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NEW YORK CITY ---- July 21, 2008 Ringleader Hires DoubleClick's Sonjoy Ganguly as VP of Product Management - Seasoned Executive Brings Background in Interactive Rich Media and Emerging Industries to Drive Ringleader Roadmap and Growth.
Ringleader Digital, the only third-party ad serving network for mobile devices, today announced it has hired Sonjoy Ganguly as Vice President of Product Management. Ganguly brings 15 years of product management experience to Ringleader. His directives will include setting product strategy, defining the roadmap of major corporate initiatives, and managing the ad operations and marketing strategies for the organization.
"Mobile is at the forefront of digital advertising Ð it is the only medium where relevant ads can be positioned in front of consumers wherever the consumer is. And, we're now seeing significant media spend shift to the emerging mobile market," said Mr. Ganguly. "Ringleader Digital is the industry's most viable player due in large part to its groundbreaking technology approach to the mobile ad space. As we move the company forward, we will play a major role in shaping the industry's future success."
Ringleader Digital's open, third-party advertising model continues to gain attention from major industry players including advertisers, agencies, and publishers. Recent announcements consist of deals with major brands like IAC Advertising Solutions and innovative mobile application companies like HopStop, with more deals in negotiations. The company's unique abilities to target campaigns by device functionality as well as to provide common reporting that maps through DoubleClick and Atlas ad management systems are only two of many reasons for Ringleader's strengthening popularity. Digital advertising benefits are vast, requiring the right sophisticated solution to roll out strong go-to-market product strategies.
"The timing is absolutely right to augment our team with Sonjoy," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader Digital. "We've experienced considerable and steady growth since our re-brand earlier this year. It's time to take advantage of that momentum; to define next steps that will continue realizing our digital advertising platform's potential. Having Sonjoy's expertise as part of the leadership staff is invaluable to meeting these objectives."
Prior to Ringleader, Mr. Ganguly was Director of Product Management for DoubleClick's Rich Media product line, functioning as the general manager for the multi-million dollar global business unit. Before that, he was at TheLadders.com, an online job board for professionals, where he was hired to develop the product development department, implementing standards and procedures using software development lifecycle methodologies. Mr. Ganguly also held product director responsibilities at Donovan Data Systems, the leading global data service provider to the advertising industry, where he was responsible for numerous global product launches. He holds a BS in Management, Industrial And Labor Relations and International Business from New York University's Stern School of Business.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobileÑfulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- June 17, 2008 Ringleader Digital to Deliver Mobile Ads for IAC Advertising Solutions - Next Generation Third-Party Ad Network Helps Fills Mobile Site Inventory for IAC Ad Solutions' Portfolio of Industry-leading Brands.
Ringleader Digital, the only third-party ad serving network for mobile devices, today announced that it will provide the mobile advertising platform for IAC Ad Solutions (IAC/AS) and its broad range of consumer brands. For Ringleader Digital, the IAC/AS relationship significantly increases its direct publisher network to include some of the most visited Web sites in North America. The deal also creates greater reach and return on investment for mobile advertising campaigns, the fastest growing segment of the advertising world.
"We're committed to offering our brands and external marketers powerful advertising tools that leverage digital technology," said Rich Stalzer, President of IAC/AS. "As the mobile ad market grows, and our audience reach extends, we want to make sure our inventory is filled by the right brands, and delivered to the right people. We believe our partnership with Ringleader Digital will help make this happen."
Ringleader Digital's next generation mobile advertising network allows advertising agencies and direct brands to easily extend their digital advertising initiatives to mobile. The company offers the only third-party mobile advertising service that delivers ads by device functionality, not just device type, among many other targeting parameters. This means that advertisers purchasing inventory on mobile sites in the IAC/AS platform can be sure their ads are sent to their entire target demographic on any available mobile network. Advertisers are no longer limited by incompatible ad formats or costs associated with designing and serving up multiple ad formats.
"Our partnership with IAC/AS is yet another example of a world-class publisher endorsing our third-party approach to mobile advertising, which allows advertisers and agencies to efficiently and effectively deliver their online ads to mobile," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader Digital. "Ringleader is pleased to be working with an interactive leader that positively impacts the way we live and communicate every day with digital technology."
Additional inventory will be made available to advertisers as IAC Ad Solutions continues to roll out its brands' mobile sites throughout the year.
About IAC Advertising SolutionsA division of IAC Search and Media, a wholly-owned business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), IAC/AS offers innovative marketing opportunities across some of the world's top interactive brands, including Citysearch, Match.com, Evite, Ticketmaster, Excite, Fun Web Products, IWON, and RealEstate.com. Display and interactive media, content and feature sponsorships, custom creative solutions, direct marketing, and mobile are just some of the ways IAC/AS helps marketers effectively engage their target audiences. Main office of IAC/AS is located in New York City. For more information please visit iacadvertising.com or phone 212-404-1000.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobileÑfulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- June 10, 2008 HopStop Chooses Ringleader to Serve Location - Based Ads to Mobile Users - Advertisers Now Benefit from Hyper-Targeting Capabilities Offering Metro-Area HopStop Consumers Localized Promotions of Immediate Interest
Ringleader Digital, the only third-party ad serving network for mobile devices, today announced that HopStop has selected Ringleader to serve ads over its mobile Web site. Ringleader's third-party ad serving platform enables HopStop advertisers to hyper-target advertisements via user location without the need for gathering GPS data from mobile carriers. As a result, the success potential for mobile advertising campaigns on HopStop increases by ensuring ads and correlating promotional campaigns are delivered to users when and where they are most likely to benefit from them.
HopStop.com offers consumers door-to-door directions via public transportation systems and other forms of urban navigation in several major metropolitan areas. The company serves 1.7 million visits, 10 million pageviews and 30 million ad impressions per month.
With a highly successful online presence, the company required a mobile advertising partner that enabled advertisers to take advantage of the unique location-oriented inventory quickly and effectively. Now, through Ringleader's platform, mobile advertisements on HopStop can either relate to the physical address of the user based on voluntarily inputted information, or on the nature of the place (e.g., restaurants, shops, museums, etc.) the user searches for. And, the location-based advertising is possible without requiring HopStop to pull GPS data down from the wireless carriersÑeasing the complexity and increasing the speed of mobile ad serving.
"Ringleader Digital is the right partner for local advertising," said Chinedu Echeruo, CEO of HopStop. "Ringleader's advertising platform is able to first take the location data, then quickly identify and serve ads that can be for establishments along the user's route or right next door to his destination. This creates a whole new level of relevancy for ad targeting, with a level of granularity the market hasn't seen before."
Ad campaigns utilizing this type of location-based targeting can include a variety of marketing possibilities. For example, advertisers can daypart offers (i.e., breakfast coupons for the nearest coffee shop), drive special promotions for area mobile users, or select categorical restrictions. Advertisers can even target users based on the city block they're traversing. These and other targeting capabilities offered via Ringleader Digital create a hyper-local clarity that drives a greater return on investment.
"We expect that location-based services on the phone will bring a new dimension to digital marketing," said Jeremy Lockhorn, Director of Emerging Media for Avenue A | Razorfish. "Physical location becomes a targeting variable that we can leverage much like other behavioral and contextual inputs. However, the industry as a whole must continue to respect privacy and exercise a level of restraint. The consumer comes first, period."
The Ringleader Digital and HopStop relationship also helps brands increase their customer loyalty by not flooding the user's mobile inbox, a practice that can increase a user's mobile service bill. Ringleader Digital's platform ensures that advertisements served are accurately displayed in a single SMS message to the user, eliminating the risk of ad data overflowing into a second message.
"Working with HopStop illustrates how Ringleader Digital can complement the power of online publisher sites in the mobile environment," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader Digital. "Together, we're creating a valuable option for advertisers looking for location-based targeting features. As the mobile advertising industry continues to grow, it's becoming more valuable to be able to target based on consumer location and interests while still ensuring ad relevancy. Our model is able to do that."
For more information on how to advertise on HopStop's mobile site, please contact Lilia Kunin at Ringleader Digital at +1.212.947.9800 x2312 or lilia@ringleaderdigital.com.
About HopStopHopStop.com operates in the navigational and local search industry and is defining a new sector: Urban Navigation. The Company's technology provides door-to-door directions to city residents and tourists via public transportation systems. HopStop does for subway and bus riders, what Mapquest does for drivers. The Company's services are currently available in New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas.
HopStop was named one of TIME magazine's 50 Coolest Websites of 2006 and was also named Travel + Leisure's Top 25 Travel Websites of 2007.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobile—fulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit http://www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- June 09, 2008 Ringleader Digital Launches New Blog for the Mobile Advertising Industry - "Ringside" Offers Insider Views on the Hottest Industry News and Trends
Next-generation mobile advertising company Ringleader Digital today announced the launch of Ringside, a blog focused on the latest news and trends in the mobile advertising industry. Blog posts written by Ringleader executives will offer insider perspectives on issues relating to mobile advertising, while also providing an opportunity for visitors to comment.
Ringside’s target audience includes the complete mobile industry, such as publishers, agencies, enthusiasts and brands. The Ringleader bloggers will examine a range of topics including mobile campaigns, technology advances and breaking news, and will address how these issues directly impact the mobile space. Blog readers are invited to engage in dialogue with the Ringleader executives who post, in an effort to keep the issues relevant and compelling.
"This is the time for mobile advertising," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader Digital. "There is so much buzz in the marketplace as it advances. As experienced industry professionals with valuable insight, we feel compelled to help highlight the meaningful content and frame it within a discussion to engage other industry players. Through these discussions, we can all develop and share vital ideas that will drive the market to its intended success."
Ringside is now live at www.ringleaderdigital.com/ringside.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobile—fulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit http://www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- March 26, 2008 Local Solutions Network Chooses Ringleader to Serve Ads To Millions of Users on the Nation's Largest Mobile Network of Local Media Content
Ringleader Digital, the only third party ad serving network for mobile devices, today announced that Local Solutions Network (LSN) Inc. has selected Ringleader Digital to help deliver ads on its Local Wireless® network. Local Wireless is the nation's largest mobile network of local media content. Its addition to Ringleader's third-party ad network makes an additional 50+ million impressions per month available to premium brands seeking mobile advertising.
Users on LSN's Local Wireless® network can access news, streaming video, weather, finance, sports and more from more than 140 local affiliates by accessing http://www.localwireless.com through their mobile devices.
"With Ringleader Digital's ability to integrate with existing online ad campaigns, rolling out multi-channel campaigns locally through mobile advertising is now a one-step process for advertisers," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader. "And, through our relationship with LSN, our ad network now includes access to the most watched media in local markets nationwide. Our rapidly growing list of premium brands can finally leverage some of the most desirable ad inventory in local advertising."
"We look forward to being a part of Ringleader Digital's next generation advertising network and to benefiting from a third-party ad serving model that will help mobile advertising finally take off," said Lee Durham, CEO of LSN. "During our thorough search for a mobile ad network, we looked at numerous vendors. Only Ringleader was able to provide a timely solution that made mobile ad serving simple and effective. Ringleader provides us with full end-to-end control and insight into all of our mobile advertising campaigns."
Ringleader is witnessing a growing demand for larger and more expansive campaigns across multiple platforms as brand managers become more aware of the lucrative mobile Web experience. The company's technical capability to break through common mobile ad barriers has already won the attention of major brands such as Best Western and Absolut.
"In 2005, the typical mobile purchase was only $5,000 to $10,000 per campaign," said Mark Pearlstein, Vice President of Business Development at Ringleader. "However, as of last year, it increased from $50,000 to $100,000. Now in 2008, we are seeing mobile click-through rates at two to three percent, and advertisers are taking notice with campaign proposals in the seven figures."
Ringleader's next generation mobile advertising network works with publishers, carriers and advertising agencies to extend the online advertising experience to mobile. Ringleader has created a device-agnostic network that is the only third-party mobile advertising service to specifically deliver ads by device functionality. This means that Ringleader can seamlessly deliver ads on any available mobile network and distribute ads that work best with an end-user's device.
About LSNLSN works with leading television stations and broadcast groups to deliver local content to mobile users across all U.S. wireless carriers. LSN has the nation's largest network of local media news content in both English and Spanish - currently offering news, weather, sports and more in over 140 local market affiliates across the country. For more information please visit http://www.lsnmobile.com/.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobile—fulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit http://www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- March 21, 2008 Ringleader Digital's Viral Click-to-Call Campaign Captures Attention of Mobile Device Owners - Mobile Ad Company "Signals" Movie Goers to Experience the Fear
Next-generation mobile advertising company Ringleader Digital, today announced the mounting success of its creative, mobile click-to-call campaign designed to promote Magnolia Pictures' latest horror movie, "The Signal." By using the one feature every phone has, the ability to make and receive phone calls, Ringleader's viral campaign has yielded a 16 percent response rate within its target demographic, meaning that thousands of people to date have clicked to hear "The Signal."
Approached by Magnolia Pictures' media agency, Media Storm, Ringleader seized the opportunity to use the hottest new marketing medium, mobile, to spread the word - or in this case, the sound. Seeking an innovative campaign that would grab the attention of movie goers, the agencies toyed with the idea of a click-to-video campaign. However, to maximize reach, Ringleader advised a click-to-call campaign - offering a creative solution that soon had mobile phone users interacting to create movie buzz.
"The mobile medium is undoubtedly one of the most useful and, simultaneously, underutilized channels available to marketers today," said Craig Woerz, Managing Partner of Media Storm. "Much like TVs are in nearly every home, most people now carry a mobile device. With the right partner, like Ringleader, you can reach those people and engage them on the spot. The success and high response rate we've experienced through Ringleader's campaign has encouraged us to recommend mobile advertising elements as part of future projects."
The campaign initially relies upon a mobile banner that invites fans to click the ad, an action that sends them to the movie's mobile Web site. Created by Ringleader, this site offers people a chance to hear the signal, send the sound to a friend or read a film synopsis. Moments after clicking on the "Listen to the Signal" option, a call comes through the user's handset. When answered, the call plays the same noise responsible for chillingly transforming the movie's characters into mass murderers.
Also through the ad site, users can read a film synopsis or send the mesmerizing signal noise to their friends. The independent film tells the story of innocent people transformed into sociopathic killers after listening to sounds and viewing images transmitted through their television sets.
"'The Signal' project exemplifies how innovative advertising campaigns can and should cross from one screen to the other," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader. "And, the beauty of it is how easily that capability grows your opportunities to capture minds. The mobile element complemented other online components - it didn't mirror them. The click-to-call program gave Media Storm the next medium through which to reach tech savvy people with a catchy, viral campaign."
In addition to managing the click-to-call element, Ringleader Digital sourced ad inventory on mobile Web pages frequented by Media Storm's target demographic as well as created the WAP site. The click-to-call program hit the third screen on February 19 just in time for the February 22 movie release.
About Media Storm LLCFounded in 2001 by cable and entertainment media veterans Craig Woerz and Tim Williams, Media Storm LLC South Norwalk, Conn., is one of most well respected and fastest growing agencies in entertainment media sector. The independently owned strategic media agency is known for multi-media campaigns that achieve high levels of audience tune-in for several entertainment properties, including Magnolia Pictures, Food Network, HGTV, TruTV, The Weather Channel, FX Networks, SPEED, NFL Network, Fox Broadcasting, Fox Pay Per View, Video in Demand, WE tv, DIY Network and Fine Living TV Network. Media Storm recently announced the formation of the creative agency MAUDE. Media Storm's knowledge and usage of emerging media like Video On Demand and Broadband Video partnerships has re-defined the digital media space. The agency was named 106 on Inc. 500 list of most successful companies in America with a three-year growth of 869.7%. Media Storm was ranked No. 13 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Hot 500 Fastest-growing Businesses in America, and Advertising Age named Woerz one of its "Media Mavens – The Year's Ad Industry Media Stars."
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobileÑfulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit http://www.ringleaderdigital.com.
NEW YORK CITY ---- February 4, 2008 W2 Group Leads $6 Million Funding Round for Ringleader Digital - Ringleader (formerly MoPhap) Unleashes New Brand Identity and a Next-Generation Mobile Advertising Network
Ringleader Digital, formerly known as MoPhap, today announced a $6 million Series A Round of venture funding led by W2 Group, a next-generation marketing services company. Ringleader will use the infusion of capital to continue building out its premium mobile advertising network, bolster corporate development and increase global marketing efforts. For W2 Group, the investment is yet another indicator of the organization's aptitude for identifying and advancing the next disruptor in the digital mobile space. The strategic value in this partnership for Ringleader is the relationships that can be leveraged in the W2 top-tier portfolio of technology and healthcare clients.
As of today, Ringleader falls under the W2 umbrella of next generation companies offering a range of advertising, communications and marketing services to a long list of technology and healthcare clients.
"Ringleader is the first mobile advertising network that finally fulfills the promise and potential of the Mobile Web," said Larry Weber, CEO of W2 Group. "Right now, other mobile advertising networks are complicated, segmented and filled with guess work and administrative headaches. Ringleader takes online advertising and puts it on mobile devices. It doesn't get less complicated than that."
Common mobile advertising practices typically require the use of server-side software that inherently brings exclusivity to inventory access. Also, mobile ads are often limited by different device requirements. The result is a complex and costly mobile advertising experience that requires multiple relationships between publishers, ad servers, ad networks and sometimes carriers for one single campaign. With delivery of third-party ad serving, Ringleader eliminates all of these complications.
Ringleader's next generation mobile advertising network works with publishers, carriers and advertising agencies to extend the online advertising experience to mobile. Ringleader has created a device-agnostic network that is the only third-party mobile advertising service to specifically deliver ads by device functionality. This means that Ringleader can seamlessly deliver ads on any available mobile network and distribute ads that work best with an end-user's device. For example, Ringleader would only serve a video ad to a phone capable of playing it.
"Ringleader can increase the value of an advertiser's inventory by providing a solution that generates higher fill rates," said Bob Walczak, CEO of Ringleader. "But, perhaps our biggest value to our customers is the ability to integrate Ringleader into their current online campaign management systems. This gives our customers the same control and insight into their mobile advertising that they already experience with their Web campaigns."
Ringleader has already delivered mobile campaigns for brands such as Best Western, Absolut and Blu-Ray.
About Ringleader DigitalAs the next-generation mobile advertising network, Ringleader Digital brings the online advertising experience to mobileÑfulfilling the potential and promise of the mobile Web. Ringleader's device-agnostic network is the only third-party mobile ad service, and is the first to specifically target ads by device functionality. Ringleader simplifies advertising transactions and delivery by providing brands and publishers the ability to seamlessly and simultaneously distribute ad campaigns across any mobile digital platform. With this unprecedented control, publishers maximize the revenue potential for ad campaigns while brands and advertisers can finally track and audit every element of a campaign's effectiveness. Ringleader is based in New York City. For more information please visit http://www.ringleaderdigital.com.
About W2 Group, Inc.W2 Group is a global marketing services ecosystem that helps CMOs in their new role as builders of communities and content aggregators. W2 Group companies, including Digital Influence Group and Racepoint Group, are leaders in social media marketing in both paid and unpaid media.