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Firsthand

Firsthand

Technology, Information and Internet

New York, NY 2,667 followers

AI-powered Brand Agents built for marketers and publishers.

About us

Firsthand has built the first AI-powered Brand Agent platform, transforming the way marketers and publishers engage consumers through their own AI agents, anywhere online. Operating across both owned properties and paid media, Brand Agents make a company’s expertise accessible in real time, dynamically adapting to consumers’ interests and guiding them toward the information they need to take action. Core to the Firsthand Brand Agent Platform™ is Lakebed™, Firsthand’s AI-first data and knowledge rights management system that ensures companies retain full ownership and control of their expertise. Firsthand is led by Jon Heller, Michael Rubenstein, and Wei Wei, whose previous ventures helped build the foundations of modern digital advertising. Backed by Radical Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Aperiam Ventures, and Crossbeam Venture Partners, Firsthand is now pioneering the next evolution of AI-driven consumer engagement. Firsthand is headquartered in NYC, with team members working together in-office three days a week.

Website
https://firsthand.ai
Industry
Technology, Information and Internet
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
New York, NY
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2023

Locations

Employees at Firsthand

Updates

  • As AI answer engines rise, publisher content powers the experience — but publishers risk losing the audience. Firsthand Brand Agents give that power back, helping publishers own the experience and the upside. Read Andrew Rutledge’s full take on how publishers can thrive in the AI era: “Publishers: own the experience, own the audience”: https://lnkd.in/g-4Pfqay

    Another month, another lawsuit over AI-scraped publisher content. But the real issue for publishers is existential, not legal. If your content powers someone else’s experience, and you’re not part of it, you lose the audience and the upside. The only sustainable path forward is to become the destination again. At @Firsthand, we’re helping publishers do exactly that with Brand Agents — intelligent, in-content AI experiences that: -Engage users in real time -Provide help, context, and commerce -Drive subscriptions, leads, and loyalty Agents are built to deliver value inside the publisher’s own experience. This is how publishers win in the AI era: Not by licensing and letting go or waiting for courts to catch up, but by owning the experience from the start. Let’s build what’s next: agents, not ads. Check out my new blog post, "Publishers: own the experience, own the audience” at the link in the comments.

  • Firsthand reposted this

    View profile for Michael Rubenstein

    Co-Founder @ Firsthand | AI Brand Agents for Marketers & Publishers

    Today’s announcement by Cloudflare is a meaningful step forward for publishers and toward a more balanced AI economy. By blocking AI crawlers by default, Cloudflare is helping publishers reclaim control over how their content is accessed and monetized — and pushing the ecosystem toward a model that values the work of content creators. But licensing is just one piece of the puzzle. Publishers can’t let AI companies become the only destinations for their audiences. They need to remain destinations in their own right. Same for marketers. Those who deliver real value to consumers can’t afford to lose their direct relationships with them. That’s why we called our company Firsthand. Our mission is to help marketers and publishers use AI to create experiences worthy of consumer attention — and to maintain those firsthand relationships. This isn’t just about blocking bots or negotiating licenses. It’s about long-term sustainability: building models that reward originality, preserve trust, and give people a reason to come directly to your properties. Cloudflare’s news is a positive step. We’re working in parallel to help publishers and marketers take the next one: delivering real value to their customers through firsthand, AI-powered experiences. 👇 In the comments: my take on how publishers can reclaim value in the AI economy by reshaping the consumer experience. The real opportunity? Selling brand agents, not ads.

  • Surprise, surprise: AI is everywhere at #CannesLions. But not many are talking about how it’s changing the way people discover and engage with brands. Michael Rubenstein spoke with Gordon Young of The Drum to make the case that AI isn’t just a behind-the-scenes tool — it’s becoming a new media channel. One that’s already reshaping distribution, attention, and monetization. A timely read for anyone thinking about how their brand shows up in an AI-native world. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gj_Gkcez

  • Hot off the presses from Digiday: Why publishers should sell agents, not ads. In this piece, our co-founder Michael Rubenstein outlines a new path forward for publishers: 🔺 How AI can power adaptive, assistive experiences 🔺 Why Brand Agents outperform static ads 🔺 And why publishers are best positioned to lead this shift The timing matters. With #CannesLions around the corner, we’re looking forward to conversations with publishers who want to build stronger monetization models and deeper audience relationships. Don’t forget to set up a meeting on the Croisette with company leaders Michael Rubenstein, Jonathan Heller, and Andrew Rutledge. See you there. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gqr-pXrJ

  • Agents, not ads. That’s the shift we’re bringing to Cannes. While most AI in marketing is focused on workflow automation or creative production, we’re focused on something more fundamental: how companies engage consumers in the first place. It's using the power of GenAI to redefine the experience, not just make incremental improvements. Let’s connect at #CannesLions2025 to talk about how AI-powered Brand Agents are reshaping digital experiences, and what it means for marketers and publishers. Reach out to Michael Rubenstein, Jonathan Heller, Andrew Rutledge, or Veronique Valcu to schedule time at Cannes.

  • As AI reshapes the marketing landscape, the real challenge is staying true to brand. Powerful conversation at the Media & Innovation #BISummit on how CMOs are navigating this moment with purpose and creativity, moderated by our very own Michael Rubenstein. Recording to follow 📽️

    View organization page for Brand Innovators

    70,992 followers

    Next-gen CMOs are redefining the game in the AI age. 1-800-Flowers.com's Jason John and ETS' Michelle Froah shared how the role of CMO is evolving, driving brand impact through data, innovation, and a tech-forward mindset. With Firsthand's Michael Rubenstein moderating at our Media & Innovation #BISummit hosted by GroupM in New York City, the session dove into how the future of marketing is not just about AI—it’s about leading with it to create deeper, more meaningful brand connections. 📢 SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel to get all the highlights, exclusive interviews, and latest insights! 🎥 https://lnkd.in/g_sTV57

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  • We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Rutledge to Firsthand as CRO, Publishers! A seasoned ad tech leader and multi-time CRO, Andrew has spent his career working shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s top publishers — understanding their needs, championing their success, and helping them build strong, enduring media businesses. At Firsthand, he’ll help publishers navigate the next wave of change by putting AI to work for them, strengthening audience relationships, unlocking new revenue, and building for the long term. Welcome, Andrew! We’re excited for what’s ahead.

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Funding

Firsthand 2 total rounds

Last Round

Series A

US$ 26.0M

See more info on crunchbase