consistent profitability and a strong valuation, Moloco’s commitment to diversifying its product portfolio and providing cutting-edge business consulting solutions makes it a formidable player in the industry.
