rokk3r Acquires admobilize & Matrix Labs - $19.5M Deal

AdMobilize and Matrix Labs Acquired by Rokk3r for $19.5 Million

A significant transaction has taken place in the technology sector. Miami-based AdMobilize, along with its affiliated company, Matrix Labs, have been acquired for a total of $19.5 million.

The acquiring entity is Rokk3r, a Miami-based investment firm specializing in the creation, acquisition, and integration of innovative companies.

Understanding AdMobilize's Technology

AdMobilize focuses on the quantification of digital advertising's impact in physical spaces. This allows marketers to refine their strategies and more effectively connect with intended audiences.

According to Rodolfo Saccoman, CEO and founder of AdMobilize, the platform provides insights into viewer demographics. "The system analyzes age, gender, emotional response, and viewing duration when individuals encounter digital displays, such as those found in bus shelters on 5th Avenue."

He further explained that their platform effectively replicates the functionality of a click-through rate, creating what he terms "Google Analytics for the outside world."

Company History and Funding

Since its inception in 2012, AdMobilize has secured $13 million in funding. The company maintains a global presence with offices in Brazil, Colombia, and London, in addition to its Miami headquarters.

AdMobilize operates on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, with an average monthly subscription cost of $50 per screen or billboard.

Accuracy and Data Privacy

Saccoman asserts the technology boasts a 95% accuracy rate, relying on robust computer vision data. Should a digital display lack an integrated camera, AdMobilize can supply one.

He emphasized a firm commitment to data privacy, stating that the company does not engage in facial recognition and focuses solely on aggregated, anonymized data.

Matrix Labs: Empowering Edge AI

Matrix Labs, conversely, is a hardware-focused entity. Its products are comparable to Raspberry Pi, but offer significantly enhanced capabilities.

“Our Matrix Labs development boards augment the Raspberry Pi, enabling AI readiness for computer vision, sensor fusion, and voice recognition,” Saccoman stated. “This democratizes AI at the edge, lowering barriers to entry and accelerating development.”

Hardware Offerings and Accessibility

Matrix Labs currently offers two primary products: the Matrix Creator, priced at $99, and the Matrix Voice, available for $75.

Saccoman highlighted the cost-effectiveness of these boards. “They eliminate the need for multi-million dollar hardware investments, leveling the playing field for developers and facilitating the creation of physical-world solutions with affordable edge AI hardware.”

Investor Background

Rokk3r was an initial investor in AdMobilize, alongside other venture capital firms including Azoic Ventures, Fuel Venture Capital, VAS Ventures, and Axel Springer.

Rokk3r's Vision for the Acquisition

Nabyl Charania, Chairman and CEO of Rokk3r, explained the strategic rationale behind the acquisition. “Rokk3r has consistently recognized the potential of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and computer vision. Our early investment in and support of AdMobilize demonstrates this commitment.”

Charania continued, “The technology developed by AdMobilize/Matrix Labs is crucial for the future of AI, IoT, and computer vision, and aligns perfectly with Rokk3r’s focus on AI/IoT and intellectual property creation.”

Rodolfo Saccoman's Entrepreneurial Journey

Rodolfo Saccoman, the founder of both companies, is a Brazilian-born entrepreneur who relocated to the United States in 1995 to pursue higher education at Cornell University.

He began his career in South Florida, leading Digital Innovation at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. This acquisition marks his first successful exit, though his entrepreneurial endeavors began much earlier.

At the age of 13, Saccoman launched the “PiPi bag” in São Paulo, Brazil, a portable solution addressing the lack of restroom access during the city’s notorious traffic congestion.

Previous Ventures and Future Outlook

In 2007, Saccoman co-founded MyTherapyJournal.com with his brother, a psychologist. This platform was an early adopter of online journaling combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, incorporating nascent AI elements.

MyTherapyJournal ceased operations in 2012. Saccoman reflected on his consistent drive to identify and solve problems.

Following the acquisition, Saccoman will assume leadership of Rokk3r’s AI and IoT division.