AI and auction-based retail media infrastructure company Topsort has strengthened its position among some of the UK’s top tier retailers with the acquisition of UK-based Phuzion Media, appointing its cofounder, Stefano Biondi, as the General Manager UK.
Phuzion Media is focused on making offline retail media measurable using image recognition has worked with Tesco, Waitrose, Boots, Marks & Spencer, Very and Argos, amongst some of the UK’s largest and most respected retailers, providing a strong foundation of client relationships and market knowledge that will accelerate Topsort’s entry.
As part of the acquisition, Stefano Biondi, cofounder of Phuzion Media, will be appointed as General Manager UK at Topsort and will be leading the company’s expansion and go-to-market efforts in the UK markets.
“Topsort was born global from day one and what amazes us is how the challenges differ and stay consistent on a daily basis across the vast diversity of retailers we work with. The UK is both a familiar and new market for us across the pond as a Silicon Valley-born company, and home to many iconic retailers and legends in the retail media world,” says Topsort CEO Regina Ye. “We are excited to partner with true entrepreneurs and forward-thinking minds on the ground and level up our support and footprint in the UK market.”
“Joining Topsort is a natural evolution of Phuzion Media’s journey. Retailers here are looking for partners who can help them build sustainable, future-proof retail media businesses,” adds Biondi. “Topsort’s transparent, auction-first model is exactly what the UK market needs, and I’m excited to help write the next chapter of growth.”
Founded in Silicon Valley, Topsort has been expanding in the enterprise retail media market by applying AI technology in ad monetisation. Unlike traditional adtech solutions burdened with complexity and privacy challenges, Topsort empowers retailers and marketplaces to monetise their traffic without compromising user experience, says the company.
Topsort already works with leading global retailers and marketplaces, including DoorDash, Poshmark, Coles and LG and has seen rapid adoption in more than 40 markets globally between brands and retailers. The UK launch builds on this momentum and positions Topsort as a credible global challenger to incumbent platforms.
With the addition of Phuzion Media and a dedicated UK leadership presence, Topsort is well-positioned to deliver on its vision of helping retailers worldwide unlock the full potential of retail media, without the baggage of legacy adtech.
