StackAdapt is an advertising platform that leverages AI to optimize digital ad campaigns across multiple channels, including display, video, native, and connected TV. With an auction system, it evaluates millions of ad opportunities each second using predictive analytics to maximize ROI and enhance audience targeting. By integrating customer data and providing privacy-conscious, scalable solutions, StackAdapt provides advertisers with data-driven insights and automated ad placement.

So how can AI enhance discovery and shape awareness of digital advertising solutions that people may not yet realize they need? And what reward systems might be most effective for RL in optimising ad campaigns? The Derby Mill team talks to StackAdapt CTO and co-founder Yang Han to discuss potential answers.

GUESTS AND HOSTS

Yang Han, CTO and co-founder, StackAdaptAjay Agrawal, co-founder and partner, Intrepid Growth PartnersRichard Sutton, senior advisor, Intrepid Growth Partners, 2024 Turing Award recipient, pioneer of reinforcement learning and professor, University of AlbertaSendhil Mullainathan, senior advisor, Intrepid Growth Partners, MacArthur Genius grant recipient and professor, MITNiamh Gavin, senior advisor, Intrepid Growth Partners, Applied AI scientist, CEO, Emergent Platforms

LINKS

Derby Mill show websiteStackAdapt’s website and explainer videoRead Rich Sutton’s latest paper Welcome to the Era of ExperienceRich Sutton’s home page. Follow Rich on XSendhil Mullainathan’s website. Follow Sendhil on XBe sure to catch every episode of The Derby Mill Series by subscribing on the following platforms:YouTube // Spotify // Apple Podcasts

DISCUSSION POINTS

00:00 Introduction02:00 Welcome, Yang Han, CTO and Co-Founder of StackAdapt02:45 How advertising on StackAdapt works09:10 How StackAdapt thinks about ROI11:30 Yang on ad competition and who gets the credit.13:55 Niamh on what StackAdapt will look like at the limit.18:23 Sendhil on how we can surface decision-making in advertising.24:20 Rich on the advantages of assistance-based shopping.29:13 Becoming customer-focused with the rise of AI31:53 What executives lack when perfecting the matching problem.26:47 What’s one thing investors should pay attention to in this industry?

Nugget 01 – Alternative Customer-First Business Model

Nugget 02 – Educating Customers with Personalized Ads

Nugget 03 – Disrupting the Ad Market with Agent Discovery

DISCLAIMER

Intrepid GP is an investor in StackAdapt. The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as marketing, solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities or investments. The opinions expressed in this video are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of Intrepid Growth Partners or its affiliates. Any discussion of specific companies, technologies, or industries is for illustrative purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to consult with their own financial, legal, and tax advisors before making any investment decisions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insights.intrepidgp.com