Aggregators & Integrators

In theory, the internet means that businesses can reach their end-users directly. The value chain has been blown wide open and the assumption until recently was that “middle men” would soon be a distant memory

In the music industry, for example, artists can reach their audiences without signing to one of the many blood sucking labels. Content providers are no longer dependent on risk-averse distributors

However, iTunes and social networking sites are the new middle men. Without them, the harsh reality is that for small businesses, unsigned bands and individuals, it is still extraordinarily difficult and time consuming to connect directly with potential customers

A new breed of intermediaries have arrived on the scene. They are creating and grasping new opportunities in the evolving supply chain

Three enterprising panelists will explain their place in the value chain and how their business models depend on their creative and technical partners, up and down stream