How do you build a successful ad tech company in one of the most fragmented industries in marketing?

In this episode, Natalie Binns sits down with Mike Hauptman, founder of AdLib, to explore how he’s spent over a decade simplifying programmatic advertising for agencies and brands.

From early experimentation and late-night building sessions to surviving a sudden platform collapse, Mike shares the realities of growing a startup without external funding and why those challenges ultimately shaped a stronger, more resilient business.

They also unpack the growing complexity of programmatic marketing, the role of AI in the space, and what it really takes to create technology that delivers meaningful value.

If you’re a founder, marketer, or working in SaaS, this episode offers a grounded perspective on growth, resilience, and building with intention.