categories

HOT TOPICS

Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 7)

Posted on Thursday, Jun 28th

We continue our discussion about the technical and strategic implementation of the Adapt.tv technology. The core behind it is a learning system which is fed data from contextual matching as well as inputs from user interaction with ads. Over time, this produces an optimized ad campaign for video-content providers, addressing a validated market need. SM:

Read Full Article »

Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 8)

Posted on Thursday, Jun 28th

To conclude the interview, I ask about Africa. The general political instability has created an environment which makes it difficult for microfinance investments. However, you have to wonder if some socio-economic stability would not provide increased political stability? A vicious cycle exists, but can it not be concerted into more of a virtuous cycle? SM:

Read Full Article »

Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 6)

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 27th

Next Amir describes the environment and concepts behind the founding of Adapt.tv. Having the seed money himself from his previous exit, he was able to move forward aggressively to seize a piece of an emerging market. This is a key element for entrepreneurs who are able to repeatedly experience success and is right in line

Read Full Article »

Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 7)

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 27th

Chris earlier brought up Compartamos, an MFI currently operating in Mexico. It seems they have a solid customer base and a very profitable business strategy – further proof of the validity of cash-positive microfinance business models. SM: How many loans does Compartamos have ath the moment? CB: I think they have about 600,000 customers. I

Read Full Article »

Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 5)

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 26th

Amir benefited from a very nice exit from Shopping.com when it was acquired by EBay for $630 million. Here he discusses that, which sets us up for his next (and current) venture at Adapt.tv. SM: Which companies survived the bubble? AA: Shopzilla, PriceGrabber, MySimon was acquired by CNet, NextTag is still active and private. SM:

Read Full Article »

Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 6)

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 26th

Microfinance opportunities are growing throughout the world. The availability of data to support the microfinance trend is available from various sources. Depending on the location of the MFI, the cost of delivering the loan can be very low. SM: Can you cite that type of data? That is exactly the type of data you need,

Read Full Article »

Cracking the Online Video Monetization Nut: Adap.tv CEO Amir Ashkenazi (Part 4)

Posted on Monday, Jun 25th

I am always interested in companies which survived the crash, and especially interested when they are in such a competitive market. Here Amir outlines what steps were taken at Shopping.com led to the success of the company. SM: What did you do differently to make a 1997 founded company survive the worst downturn in the

Read Full Article »

Venture Capital for MicroFinance: Chris Brookfield (Part 5)

Posted on Monday, Jun 25th

Here the conversation directly addresses a common assumption that microfinance is not a profitable business model. SM: I would like to get back on topic and drill down on the assumption on returns. Microfinance may charge 18-25% interest and even so does not get even close to the types of returns the venture capital funds

Read Full Article »