Over 70% of marketers say that relevant and engaging content creation is the most effective SEO tactic and brands with the most successful marketing campaigns share the ideology of “show don’t tell”. Ceros is the all-in-one digital canvas that enables brand marketers to build digital experiences at scale without code. Each product created through the platform is flexible, offers tracking and analytics, and can live anywhere. In an era where brands are vying for engagement, Ceros allows marketers, designers, and brand managers to collaborate to share their stories in a scalable and efficient manner.
AlleyWatch interviewed CEO Simon Berg to learn more about more about the platform, the company’s future plans, and most recent funding round, which brings the company’s total funding to $33.5M across four rounds.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
$14M in Series C funding led by Greenspring Associates. The round included participation from existing investors Grotech Ventures, CNF Investments, Sigma Prime Ventures, StarVest Partners, and Greycroft.
Tell us about the product or service that Ceros offers.
A cloud-based software platform featuring a collaborative, real-time digital canvas, on which designers create animated, interactive content. Ceros’ mission is to inspire, educate, and empower marketers and designers to craft bespoke digital experiences at scale and without code.
What inspired you to start Ceros?
The reason I started Ceros is the same as our purpose today, because creativity matters. I’m inspired by creativity – coming up with something new that doesn’t exist and thinking of new patterns. To me, building a company that gives people the ability to create is an inspiring thing to go after.
How is Ceros different?
Ceros is driven by the core belief that digital content is due for a creative upgrade. We know that in-house creative and design talent is often an afterthought, relegating content teams to focus almost exclusively on statistics, copy, and static visuals. We’re bringing creativity back to an industry that has been marketing to audiences based on data rather than human connection.
What market does Ceros target and how big is it?
Mid-Market and Enterprise businesses. Due to the flexible nature of our tool, companies across all industries can leverage Ceros to drive better brand experiences.
What’s your business model?
Ceros is run on a SaaS subscription-based business model, and the strategy is to inspire, educate, and empower our customers. We strive to inspire people to do things in a new way and be creative, educate them on how to do it and why it matters, and empower them with tools and services that enable them to produce immersive content experiences.
Who do you admire in the startup world and why?
In today’s landscape, I admire companies that dare to try to do something differently – companies and CEOs that have a purpose and more importantly, a why. Companies run by this type of leader are not just machines trying to make money.
In today’s landscape, I admire companies that dare to try to do something differently – companies and CEOs that have a purpose and more importantly, a why. Companies run by this type of leader are not just machines trying to make money.
What was the funding process like? This round specifically?
Smoother than it’s ever been. The business is in a fantastic place and we found a great partner in Greenspring Associates.
What are the biggest challenges that you faced while raising capital?
Distraction in the form of day-to-day business operations. It can be hard to pull yourself away to meet with investors when you’re passionate about the work you do.
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
The people, our pragmatism, the size of the opportunity, and trust.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
- Launch of our intent to own the experiential content space.
- Our biggest software release ever.
- Continued momentum that builds toward a long term future.
What advice can you offer companies in New York that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
There are many things to keep in mind when thinking about raising capital:
- Is the opportunity there?
- Where are you going to get it from?
- If it’s not available, figure out how to be the best company without it.
- Always remember, raising capital isn’t a prerequisite of running a business. Growth at all costs is not always a good thing.
Where do you see the company going now over the near term?
As we build into 2019, we’ll reveal a deeper commitment to inspiring brands to challenge themselves and expand their experiential marketing strategy beyond in-person activations. In late March, we’re hosting a launch event called “Experience Matters,” it will feature the introduction of the next wave of new Ceros products and services.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city?
Strip House. I love steak but am not a massive fan of super old school steak restaurants, this one is just old school enough. Their thick cut bacon is epic.
