Publicis Media launches brand and startup matchmaking unit NextTechNow in Singapore

The agency cited IDC research that says 60% of Asia Pacific enterprises are expected to undergo digital transformation by the end of 2017, presenting a need for brands to partner with smaller, more agile businesses.

John Ng, head of innovation and partnerships, business transformation at Publicis Media Asia Pacific, said: “NextTechNow will bring a new dimension to marketers by providing access to new partners and enable us to conduct collaboration sessions or inspiration tours to lead marketers into the new world that’s constantly evolving and disrupting businesses.”

Ian Loon and Christopher Harrison, co-heads of business transformation, Publicis Media Asia Pacific, said: “NextTECHnow is a new capability that represents our commitment as Publicis Media to deliver business transformation to business leaders and marketers. This forms a critical base for other solutions and services that we are co-developing alongside our agency leaders to future-proof and unlock further long-term growth for their businesses.

According to Publicis Media, it has already put $1.3m of client spend to startups via NextTechNow, which is already live in London and Shanghai. Clients including Heineken, Visa and P&G have already worked with startups via the scheme.