Canada's StackAdapt snaps up $235M for its AI-based programmatic platform | TechCrunch
Feb 04, 2025 - techcrunch.com
StackAdapt, a Toronto-based programmatic advertising startup, has raised $235 million in equity funding led by Teachers’ Venture Growth, the investment arm of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. This funding round, which also includes participation from Intrepid Growth Partners and four unnamed investors, is one of the larger rounds for a Canadian startup. StackAdapt, founded in 2014, had previously taken a $300 million investment from Summit Partners in 2022. The company leverages AI to enhance programmatic advertising, which accounts for a significant portion of the digital advertising market. StackAdapt's platform serves various business verticals, including political campaigns, retail, and healthcare, offering solutions like native advertising, video, and connected TV.
The rise of AI and automation has reshaped the programmatic advertising landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for companies like StackAdapt. CEO Vitaly Pecherskiy noted a shift in focus towards growth and cost-effectiveness through automation and AI, with strong demand for StackAdapt's products. The company aims to combat ad fraud and bot traffic using its AI, built on a decade of experience analyzing ad traffic patterns. Rick Prostko of TVG praised StackAdapt's consistent growth and profitability, highlighting its potential to become a global leader in AI-driven advertising.
Key takeaways:
StackAdapt, a Toronto-based programmatic advertising startup, has raised $235 million in equity funding led by Teachers’ Venture Growth.
The funding round is significant for its size and reflects a trend of increased investment in AI-driven companies.
StackAdapt offers a range of advertising solutions across various business verticals, leveraging AI to combat ad fraud and improve targeting.
The company aims to become a global leader in AI-driven advertising, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and automation.
