PubMatic has announced a collaboration with the Untapped Growth media collective aimed at providing independent agencies with greater access to its agentic platform. This partnership is expected to support indie agencies, offering them new opportunities and a competitive edge amid the ongoing consolidation within holding companies.
When done correctly, founder brands serve as their own mini media company, attracting new customers by communicating authentically. The key? You're not writing for yourself, but for your audience.
Gen Z entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives to leadership, informed by their early experiences as interns. For example, Katie Diasti, founder of Viv Period Care, emphasized the importance of involving team members in understanding the full scope of the business to foster ownership and motivation. Similarly, Anam Lakhani, co-founder of Alinea Invest, strives to make each team member feel impactful by linking their work directly to company progress and user experience.
Young founders like Liam Ryan of Streetleaf balance their lack of traditional experience with humility and strong mentorship. They face the challenge of managing older employees and overcame skepticism from external stakeholders by confidently demonstrating the value and sustainability of their innovative products. These leaders show that respect in the workplace stems from transparency, trust, impactful work, and confidently challenging outdated perceptions.
As we approach 2026, small business leaders must embrace curiosity and adaptability to thrive amid the evolving impact of AI on customer experience.
SXSW implemented several changes this year, yet many founders still found the experience highly valuable and enjoyable. The event continues to be a key hub for connecting innovators and investors alike.
Leah Solivan shares her insight on the crucial skills that truly make a difference in hiring decisions amidst the rise of AI technology.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently shared a memo highlighting the company's longstanding commitment to supporting small businesses. He emphasized that millions of entrepreneurs already leverage Meta's platforms to expand their reach and interact with customers. Moving forward, Meta aims to enhance its support for entrepreneurship while advancing the adoption of artificial intelligence within these business communities.
Navigating the varying regulations and deadlines across states can stealthily undermine even the most promising startups if they lack organized, forward-thinking management systems.
As the first quarter wraps up, CEOs need to reflect: are they genuinely crafting a strategy to drive growth, or merely filling their schedules with tasks? Understanding this distinction is vital to avoiding stagnation and fostering real progress in business scaling.
Success isn't about having the flashiest product or service; it's about how effectively you solve a vital problem for your customers. Your startup's value lies in its ability to become indispensable by helping clients accomplish key tasks.
