Taiv, a company focused on transforming in-venue advertising, has secured $13 million in a growth round to scale its AI-driven ad network across North America. The round, which was oversubscribed, brings Taiv’s total funding to over $30 million and values the company just under $100 million. IDC Ventures led the investment, with continued support from Y Combinator, Garage Capital, and Emerging Capital.
Taiv’s technology gives bars, restaurants, and retail venues control over what appears on their TV screens during commercial breaks. Instead of default national ads, venues can display targeted content—ranging from local promotions to paid ads—tailored to the audience in the room. With nearly 5,000 venues now using Taiv’s system and a client list that includes T-Mobile, Fox, Google, FanDuel, and Pepsi, the company is positioning itself as a notable player in the evolving retail media and adtech landscape.
Short on time?
Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
- Who is Taiv, and why does this funding matter?
- How Taiv’s AI-powered ad network works
- What marketers can do with Taiv
- Key takeaways for in-venue advertising
Who is Taiv, and why does this funding matter?
Taiv is an adtech company that installs its own edge AI hardware in bars, restaurants, and retail spaces. The system detects commercial breaks in real time and swaps out national TV ads for content chosen by the venue or advertisers. This approach gives physical venues a new way to monetize their screens and engage customers with relevant messaging.
The $13 million growth round signals investor confidence in Taiv’s model and its ability to scale. The company has grown its team from 30 to 85 employees in the past year and plans to expand further, especially in sales and product development. With a valuation just under $100 million and nearly 3x annual growth, Taiv is emerging as a significant player in the in-venue advertising space.
How Taiv’s AI-powered ad network works
Taiv’s platform uses edge AI hardware installed on-site to monitor live TV feeds. When a commercial break is detected, the system can instantly replace the national ad with alternative content—such as a local drink special, a community event, or a targeted paid ad. The switch happens in under 100 milliseconds, ensuring a seamless experience for viewers.
A standout feature is “sports moment targeting.” Taiv’s system can identify not just the game, but the emotional context—such as a close fourth quarter or a home team comeback. Advertisers can then target ads to these specific moments, aligning their message with the mood in the room.
Celi Anindia
What marketers can do with Taiv
For marketers, Taiv opens up new opportunities to reach audiences in real-world settings:
- Targeted in-venue campaigns: Deliver ads based on the type of event, time of day, or audience profile in a specific venue.
- Real-time, context-aware messaging: Sync campaigns with live sports moments or local happenings to boost relevance and engagement.
- Local promotions: Help venues promote their own specials or events, driving immediate foot traffic and sales.
- Measurable impact: Access data on ad delivery and audience engagement, supporting more accountable media buying.
Key takeaways for in-venue advertising
Taiv’s latest funding round highlights growing interest in retail media and the potential of AI to make in-venue advertising more dynamic and measurable. As more brands look for ways to connect with consumers outside of digital channels, solutions like Taiv’s offer a path to more relevant, real-time engagement in physical spaces.
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