Ben and I take stock of the mood among technology vendors on Day 3 of IBC. I offer an informal framework around the four dominant moods I’m hearing: “fortress” businesses with established strengths, AI-native companies and products, firms reinforcing their capabilities, and those showing signs of anxiety. These categories can overlap, and Ben challenges some of my examples as we discuss how different businesses are responding to AI. He also shares a Kaltura demonstration that turned him into an on-screen avatar, taking conversational interfaces beyond voice alone.

We then turn to acquisitions and the contrasting approaches of technology investors. Drawing on conversations with Quortex, Ben describes Lumine’s strategy of keeping acquired businesses separately managed and accountable for their own performance, while sharing a playbook of best practice across the group. We discuss how that differs from combining companies to pursue synergies, and from the substantial cost reductions associated with Bending Spoons. What do these models mean for the suppliers shaping broadcasting and streaming’s future?

Watch the full episode below and share or comment on LinkedIn.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Conference Vibes
03:12 Vendor Insights and Emotional States
06:11 Fortress Companies and AI Native Trends
10:16 Private Equity Strategies in Tech Acquisitions

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