Mission Media AI Secures New Funding and Expands Sales Team to Speed Growth
Mission Media AI completed its second funding round at an eight-figure valuation. The company didn't disclose the amount or backers. Management says the capital will accelerate growth across product, supply, and talent.
According to the announcement, the funds will fuel investment in its proprietary tech stack, the opening of a flagship New York office, and deeper cross-platform monetization for creators and brands. "This funding marks a transformative moment for Mission Media," CEO David Krulewich says. "It allows us to accelerate product innovation, expand our exclusive media supply, and continue building a world-class team."
New sales hires signal go-to-market intent
Mission added two sellers: Joanna Gingold as Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Katie Hughes as Associate Account Executive. Gingold brings nearly two decades across media, sports, and tech with roles at Curiosity Stream, PlaymakerHQ/Better Collective, iHeartMedia, and Audacy. Hughes joins with four years of advertising sales experience at Fox Corp. and Forbes Media.
"Joanna and Katie embody the talent and client-centric focus that defines our mission," says Krulewich. "Today, we're reshaping how technology, distribution, and AI connect brands and creators across every channel."
What Mission Media AI offers
Mission Media AI positions itself as a next-generation content, distribution, and media sales company across podcasting, streaming audio, digital, in-app, CTV, and video. The company partners with creators, networks, and publishers to build cross-platform strategies.
Core services include distribution infrastructure, ad tech implementation, and revenue generation. Since a soft launch earlier this year, Mission reports more than a billion ad impressions executed and millions in earnings for creators.
Why this matters for sales teams
- Fresh cross-platform inventory: Audio, CTV, and video open up full-funnel packaging and sequential messaging.
- AI-enabled monetization: Expect faster optimization loops and tighter alignment between audience segments and creative.
- Flagship New York office: Indicates a bigger field presence, more meetings, and more co-selling opportunities.
- Experienced leadership: David Krulewich (ex-Audiohook CRO, Katz Digital) and Steve Smith (20-year SiriusXM veteran) suggest strong market relationships.
Practical talk tracks you can use
- Cross-platform reach: "How are you balancing podcast, streaming audio, and CTV to reduce waste and improve frequency control?"
- Exclusive supply: "Can we test Mission's unique inventory to improve unduplicated reach in key demos?"
- Measurement: "What lift and attention metrics are available across channels, and how do we standardize reporting?"
- Creative fit: "Can we run modular creative for podcast host-reads and repurpose for CTV cutdowns?"
- Deal structure: "Let's pilot a 30-45 day test with clear mid-flight optimization rules."
Buyer questions to ask Mission
- Targeting: Which first-party segments are available, and how are they refreshed?
- Brand safety: What controls are in place across podcasting and CTV? Are there allow lists and contextual options?
- Attribution: Which partners do you support for audio and CTV? Can you report incremental reach and site actions?
- Pricing: CPM ranges by channel and format, plus any value-add for test budgets.
- Service model: Who manages creative swaps, pacing, and daily optimization?
KPIs worth tracking
- Unduplicated reach across audio + CTV + video
- Frequency caps by audience and channel
- Completion rate and attention signals on CTV/video
- Podcast host-read performance vs. announcer spots
- Cost per incremental site visit or qualified lead
Context for cross-platform sellers
CTV continues to pull brand dollars thanks to premium content and measurable outcomes. If you need a quick primer or data points for client decks, the IAB's resources on CTV can help set the stage.
Team and timeline
- CEO: David Krulewich, who left his role as CRO of Audiohook in January and launched Mission Media AI in June.
- Co-founder: Steve Smith, a 20-year SiriusXM veteran.
- Funding: Second round closed; details undisclosed; eight-figure valuation.
- Near-term plan: Invest in proprietary tech, open a New York office, and expand cross-platform monetization.
How to act on this now
- Build a 3-channel media test (podcast + streaming audio + CTV) with standardized KPIs.
- Ask for 2-3 exclusive placements to validate performance lift vs. your current plan.
- Set weekly optimization checkpoints for pacing, creative, and audience segments.
- Prepare a short case memo for clients: goal, channels, testing plan, expected outcomes.
Want to sharpen your team's AI and ad tech skills?
If you're equipping sellers to speak confidently about AI-driven targeting, attribution, and creative ops, a structured training path helps. These resources can accelerate ramp time and improve client conversations.
Bottom line
Mission Media AI is scaling product, inventory, and headcount to win more share in audio, CTV, and video. For sellers, this is a fresh source of cross-platform supply and a reason to revisit your packages, KPIs, and talk tracks with clients.
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