Snap Inc. Joins R/GA Marketing Tech Venture Studio With IPG

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today R/GA Ventures is pleased to announce that Snap Inc. has signed on as the lead partner for the R/GA Marketing Tech Venture Studio with IPG. Taking place at R/GA's NYC headquarters, the program is focused on companies that are advancing the future of mobile marketing and advertising. Applications are encouraged from growth-stage and early-stage startups that are leveraging technology to improve the creation and delivery of mobile advertising. This includes but is not limited to companies focused on creating videos and other engaging mobile experiences, optimizing ad delivery, measuring data analytics, and applying AI and machine learning concepts to marketing.

"We believe that mobile engagement has given rise to some of the best and most unique advertising opportunities," said Imran Khan, Snap Inc. Chief Strategy Officer. "We are excited to work with R/GA and IPG to support innovative companies that help marketers provide creative and effective advertising experiences."

Up to ten startups will be selected to participate in the program. As with all R/GA Ventures programs, R/GA will provide each company selected for the R/GA Marketing Tech Venture Studio with its award-winning product development, business transformation, marketing, branding, design, and technology services. Additionally, each company in the program will collaborate with and receive feedback and guidance from senior product and strategy leaders within Snap Inc. The program will also provide access to industry-leading experts from across the full range of IPG operating companies as well as access to the global networks of R/GA and IPG including clients, industry partners, mentors, and investors.

"Our support of the Marketing Tech Studio will help drive innovation for marketers and agency brands by finding more engaging, efficient and effective ways to reach consumers," said Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). "We expect our investment in the program will lead to new tools and technologies that lower the barriers for brands and advertisers to create measurable, customized content in a mobile world."

"The strategic value that Snap Inc. brings to the program will provide a crucial differentiation for startups developing the next wave of innovation in marketing technology and mobile video," said Stephen Plumlee, R/GA Global Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of R/GA Ventures. "We look forward to working with both Snap and IPG to provide both critical momentum and enormous network effect for the companies chosen to participate."

Startups from around the world are encouraged to apply. The application period has been extended through March 6th. The program will start on May 15th and will conclude in September with a demo event in R/GA's NYC headquarters, at which each company will have the opportunity to present to an invited audience of industry leaders, investors, and press. In addition, the program companies will have the opportunity to attend the Cannes Lions festival in June to present their businesses and meet with global brand leaders.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.rgamarketingtech.com and follow @rgaventures.

About R/GA

R/GA, the company for the Connected Age, develops products, services and communications to grow our clients' brands and businesses. Founded in 1977, the agency has been a pioneer at the intersection of technology, design and marketing with work spanning web, mobile, and social communications, retail and e-commerce, product innovation, brand development and business consulting. R/GA has more than 2,000 employees globally with offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific and is part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. R/GA Ventures was founded in 2013 and is a member of the GAN (gan.co), a network of the world's most respected accelerators and organizations in support of the startup ecosystem. For more information about R/GA, please visit www.rga.com, @rgaventures, and www.rga.com/accelerator.

About Interpublic Group of Companies

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include BPN, CRAFT, FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, MAGNA GLOBAL, McCann, Momentum, MRM//McCann, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Other leading brands include Avrett Free Ginsberg, Campbell Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, ID Media and The Martin Agency. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

SOURCE R/GA

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