AD Agencies
Hybrid turns five, rewires the future of ad-tech
MUMBAI: From a tiny 6 by 6 ft room to powering some of India’s biggest brands, Hybrid India has come a long way in just five years. The Gurgaon-based digital advertising innovator is marking its fifth anniversary with a celebration of creativity, technology, and people power.
Founded in 2020 by Shreyas Sathe, who set out to redefine advertising during a turbulent time, Hybrid has become one of India’s fastest-growing Adtech players. Its suite of AI-powered solutions, including the Hybrid Platform, VOX (its contextual advertising engine), Hybrid Places, and CTV technologies, has reshaped how brands connect with audiences.
Today, the company’s 35-plus strong team drives campaigns for marquee names like Havells, Honda, Dabur, Rado, MG Motors, Mondelez, ITC, Group M, Dentsu, and Publicis.
“Our greatest strength lies in our people,” said Hybrid Insea CEO Shreyas Sathe. “Over the last five years, we’ve built not just a company, but a culture rooted in trust, empowerment, and shared ambition.”
That ethos is echoed by Hybrid India country head Gandharv Sachdeva, who believes that Hybrid’s collaborative culture is what truly fuels innovation. “From off-site retreats to fun Fridays, we’ve built an environment where people grow both professionally and personally,” he said.
As Hybrid looks ahead, its focus remains on innovation and sustainable success. With the digital advertising space evolving rapidly, the company is doubling down on its mission to empower brands with smarter, data-driven storytelling.
Five years on, Hybrid isn’t just building ads, it’s building the future of how India experiences them.
AD Agencies
Havas Media Network India bags integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited
PivotRoots and Arena Media to drive 360° strategy for student outreach
NEW DELHI: Havas Media Network India has secured the integrated media mandate for Aakash Educational Services Limited, following a competitive multi-agency pitch, signalling a fresh push by the education major to sharpen its reach among students nationwide.
The mandate will be jointly handled by PivotRoots and Arena Media, both part of the Havas network. Together, they will roll out a full-spectrum media strategy designed to boost AESL’s visibility across digital and traditional platforms.
At the heart of the partnership lies a simple idea: making the brand not just seen, but sought after. The agencies will blend data, technology and creative storytelling to craft campaigns that resonate with students and parents navigating an increasingly digital-first education landscape.
Aakash Educational Services Limited SVP marketing Kanika Kumar Nijhawan said, “At Aakash, we believe success is built through a structured, long-term and data-driven approach. As we expand across the country, adopting a more integrated approach to media is essential. This partnership marks a significant step towards building stronger connections with our audiences.”
Under the arrangement, PivotRoots will spearhead digital and performance marketing, covering social media, influencer collaborations and data-led optimisation. Meanwhile, Arena Media will focus on traditional channels including print, television, radio, cinema and outdoor advertising, ensuring consistent messaging across touchpoints.
Havas Media Network India chief executive officer Mohit Joshi said, “Delivering for a powerhouse like AESL requires both scale and precision. By combining Arena Media and PivotRoots, we are deploying our Converged.AI platform to create a 360-degree strategy that drives engagement, conversions and long-term growth.”
Echoing the sentiment, PivotRoots founder and chief executive officer Shibu Shivanandan added that the collaboration would focus on building “impactful, full-funnel experiences” powered by deep analytics and performance-led marketing.
With a strong legacy in coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams, AESL is now doubling down on integrated media to stay ahead in a crowded, fast-evolving education market. The partnership with Havas signals a clear intent: to turn visibility into meaningful engagement and, ultimately, student success.
