February saw a fresh funding round for Ireland’s NewsWhip, an acquisition for Augeo and news that Twitter may soon end its free API. Meanwhile, the team at AMEC announced the winners of its rising stars initiative, highlighting the talented future of our industry.
NewsWhip raises funds
NewsWhip has raised $USD 13 million in its latest finding round. The Dublin-based predictive news analytics company will use the funds to develop its platform. It intends to grow its headcount by 50 per cent by 2024. The finding round was led by London’s AshGrove Capital. NewsWhip’s CEO Paul Quigley said he is excited to bring AshGrove Capital on as investors, stating “their team recognises the transformation underway in the communication profession, and the unique position NewsWhip has in enabling that transformation”.
Augeo acquires social media marketing agency
Augeo, the enterprise engagement platform provider, has acquired Brand Networks, the social media marketing agency for an undisclosed sum. Brand Networks develops AI-powered tools to help monetize first-party data and audiences across social media platforms. Augeo says the deal expands its own engagement solutions and data collaboration initiatives.
Twitter to end free API (or is it?)
Confusion reigns at Twitter. The month started with Twitter announcing plans to shut down access to its free API starting from 9 February. The announcement caused widespread concern among developers, and Twitter’s response appeared to be to shut off access to its developer’s forum. (Access is now available again.) Twitter then decided to delay enforcing the rule until 13 February. We are now at the end of February and Twitter’s free API is still available. Quite what will happen to the API is anyone’s guess at this stage, but we should expect an announcement soon.
The European Commission selects Unicepta
The European Commission has chosen Unicepta as its media monitoring services partner. The solution will cover all 27 EU member states as well as important non-EU countries. The Cologne-based Unicepta is building its team of experts and analysts who collect international reporting from online and offline sources, identify trends in social media and make them available in various digital briefing and news formats.
AMEC announces rising stars
AMEC, the media evaluation trade body, has announced its 2023 rising stars cohort. Led by AMEC Board Directors Steph Bridgeman, from Experienced Media Analysts, and Amrita Sidhu, from Medianet, the initiative aims to showcase the next generation of leaders in the industry. The year sees 18 individual winners from 15 organisations. The rising stars represent suppliers, like Onclusive, agencies such as Golin, and in-house teams. Congratulations to all of the winners.
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