The companies will leverage each other's strengths in digital publishing and technology to accelerate growth in the era of AI
REDMOND, Wash., and BERLIN, April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Axel Springer SE and Microsoft Corp. have announced an expanded, multifaceted partnership across advertising, AI, content and cloud computing. The cooperation aims to leverage cutting-edge innovation to support independent journalism around the world.
The partnership will expand and deepen the existing cooperation on different levels. The existing adtech collaboration will be expanded to encompass POLITICO. Building on a mutual commitment to the principles and potential of responsible AI, both companies will partner to develop new AI-driven experiences for their users. In addition, Microsoft Start-MSN users will have access to more premium content from Axel Springer's news brands, and Axel Springer will migrate its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure.
"In this new era of AI, partnerships are critical to preserving and promoting independent journalism while ensuring a thriving media landscape," said Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer. "We're optimistic about the future of journalism and the opportunities we can unlock through this expanded partnership with Microsoft."
"This new generation of AI is transforming nearly every aspect of work and life, including how people search for and consume content online," said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. "Our expanded partnership with Axel Springer brings together their leadership in digital publishing with the full power of the Microsoft Cloud — including our ad solutions — to build innovative AI-driven experiences and create new opportunity for advertisers and users."
Key elements of the partnership
About Axel Springer
Axel Springer is a media and technology company and active in more than 40 countries. By providing information across its diverse media brands (among others BILD, WELT, BUSINESS INSIDER, POLITICO) and classifieds portals (The Stepstone Group and AVIV Group), Axel Springer empowers people to make free decisions for their lives.
The company has successfully transformed from a traditional print media company to Europe's leading digital publisher. Through accelerated growth, Axel Springer aims to become the global market leader in digital content and digital classifieds. The company is headquartered in Berlin and employs more than 18,000 people worldwide.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.