Marketing Stunts That Helped this AI Company Raise $100M

2025-10-31 22:328 min read

In this episode of the Next Wave podcast, hosts discuss the future of AI in business with special guest Carly Baker from HubSpot. The conversation highlights Clay’s recent $3.1 billion valuation and its innovative use of AI for market growth. The discussion explores creativity in marketing, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer backgrounds and the potential of product-market fit. Baker and the hosts share insights into unique strategies for engaging customers and fostering curiosity, while reflecting on Clay’s journey from a basic spreadsheet to a robust go-to-market platform. The episode also touches on the challenges of maintaining human connection in an increasingly AI-driven world and how curiosity can foster innovation.

Key Information

  • The Next Wave podcast features a special episode live from HubSpot Inbound in San Francisco.
  • Carly Baker is a guest host and will discuss AI with Verun Anand from Clay.
  • Clay recently raised a round at a $3.1 billion valuation and is known for using AI to go to market.
  • The discussion will focus on growing companies using AI and effectively going to market.
  • There's interest in exploring the creativity, curiosity, and unconventional approaches in the hiring process and business strategies.
  • The conversation highlights the value of personal curiosity and tailored approaches to employee growth and product development.
  • Examples of creative uses of AI and technology in real-world applications will be provided, including successful marketing strategies and tools.
  • Future plans for Clay involve developing user-friendly platforms that enhance creativity and productivity, in alignment with company ambition and market demands.

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

Next Wave Podcast

The Next Wave podcast is hosting a special live episode from San Francisco during HubSpot Inbound with guest host Carly Baker. They discuss the innovative use of AI in business practices.

Carly Baker

Carly Baker from HubSpot talks with Verun Anand from Clay, focusing on growth strategies using AI and the importance of creativity in marketing.

Clay

Clay, a company recently valued at $3.1 billion, is recognized for its effective use of AI to enhance market strategies and customer engagement.

AI in Marketing

The episode emphasizes how businesses can harness AI to grow and market themselves more effectively, with discussions on creativity and curiosity as essential components.

Cold Email Campaigns

The hosts examine the effectiveness of cold email campaigns and how businesses can innovate using data and AI to optimize their outreach efforts.

Social Media Strategy

They explore the use of Clay to automate social listening on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, analyzing the effectiveness of posts in relation to brand consistency.

Curiosity in Business

The importance of fostering curiosity and creativity within teams is discussed, as it is crucial for problem-solving and innovation in today's competitive landscape.

Empathy in Hiring

Verun Anand reflects on the philosophy of hiring non-traditional candidates and the significance of understanding individual journeys beyond typical metrics.

Future of Clay

The hosts discuss the roadmap for Clay as an AI-powered go-to-market tool, emphasizing the evolving needs of today's businesses in integrating sophisticated solutions.

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