Axel Springer Partners with Connatix to Drive Video Engagement

Axel Springer SE, a media and technology company active in more than 40 countries, today (September 19th, 2023) announced a long-term partnership with Connatix, the leading video technology company for premium publishers and advertisers, to power online video engagement. 

The partnership will fuel Axel Springer’s continued efforts to drive revenue for its publishers, enabling the media brands to further engage readers with their video content by leveraging Connatix’s technology. The partnership underscores both companies' commitment to building an innovative, yet sustainable business model for digital quality journalism.

“Connatix shares our dedication to ensuring publishers remain financially viable and competitive in the digital age,” said Mathias Sanchez, SVP global strategic partnerships at Axel Springer. “Their cutting-edge technology enables us to unlock new revenue opportunities for our media brands. We look forward to leveraging Connatix’s solutions in new ways as the industry continues to transform itself with the adoption of advancements like generative contextual AI.”

The partnership will, in a first step, comprise Axel Springer’s German media brands WELT and BILD, including the BOOK Family, B.Z., SPORT BILD, AUTO BILD and COMPUTER BILD. With Connatix’s integrated player, ad server and exchange, the media brands will be able to grow and optimise video strategies. Additionally, they will be able to generate additional revenue by leveraging Connatix’s video solutions to allow advertisers to precisely target their video campaigns against contextually relevant content. Connatix will provide Axel Springer with several benefits, including access to the leading demand-side platforms (DSP), cookieless contextual targeting, and transparent reporting. With its technology, Connatix enhances the regular digital video monetisation for Axel Springer’s media brands via Media Impact and Ad Alliance.

“We are thrilled to join forces and partner with Axel Springer, one of the world’s leading digital publishers and a company that shares our strong commitment to innovation and excellence in publishing,” said Bill Swanson, SVP, EMEA. “Our best-in-class video technology will empower Axel Springer to tap into the power of online video and innovate to help drive the future of digital publishing.” 

The news also bolsters Connatix’s overseas expansion as global demand for Connatix’s video solutions continues to grow. Following the opening of its UK office and the appointment of Bill Swanson as SVP of EMEA in 2022, Connatix’s investments in video innovation and cookieless targeting have enabled the company to build relationships with the leading publishers and advertisers in the U.K. and across Continental Europe.