In this episode, we explore the rising influence of AI in marketing agencies, the implications of tech-forward agency models, and recent high-profile acquisitions like Grapevine AI. Discover how private equity and Silicon Valley are reshaping agency valuations, deal structures, and the future of the industry.

Key Topics

• The emergence of AI-native agencies as highlighted by Y Combinator's 2026 request list
• How agencies are evolving to resemble software companies with higher margins and scalability
• The challenges traditional agencies face integrating innovative, tech-led models
• Trends in agency valuations, deal structures, and the influence of private equity
• An in-depth analysis of the recent Grapevine AI acquisition and its significance
• The shifting landscape of deal valuation, cash on close, and deal structure for tech-forward agencies
• The barriers to adopting AI and modern practices within conservative client organizations
• The strategic rationale behind merging creator economies with AI-enabled marketing solutions

Timestamps

00:00 - Building custom Claude bots and the evolution of OpenClaw

02:12 - Silicon Valley’s focus on AI-native agencies

03:00 - How agencies will become more like software companies

03:50 - The landscape of traditional vs. modern, tech-forward agencies

07:02 - Private equity's view on services versus software investments

09:40 - Recent acquisitions: New Engine’s Grapevine AI and other strategic moves

11:32 - What makes Grapevine AI unique in creator-led content

14:10 - The impact of deal structure and valuation rigor in AI agency acquisitions

17:23 - How founders are pushing for tech-led valuations and lower risk models

18:16 - The challenges of adapting legacy agency models to AI-driven futures

20:11 - Industry response and what’s next for agency deal activity

Resources & Links

• Grapevine AI
• New Engine
• Y Combinator - 2026 Startups List (scroll to #3)
• LinkedIn - Caroline LaVere

Connect with Christian and Ayelet

Ayelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/

Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/

Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.co

In/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Inorganic Podcast, hosts Christian Hassold and Ayelet Shipley are joined by Travis Johnson, co-founder and Global CEO of Podean, to talk about the incredible story behind the one of the rising star Amazon and marketplace retail media agencies, which is now backed by Mountiangate. The conversation explores the origin of Podean, their successful search for private equity backers, their acquisition of Commerce Canal and their broader point of view on the opportunities in the retail media and marketplaces business. Travis shares insights on how Podean differentiates itself by offering integrated solutions that address not just media performance but also the broader operational needs of brands in the marketplace. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the necessity for brands to adapt to the changing dynamics of e-commerce.

Takeaways

• Podean was founded to bridge gaps in the retail media landscape.
• Retail media is becoming increasingly important for brands.
• Global consistency is a priority for large brands.
• Podean's growth strategy includes a focus on social commerce.
• The partnership with Mountain Gate Capital aims to enhance Podean's capabilities.
• Navigating the M&A process requires careful preparation and cultural alignment.
• AI is seen as a transformative tool, but its implementation must be thoughtful.
• Future growth for Podean includes strategic acquisitions to enhance service offerings.

Chapters

02:28 Travis Johnson’s Background & Podean

04:55 Retail Media Today & Holdco Limits

08:00 Building a Global Marketplace Business

10:41 Social Commerce & Live Shopping

11:19 Winning Clients from Holdcos

12:47 Early M&A Talks & Learning Private Equity

16:00 Choosing the Platform Model & Mountaingate

19:08 Control, Governance & Valuation Realities

23:57 Strategic Buyers vs. Private Equity

28:26 Commerce Canal: The Right Acquisition

31:13 Closing Two Deals & Integration

39:24 Using AI Without the Hype

45:37 Growth Strategy & What’s Next

Connect with Christian and Ayelet

Ayelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/

Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/

Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.co

In/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured

Connect with Travis Johnson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-johnson77/

Follow Podean on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/podean/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold welcome Tom Shipley to share his journey of building and scaling businesses through acquisitions. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) present, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and relationship building. The conversation also explores partnership dynamics and the role of external partners in resolving conflicts. Tom highlights the power of acquisitions in overcoming business challenges and achieving growth, offering insights into the process of identifying and acquiring businesses.

Takeaways

• Acquisitions can solve almost every business challenge.
• Partnership dynamics often require external mediation.
• Strategic thinking is crucial in M&A.
• Building relationships is key to successful acquisitions.
• Acquisitions offer a faster path to business growth.
• Understanding seller motivation is essential in deals.
• Partnership conflicts can hinder business progress.
• Acquisitions can provide liquidity and strategic opportunities.

Chapters

00:46 Tom Shipley’s Path Into M&A

01:38 The First Acquisition That Changed Everything

05:34 Using Acquisitions to Solve Cash and Capability Gaps

08:28 Buy vs. Build: Rethinking Entrepreneurship

09:37 Seller Motivation and Why Deals Exist Everywhere

11:50 Organic Growth vs. Acquisition Math

13:41 Partnership Misalignment as a Growth Blocker

14:21 How M&A Can Resolve Partner Deadlock

19:26 Mergers as a Reset for Growth and Liquidity

28:40 The Valley of Despair for Mid-Market Founders

29:45 Buying the Next Chapter vs. Starting Over

31:50 Where to Find Acquisition Opportunities

37:49 Adding a Zero: Expanding the Mental Model

39:44 DealCon, Reources, and Community

Connect with Christian and Ayelet

Ayelet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/

Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/

Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.co

In/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured

Connect with Tom Shipley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-shipley/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.