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Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IgniteTech Acquires Khoros to Transform Customer Connections in the AI Answer Engine Era
New AI Features to Empower Brand Communities as Digital Discovery Evolves AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IgniteTech, a leader in AI innovation for enterprise software, today announced its acquisition of Khoros, the comprehensive platform for digital-first customer engagement. IgniteTech is set to integrate its proven AI technologies across the Khoros platform. This strategic move comes as brands without AI-enhanced capabilities face up to 40% drops in visibility and engagement. 'Khoros has found its ideal home at IgniteTech,' said Eric Vaughan, CEO of IgniteTech. 'As an AI-first innovation company, we recognize the fundamental shift in how customers interact with brands. AI answer engines are rapidly widening the gap between market leaders and those failing to understand the changes required to keep up. We'll deliver an AI Community Orchestrator and Brand Defender, plus a complete AI-driven Brand Intelligence Suite, all multilingual and sensitive to global cultural nuances—transforming the Khoros Communities and Khoros Service (previously Khoros Care) product lines, helping brands maintain control over their narrative.' 'This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Khoros and its customers,' added Chris Tranquill, CEO of Khoros. 'Our customers have built valuable communities and brand care programs now challenged by AI answer engines. By joining the IgniteTech family, they'll gain critical competitive advantages as slower-adoptive competitors see their digital investments lose relevance and value in the AI-first world.' This acquisition follows IgniteTech's complete shift into an AI-first organization, pioneering AI technologies from the ground up in less than 10 months. These innovations will now enhance the entire Khoros product suite, creating smarter, more interactive experiences across all digital touchpoints. Enhancing the Complete Khoros Platform IgniteTech is enhancing the entire Khoros platform—including Communities, Service and Social Media Management—with new AI features, starting with these key capabilities for Communities and Service that deliver important value: For Khoros Communities: AI Expert Help – Advanced AI providing immediate, multi-lingual responses, reducing response times from hours to minutes while driving higher engagement. AI Discovery Defender – Ensures community content remains discoverable by AI systems, as unprepared competitors face 49% traffic losses following Google's AI introduction. AI Brand Defender – Monitors what AI systems say about your brand, correcting misinformation while maintaining narrative control. Brands with sophisticated monitoring see 18% higher clickthrough rates. AI Community Orchestration – AI tools working alongside community managers to generate content, moderate interactions, analyze sentiment and identify engagement opportunities—creating vibrant communities while surfacing actionable insights. For Khoros Service: Brand Intelligence Suite – Complete solution for digital brand management. AI Brand Care Expert – Routes high-risk interactions to humans while handling routine inquiries consistently. With 83% of customers expecting immediate responses, this creates a competitive advantage. AI Social Pulse Monitor – Detects conversation patterns invisible to conventional tools, identifying emerging issues before they impact business. AI Creator Intelligence System – Identifies ideal creator partnerships based on authentic alignment rather than superficial metrics, with early adopters seeing 40-60% higher conversion rates. The AI Technology Integration IgniteTech's AI approach distinctly enhances both Khoros Communities and Khoros Service with a unified philosophy that keeps humans at the center. Rather than replacing humans with AI or leaving them struggling without assistance, the implementation creates a partnership where human expertise and AI capabilities amplify each other's strengths. Community managers and Service agents maintain control while AI handles repetitive tasks, provides instant assistance and augments human capabilities. This human-centered approach ensures that technology enhances human judgment and creativity rather than attempting to substitute for it. Implementation Timeline As the market divide expands between AI-enabled leaders and increasingly marginalized followers, Khoros customers will receive AI Expert Help functionality by mid Q3 2025, with AI Discovery Defender and AI Brand Defender integration following in the course of Q3 and Q4 2025. The Brand Intelligence Suite for Khoros Service will begin rolling out in parallel. A preview of the upcoming capabilities is available immediately at for all Khoros customers. Jones and Spross, PLLC, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, LLP served as counsel to IgniteTech, and Moelis & Company LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel to Khoros for the transaction. About IgniteTech IgniteTech is a global, AI-first enterprise software company. With a track record of successful company and technology acquisitions with rapid innovation, IgniteTech's solutions power the world's businesses. Since retooling the company in 2024 to become an AI innovation organization, IgniteTech has created two new AI-powered innovations, Eloquens AI and MyPersonas, along with AI capabilities across its entire platform. Media Contact: [email protected] Follow: LinkedIn / X About Khoros Khoros' award-winning enterprise software makes it easier for complex brands to engage with customers at scale across all digital, social and brand-owned channels. Whether it is for service and support, communications or sales, the solutions powered by advanced automation and AI unlock more consistent, personalized and helpful omni-channel interactions between brands and their audiences. Khoros serves 2,000 of the world's most reputable companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, and consistently receives recognition as a Best Place to Work. For more information, please visit Follow: LinkedIn / X View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ignite Enterprise Software Solutions, Inc.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia $4.98 Bn Cosmetics Market Trends, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F: Influencer Marketing and Omnichannel Experiences Drive Industry Expansion
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a vital role in influencing beauty trends and driving consumer engagement through influencer marketing. Moreover, omnichannel strategies that blend digital and physical retail experiences - such as click-and-collect and in-store digital kiosks - are becoming more prominent. These innovations are transforming how consumers interact with cosmetic brands and are driving sustained growth in the sector. Saudi Arabian Cosmetics Market Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Cosmetics Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" report has been added to Saudi Arabia Cosmetics Market was valued at USD 3.82 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.98 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.52%. The market is expanding steadily, driven by a young, digitally engaged population that is highly influenced by beauty influencers and social media trends. Increasing disposable income, particularly among women, is contributing to higher spending on premium and luxury cosmetic products. According to 2023 statistics, the average monthly disposable income for Saudi households was USD 3156.44, with Saudi families averaging USD 4813.98. There is also growing consumer interest in organic, natural, and cruelty-free products, fueled by rising health and environmental consciousness. The proliferation of e-commerce platforms is enhancing product accessibility and convenience. Additionally, increased female workforce participation and the government's Vision 2030 initiative, which promotes economic diversification and women's empowerment, are further supporting market Women Workforce ParticipationThe rising participation of women in Saudi Arabia's workforce is a key factor boosting demand in the cosmetics market. As of 2024, women made up 36.2% of the national workforce, indicating significant growth in female employment. With more women employed across industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology, there is a growing consumer base with higher disposable incomes and distinct beauty preferences. This demographic shift is not only enhancing overall economic productivity but is also driving interest in professional-grade and premium cosmetics. As working women increasingly seek convenient, effective, and high-quality beauty solutions, cosmetic brands are tailoring their product offerings to meet the evolving needs of this empowered consumer FluctuationsEconomic volatility poses a challenge to the Saudi cosmetics market, especially given the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. Fluctuations in global oil prices can directly influence consumer purchasing behavior, as financial uncertainty often prompts consumers to cut back on non-essential spending, including cosmetics. Inflationary pressures can also increase manufacturing and logistics costs, compelling brands to raise prices and potentially impacting demand. Additionally, currency fluctuations can make imported cosmetic brands more expensive, limiting their competitiveness. To address these challenges, companies must develop pricing flexibility, expand affordable product lines, and reinforce customer loyalty through value-driven Transformation and E-commerce ExpansionDigital transformation is significantly reshaping the cosmetics industry in Saudi Arabia. The continued growth of e-commerce, supported by over 40,000 registered businesses as of Q4 2024, reflects rising consumer preference for online shopping. Beauty brands are increasingly adopting virtual tools such as AI-driven skin assessments, digital try-ons, and personalized product suggestions to enhance the online customer experience. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.82 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $4.98 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.5% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Players Profiled in this Saudi Arabia Cosmetics Market Report L'Oreal S.A Oriflame Holdings BV Unilever Gulf FZE The Procter & Gamble Company Revlon Coty Inc. Hoyu Cosmetics Co., Ltd Kao Group KHK Cosmetics Beiersdorf AG Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction1.1. Product Overview1.2. Key Highlights of the Report1.3. Market Coverage1.4. Market Segments Covered1.5. Research Tenure Considered2. Research Methodology2.1. Methodology Landscape2.2. Objective of the Study2.3. Baseline Methodology2.4. Formulation of the Scope2.5. Assumptions and Limitations2.6. Sources of Research2.7. Approach for the Market Study2.8. Methodology Followed for Calculation of Market Size & Market Shares2.9. Forecasting Methodology3. Executive Summary3.1. Overview of the Market3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations3.3. Overview of Key Market Players3.4. Overview of Key Regions3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends4. Voice of Customer4.1. Brand Awareness4.2. Factor Influencing Availing Decision5. Saudi Arabia Cosmetics Market Outlook5.1. Market Size & Forecast5.1.1. By Value5.2. Market Share & Forecast5.2.1. By Product Type (Hair Care, Skin Care, Nail Care, Lip Care, Eye Care, Others)5.2.2. By Nature (Organic, Regular)5.2.3. By Skin Type (Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive)5.2.4. By Skin End User (Men, Women, Kids)5.2.5. By Distribution Channel (Supermarket & Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, Others)5.2.6. By Region5.2.7. By Company (2024)5.3. Market Map6. Saudi Arabia Hair Care Cosmetics Market Outlook6.1. Market Size & Forecast6.1.1. By Value6.2. Market Share & Forecast6.2.1. By Nature6.2.2. By Distribution Channel7. Saudi Arabia Skin Care Cosmetics Market Outlook7.1. Market Size & Forecast7.1.1. By Value7.2. Market Share & Forecast7.2.1. By Nature7.2.2. By Distribution Channel8. Saudi Arabia Nail Care Cosmetics Market Outlook8.1. Market Size & Forecast8.1.1. By Value8.2. Market Share & Forecast8.2.1. By Nature8.2.2. By Distribution Channel9. Saudi Arabia Lip Care Cosmetics Market Outlook9.1. Market Size & Forecast9.1.1. By Value9.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.1. By Nature9.2.2. By Distribution Channel10. Saudi Arabia Eye Care Cosmetics Market Outlook10.1. Market Size & Forecast10.1.1. By Value10.2. Market Share & Forecast10.2.1. By Nature10.2.2. By Distribution Channel11. Market Dynamics11.1. Drivers11.2. Challenges12. Market Trends & Developments12.1. Merger & Acquisition12.2. Product Launches12.3. Recent Developments13. Porters Five Forces Analysis13.1. Competition in the Industry13.2. Potential of New Entrants13.3. Power of Suppliers13.4. Power of Customers13.5. Threat of Substitute Products14. Saudi Arabia Economic Profile15. Policy & Regulatory Landscape For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Cosmetics Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How 'Intelligent Experiences' will change the way we engage online
As chief product officer at Huge, Chidi Achara sits at the intersection of technology, design, and human behavior—a confluence of areas that the design and tech company is facing with a framework they call 'Intelligent Experiences.' In an era where digital fatigue has consumers tuning out traditional approaches, Achara envisions a fundamental shift from capturing attention to understanding intention. Through the convergence of AI, behavioral data, and design thinking, Huge is crafting experiences that anticipate needs rather than simply responding to commands. Their approach seeks to transform static interactions into dynamic, personalized journeys that evolve with each engagement, potentially redefining how brands connect with consumers in an AI-driven landscape. Here, Achara explains how the company is setting out to achieve these objectives. There's been a lot of talk about digital experiences failing to engage users effectively. How is Huge's approach to intelligent experiences different from what we've seen before? Typically, digital experiences want your attention to drive engagement—conversion into a transaction, if it's a commercial—followed by building brand loyalty of some kind. If you go to Google and click for information about booking a holiday in Hawaii, for example, it's going to serve you information. It could be based on your budget, or the date, or the airline, or whatever—but it doesn't know what your intention is. By that, I mean it has a basic understanding of desire to book a Hawaii trip, but it doesn't know why. It could be that you're burnt out from work and just want to be alone for a week. Or it's your wedding anniversary and you want to celebrate with your partner. It doesn't know that. But as AI becomes more intent-aware, it will be able to craft an experience specific to what you're hoping to achieve through that transaction and help you arrive at a more meaningful and satisfying outcome. We'll see a transition from an attention economy based on interest to an intention one based on need. Why is that shift happening now? Because new AI-driven tools are available? Or because the attention-based approach is delivering diminishing returns? Digital experiences started off as business-centric. Websites typically look like org charts. For example, a retail site might have categories like men's, women's, shoes, clothing—which reflects how the business is structured internally more than anything else. And then companies like Huge began nudging their clients to adopt a more user -centric mindset starting from the needs of consumers. Now we're headed toward a human-directed phase where I don't have to navigate a fixed technical architecture. The experience itself is dictated by my conversational inputs, which means my experience of a particular product will be different from yours, with content generated on the fly. So yes, I do think a lot of digital experiences just failed to hit the mark, and people have zoned out as a consequence. Can you define what an 'intelligent experience' means at Huge and how it differs from traditional digital interaction models? The broadest definition is leveraging generative AI to create an experience that is more personalized, conversational, contextual, and anticipatory. Those are the hallmarks of a real relationship—which is not how we engaged with technology until recently. I'll give you a client of ours as an example. NBCU was the official U.S. broadcaster for the Paris Summer Olympics. They came to us with a specific pain point: there was so much live programming—more than 7,000 hours across seven platforms and multiple time zones—that viewers found it hard to find what they wanted to watch, as well as where and when to watch it. An online search for when Simone Biles is next scheduled to perform might take 20 or 30 minutes of searching. So, they asked us to create an AI assistant—a viewing guide we named OLI—to solve it. We designed the brand identity, the content solution, and a chat experience trained to deliver highly accurate results to queries related to programming. No hallucinations! It's exactly the kind of tool that can be rebuilt and repurposed for other sporting events of that size where you need to connect viewers with your content in a way that feels seamless and easy in a matter of seconds rather than minutes or even hours. There's often an 'uncanny valley' effect with AI—chatbot interactions don't quite feel authentic. How are you addressing this when creating AI experiences for clients? We've been working with a European luxury brand to develop a personalized AI to replicate the high-touch, white-glove experience you would get in one of their boutiques. It's not going to be through a traditional website. But to your point, the tone of voice and look and feel [of] UX and UI has to align with the brand's specific codes of behavior, and that's where Huge excels. While others may know how to fine-tune the models, and plenty of brand shops are experienced in defining brand guidelines, it's our unique ability to combine the two—refining the voice while building the technical architecture and designing the customer journey—that guarantees it speaks with a voice that's completely aligned with the brand's expression across its other channels, including retail. It's also about using AI to create experiences that feel unique, which brings to mind Huge Horizons, an immersive activation to turn innovation into reality that we're bringing to life at Fast Company 's MIC [Most Innovative Companies] Summit. Participants will share their perspective on specific subjects and watch their input shape a unique digital artifact—a personalized vision of the future that will both help them refine their thinking and connect with like-minded innovators. An AI-fueled experience that is very on brand for Huge. There's an obvious tension between personalization and privacy. How do you see the relationship between personal data and capturing intention evolving? I've always liked to see brand experiences as gateways to building relationships. There was a time maybe 20 years ago when people were hesitant to enter their credit card details into a website, and now we have no hesitation sharing our most personal information. I think the intention economy is just the next generation of that dynamic, in which trust is built over time as we engage with the experience and give it more of ourselves—provided that robust privacy and security frameworks are in place. Because in order to understand someone's intention, they have to share information about it. I know it sounds like a truism, but it's inescapable—the more time users spend immersed in the intelligent experiences we create, the better we understand them and get to know their individual tastes, rhythms, and the cadence of their purchasing patterns. It all ladders up to create more humanlike relationships in a digital space. How do you envision digital experiences evolving in the coming years? Will traditional websites eventually be replaced by more conversational interfaces? Yes? No? Absolutely. There are certain industries that are either heavily regulated or rely on aggregated infrastructure—like airline booking engines—that aren't going away. But there are many other sectors where, at some point, a website could be replaced by a conversation. I don't know what the future's going to look like, but as we begin to adopt more AI tools to build these experiences, it's going to have a significant impact on the roles and capabilities of internal teams. The question for a lot of companies is to what extent they build these resources internally versus relying on specialist partners. At Huge, we've always been able to look around the corner for what's coming next and make it relatable, understandable, and meaningful for our clients in order to help them build the next generation of experiences that drive growth for their business. There are certain things we will build for our clients, certain things we will build with them, and certain things we will help them enhance and continue into the future. But what exactly that's going to look like, it's a little early to say.
