marketing
marketing on Beyond Market Intelligence: a running collection of 9 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on marketing in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Acme AI is the next-generation, AI-powered spreadsheet platform built to replace Excel and redefine how analysts, data scientists, and enterprise teams work with data. New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around marketing, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Beyond Market Intelligence is covering right now.

Perplexity’s free AI offer left it with millions more users in India
Perplexity’s strategic partnership with Airtel propelled its user base in India to millions, demonstrating the power of accessible AI. Following the promotional offer’s conclusion for new users, Perplexity experienced a remarkable 60% rise in India revenue, even as downloads saw a slight decline, highlighting user retention and value. This success underscores a growing demand for AI-powered information tools. For broader context on navigating AI’s evolving landscape, explore our article on “OpenAI launches a safer ChatGPT for teens.”

Investors sue Selena Gomez alleging fraud tied to her mental health startup
Several investors have initiated legal action against Selena Gomez, alleging fraudulent activity related to her mental health startup. The plaintiffs claim to have invested nearly $1.2 million, citing a failure to adequately develop and market the company. This development raises questions about the viability of early-stage ventures and the responsibilities of celebrity founders. It follows a period of rapid growth and valuation in the AI space, as evidenced by recent discussions surrounding Cognition's potential $40 billion valuation.

Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni reportedly knew Phia was ‘cookie stuffing’ for months
Shopping startup Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, faces renewed scrutiny regarding its business practices. Reports indicate that Gates and Kianni were allegedly aware of Phia’s “cookie stuffing” activities for several months. This latest development adds to a growing list of concerns surrounding the company’s operational transparency. For context on emerging startup trends, see our recent coverage of River AI's significant funding round. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.

Top 5 Claude Skills for Marketing
Claude presents a compelling addition to marketing workflows, particularly by automating ad and email creation—tasks often handled manually. While its generative capabilities are useful, remember that Claude complements, rather than replaces, essential marketing processes like strategic planning, channel selection, and performance reporting. A key challenge lies in navigating the vast landscape of available data, where dedicated marketing resources are often diluted within larger libraries.

Walmart completes its acquisition of TV advertising company Vibe.co
Walmart solidifies its presence in the connected TV advertising space with the completed acquisition of Vibe.co, initially announced in June. Integrating Vibe.co into Walmart Connect, the retailer’s advertising platform, signifies a strategic move toward enhanced data-driven advertising solutions. This acquisition empowers Walmart to offer more targeted and impactful ad experiences for brands. For those seeking a broader understanding of AI-powered platforms supporting such advancements, explore our in-depth review of Abacus AI.
Public health academia to industry
Transitioning from public health academia to industry data science requires a strategic approach. Your experience with biostatistics, machine learning, and causal inference – particularly publications in journals like *JAMA Open* – establishes a strong foundation. While SQL proficiency and test-style probability questions are valuable, prioritize demonstrating practical application. Focus on building a portfolio showcasing data manipulation, model deployment, and impactful insights. Consider exploring resources like "A Marc Benioff-backed startup thinks AI can solve the AI deployment problem" for perspectives on current industry challenges and solutions.

Elon Musk’s X settles multiyear legal battle with the World Federation of Advertisers
X, formerly Twitter, has concluded a multiyear legal dispute with the World Federation of Advertisers, resolving a 2024 lawsuit. X alleged the WFA orchestrated an illegal boycott following Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. The settlement marks a significant step for X as it navigates ongoing efforts to rebuild advertiser confidence. This case mirrors similar challenges faced by other digital platforms, as evidenced by eBay’s recent $56 million settlement – details of which can be found in a related article on our site.

Meta launched a new AI optimism ad set to a song about human extinction
Meta’s recent advertising campaign has sparked considerable debate, utilizing David Bowie’s poignant “Five Years” – a song depicting humanity’s impending extinction – to convey a message of AI optimism. The juxtaposition of a somber, apocalyptic narrative with aspirational branding raises questions about the tone of technological progress. This choice underscores the increasing need for critical evaluation of how AI is presented and perceived. For a deeper look at the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure, explore our article on Runway's shift toward becoming a model router.

Anthropic’s newest ad is creeping people out
Anthropic’s latest advertising campaign is drawing attention—and some unease—as the company continues to position itself as a responsible AI leader. This new marketing push, which acknowledges criticisms surrounding AI’s potential impact, appears to reinforce Anthropic’s commitment to ethical development. The stunt leans into concerns about AI, seemingly demonstrating an awareness of the responsibilities inherent in advanced AI technologies. For further context on the evolving landscape of AI development, explore our recent article on Apple’s newly accessible Siri AI.