The Wall Street Journal recently reported that venture capitalists see greater value in marketing technology (or MarTech) than advertising technology (or AdTech), simplifying the difference down to a matter of billing structure. AdTech tends to follow a “media-based” business model, whereas MarTech relies on “subscription-based” model.
Media buys might have bigger peaks, but they are also more ephemeral. Subscriptions are predictable, reliable revenue. For venture capitalists, it’s a no brainer. But for digital marketers, the differences between AdTech and MarTech go far deeper than billing structure. They’re rooted in and limited by the data points at their core.
This video delves into those differences, and their influence over how this technology has evolved, to determine whether “MadTech” is really the future or destined to be the next “Kimye.”
More from Digiday
Lifestyle brand Stanley uses AI behind the scenes — but execs claim it won’t touch ad creative
Not every brand is racing to let AI anywhere near its ads. Stanley draws the line there on purpose.
TikTok’s Kat Marquez unpacks NBA and WNBA creator deal
TikTok’s latest move to secure its share of the leagues’ growing audiences sees it play gatekeeper between creators and rights holders.
In Graphic Detail: The real impact of creators at the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup buzz was all about creators; we look at the numbers breaking down their impact at the global tournament.