The article discusses a company called Direqt, which has developed an AI-powered platform that allows publishers to create chatbots for their websites. The platform is designed to increase user engagement and drive revenue through in-chat advertising. Here are the key points from the article:
Key Features:
- Direqt’s platform uses AI to power chatbots that can engage with users on a publisher’s website.
- Publishers can choose between a SaaS model, where they pay a licensing fee based on transaction volume, or a revenue-based model, where Direqt takes a cut of in-chat ad revenue.
- The platform has been successful, with one customer reporting a 200% increase in time-on-site.
Revenue Model:
- Direqt’s business model is hybrid, allowing publishers to choose between the SaaS and revenue-based models.
- In-chat advertising is a key component of the revenue model, with Direqt claiming that performance is significantly higher than traditional advertising.
Funding:
- Direqt has raised $4.5 million in seed funding from investors including Todd Parker, former global head of Business Development for Business Messaging at Google, and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino.
- The funds will be used to accelerate product development and go-to-market efforts.
Competitive Landscape:
- The article mentions that there are other companies offering similar chatbot-powered platforms, but does not provide specific details on competitors.
Overall, the article suggests that Direqt’s platform is well-positioned to capture a share of the growing market for AI-powered chatbots in publishing.
