AD Agencies
ad:tech: Marketing startups to pitch for Nestlé pilot
MUMBAI: For the first time in India, ad:tech is bringing their global initiative “The Next Big Thing” to the country in collaboration with Nestlé India. The Next Big Thing intends to build a platform that brings entrepreneurs and marketing leaders together and kick start collaborations. This pitch and award initiative gives startups an exclusive opportunity to showcase their technology, win a fully funded pilot with Nestlé, as well as the coveted recognition of The Next Big Thing.
To participate in this challenge, start-ups can view and apply to the marketing briefs developed by Nestlé. The shortlisted submissions will be judged by a jury comprising of Nestlé India’s top management, venture capitalists and technology industry leaders.
Speaking on the announcement, Nestlé India head of communication & eCommerce Chandrasekhar Radhakrishnan said, “Technology is disrupting businesses and the startup ecosystem is flourishing in India with entrepreneurial spirit and other positive environmental factors. This provides a great opportunity for brands to engage with these startups and try solving business problems through technological solutions. The Next Big Thing in partnership with ad:tech is one of our efforts this year to participate in the innovation ecosystem in India and work with start-ups to delight consumers and strengthen brands. Through start-up outreach programs such as this one, we will combine the creative spirit and ingenuity of external innovators with the scale and expertise of the world’s leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company.”
Commenting on the partnership and initiative Comexposium India country MD Jaswant Singh said, “Leading brands and agencies across the world are looking for more innovation, and we’re extremely excited to partner with Nestlé for ‘The Next Big Thing’. We strongly believe that The Next Big Thing will be a great platform for start-ups. The design philosophy of ad:tech is to constantly innovate and serve the needs of the modern marketers. Through this challenge, start-ups have the opportunity to showcase the latest technology and most ideas in front of Nestlé and digital media professionals.”
The registration for The Next Big Thing will be open till 13 February 2017. From all the submitted entries, 10 start-ups will be selected by a jury to take part in the final pitch event which will be held on 10 March at The Leela Ambience Hotel and Residences, Gurgaon.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
