Shopify‘ was named Marketing’s very first Tech Player of the Year last year because it’s been such a sharp shooting firm right from the get to. That success comes, in large part, from a great product offering. The industry has surely taken note – its IPO valued the company at more than $1 billion. But not only is its core product – an accessible ecommerce platform – an industry leader from a technical standpoint, the firm understands that it must put its clients first.
“Central to Shopify’s vision is the idea that retailers should be able to shape and own their web experience,” wrote Jeff Fraser in his Tech Player profile of Shopify. “While Amazon can be a useful way for established sellers to build volume, its standardized product pages aren’t exactly the best place for a brand to flaunt its personality.” By understanding that it must allow its users to retain their brands and personalities, Shopify became an easy pick for the inaugural Tech Player of the Year in 2015.
Now Marketing must begin the daunting task of finding the next one.
There are many challenges in such a search. Canada’s is ripe with digitally minded entrepreneurs, and the adtech/martech space is exploding with companies racing to fill the gaps in attribution and ad metrics, platform development, content delivery software and countless other disciplines that didn’t exist as little as five years ago.
In looking for the next tech player, Marketing seeks a combination of bold ideas and real business results in service to brands looking to connect with audiences and improve operations.
Think your company has what it takes? Marketing is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Tech Player of the Year. Nomination forms are available online.
