The idea for Beatgrid came from a big industry problem, which is a  gap in the way advertisers could truly measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, without the duplication that occurs when using multiple sources to measure similar numbers. I wanted to develop a solution that combines cross-platform transparency, accuracy, with actionable & easy-to-use insights, especially in today’s media landscape where traditional metrics often fall short. I realised that we all had the devices needed to pull this off in our hands and pockets, our mobile phones - the rest was simple in a matter of speaking, tap into that monster data-source to finally obtain the marketing manager’s holy grail: accurate, real-time single-source cross-media measurement of  advertising effectiveness.

Tell us about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?

Beatgrid is the first and largest single-source cross-media measurement platform that helps top-tier advertisers and media companies understand the real-world impact of their campaigns using (double opt-in) unique passive Audio Content Recognition (ACR) tech. Our goal is to provide precise, actionable data that enables better decision-making and stronger return on investment (ROI). We work with leading brands, media agencies, and video publishers and broadcasters globally, using AI and proprietary ACR technology that’s scalable and privacy-first to ensure trust and efficiency. We reach customers through a mix of partnerships, direct outreach, and our industry presence at key events and recommendations from other partners that have worked with us before.

How does Beatgrid answer an unmet need?

The advertising industry  is dealing with the most fragmented ecosystem yet, and marketers have long struggled with siloed and inconsistent measurement tools that often deliver incomplete pictures. Beatgrid steps in by offering a unified platform that simplifies cross-channel analysis. This not only makes campaign performance clearer but also ensures better allocation of ad spend, driving true business growth.

How has the business evolved since its launch?

Since our launch Beatgrid has expanded its offering from audio recognition technology to becoming a comprehensive cross-media measurement solution. To date, we have been trusted to measure  over 1 billion pounds of campaign investments, over 200 of them to be precise, with companies such as Amazon, Coles Supermarkets, Google, Netflix, Sky, Tesco, The Trade Desk, Virgin, and many more. We’ve scaled internationally, secured key partnerships and have continuously evolved our platform to stay ahead of industry needs. We now run two consumer panel apps that enable the widespread adoption of our technology and therefore the broadening of our data pool. Media Rewards allows users to hear ads passively using ACR tech, in return they have a cash prize draw monthly. And Jagger, our latest consumer idea, plants trees the more people use the app and the more they, again, privately, enable our partners to see and understand the reach of their ads, be they YouTube, traditional TV, TikTok, Instagram, Radio, Netflix, anything with an audio signature.

Tell us about the working culture at Beatgrid?

At Beatgrid, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Our team thrives on curiosity and a drive to challenge industry norms. We also prioritise work-life balance and are committed to building a supportive, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.

What’s in store for the future?

We believe in setting new industry standards, and we believe Beatgrid will become the future index of cross-media advertising effectiveness and efficiency. We’re focusing on expanding into new markets, enhancing our technology with AI-driven insights, and continuing to build partnerships that drive meaningful change in advertising measurement. Today, everyone tries to adapt AI in the best possible way. But, AI needs constant fresh human data to be valuable, and Beatgrid is the unique capability to passively track offline and online media behavior, which is crucial for any AI model to work.

How are you funded?

We are self-funded by the founder and bootstrapped our way into growth with revenue from our growing customer base. This has allowed us to remain agile and focused on delivering the best outcomes for our clients.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome this?

One of our biggest challenges has been getting people to change and move away from the outdated solution that was built for yesterday's media landscape. People recognize the need for change, but are afraid of the truth or are scared to change solutions for other reasons. Smart marketers are more scared of investing in the wrong channels and creatives, because they measure what makes them look good on each individual channel. We call them vanity metrics.

As with all new directions, people (the decision makers in this case) are confused or scared of change. We’ve tackled this by consistently demonstrating results and building trust with clients who now see us as an essential partner in their success. Most recently we have completed a ground-breaking study with Publicis, and Disney Star, so more big names are coming to the platform, one campaign at a time.

What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?

Stay focused on solving real problems that change people's lives. The most successful ventures are the ones that address genuine pain points and deliver tangible value to their customers.

And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?

I start my day with some form of exercise; it helps me clear my mind and stay energised. I focus on prioritising tasks that align with our company’s long-term vision and make time for reflection to continuously improve. My current mantra is: “Keep learning, keep evolving.”

Daniel Tjondronegoro is the CEO and Co-Founder of Beatgrid.