Someone at Salesforce has taken the “every company is a publisher” cliché a bit too literally, resulting in Salesforce+, a new content streaming service that promises endless hours of Salesforce-related materials. There will be no fewer than four channels featuring a slate of live experiences, on-demand videos, and – everyone’s favorite – the best of Marc Benioff’s Dreamforce keynotes. Watch for plush costumes.
yellow.ai, the leading customer experience automation platform, announced that it has raised $78.15 million in Series C, led by WestBridge Capital along with Sapphire Ventures, and Salesforce Ventures. Lightspeed Venture Partners again participated in this round, which brings total funding raised so far to $102.15 million. yellow.ai will strengthen its dominant leadership in 50+ countries including India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
In slightly less bizarre broadcast news, media quality service Integral Ad Science has purchased connected TV ad platform Publica. It sounds like a referee becoming a player, but IAS apparently sees it as improving the game for everyone. Price was $220 million including 75% cash and 25% stock.
Procrastinators of the world can throw a party whenever they get around to it: Google has once more pushed back complete third-party cookie deprecation. The new target is “early next year.” Reasons for the delay include concerns expressed by U.K. data regulator Information Commissioner’s Office, an ongoing inquiry by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, and widespread discontent in the advertising ecosystem.