Palo Alto – February 10, 2026 – Woodside Capital Partners (WCP) is pleased to release our January 2026 Digital Advertising Snapshot, authored by senior bankers Ryan Klinefelter, Ron Heller and by analyst Ted Celentino.
Author insights:
- AI is reshaping the value chain. Conversational AI surfaces (e.g., ChatGPT ads) are creating new intent-based inventory, accelerating demand for measurement, commerce enablement, and brand safety platforms.
- Commerce media accelerates shift from reach metrics to direct sales outcomes. Retail media (part of broader commerce media) now captures ~29 % of total digital ad spend.
- AI automation moves from tools to autonomous campaign optimization. 3 in 10 marketers are now using AI across creative, media, and measurement — not just for pilots but for continuous optimization.
- CTV ad spend in the U.S. is projected to grow ~13.8% in 2026, outpacing total digital ad growth.
Get the snapshot here:
Woodside Capital Partners is a leading corporate finance advisory firm for tech companies in M&A and financings in the $30M –$500M enterprise value segment. The firm has worked with extraordinary entrepreneurs and investors since 2001, providing ultra-personalized service to its clients. Our team has global vision and reach, and has completed hundreds of successful engagements. We have deep industry knowledge and extensive domain and transaction experience in these and other sectors: Artificial Intelligence, CyberSecurity, HR Tech, Digital Advertising and Marketing, Autonomous Vehicles, ADAS, Computer Vision, Aerospace and Defense, CloudTech, Enterprise Software, IT Services, Information Security, FinTech, Internet of Things, Networking / Infrastructure, Robotics, Semiconductors, Quantum, Energy Storage, Digital Health & Virtual Care, Diagnostic, Medical Devices & Precision Medicine, Healthcare IT & Data Analytics Platforms, AI & Automation in Clinical Decision Support, Revenue Cycle Management & Financial Ops, Behavioral & Mental Health Tech, Value-Based Care & Preventive/Wellness Platforms, Healthcare Infrastructure & Cybersecurity. Woodside Capital Partners is a specialist in cross-border transactions, and has extensive relationships among venture capitalists, private equity investors, and corporate executives from Global 1000 companies. More about Woodside Capital Partners here.
Questions? Contact Ryan Klinefelter, Executive Director, Woodside Capital Partners at ryan.klinefelter@woodsidecap.com.