GroupM creates AdVentures, a startup accelerator program

GroupM this week announced the launch of AdVentures, an accelerator initiative that supports early-stage companies with a three-month growth program. AdVenture is seeking three to four US-based startups that are well positioned to solve a specific set of challenges defined by participating GroupM clients.

GroupM’s AdVentures accelerator is accepting applications for its first class up until June 1, 2019.

Jet.com, Church & Dwight, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Company and other advertisers are participating in the AdVentures program to leverage creative startups who can solve emerging business needs. Identified challenges include finding new solutions for: 

• technology-driven customer experience, 
• next-generation lifetime value modelling, and
• engaging brands with New Yorkers using AI-fueled dynamic creative. 

“The AdVentures accelerator reflects our focus on helping clients navigate evolving consumer behaviors in media, commerce, and technology,” said GroupM’s North America CEO, Tim Castree. “Mentoring promising, early-stage companies and connecting them to our clients creates a learning and growth opportunity for everyone involved.”

Start-ups accepted into the program will receive mentorship and support from a network of experts across WPP, GroupM, and an array of partners who will aid their development with legal issues, development, branding, governance and more. At the end of the program, participating start-ups will be much further along their paths to offering advertising clients reliable solutions and services meeting advertiser-defined needs. 

“Our clients across industry categories are experiencing unprecedented disruption, making a focus on innovation in business operations crucial,” said GroupM Global Corporate Development Partner, Hana Farahat. “GroupM strives to be a primary innovation partner for our clients; by focusing disruptors on our clients’ top-of-mind challenges, we’re facilitating maximum relevance and benefit for both parties.”