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Whatson, the Dutch provider of B2B databases and AI solutions, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a finalist in not one but two prestigious awards. With a mission to support marketers and salespeople in exceeding their goals, Whatson provides unlimited access to the Netherlands’ best prospect database, powered and driven by smart AI applications.
Recognition of Innovation and Dedication
The nominations for “Best use of AI for Data” and “Rising Star,” the latter category related to the company’s creator, recognize years of work on disruptive software for B2B companies and marketing agencies. The decision to integrate AI into prospect analytics is a bold move, given the emerging trends in the market and the challenges around adoption, GDPR, and effectiveness, but proves to be a winning formula. Bram van Ulden, lead developer, and co-founder of Whatson, shares his enthusiasm, “The recognition for Best use of AI for Data gives, is not only significant personally, but especially for the company and the team. It is a powerful signal of confidence, both for potential new talent and for existing customers. This is important because we are pioneering in a market where there is a negative atmosphere around prospect data. It validates our innovative approach in making huge amounts of unstructured data actionable in a GDPR-proof way, which is critical to an enjoyable experience for our users’ target audiences and the effectiveness of the sales teams we serve.”
Validation of Product Innovation
These finalist spots are the result of continuous innovation and validation of the product. After all, Whatson was not always an AI company. By cleverly capitalizing on opportunities and emerging technology, including various Large Language Models and proprietary AI models, Whatson has evolved into a solution that significantly saves time, labor costs, and errors compared to traditional methods in sales and marketing. By collecting and organizing information on a large scale, Whatson provides you with an easy-to-use tool that allows you to segment your market very specifically. If there are 15,000 companies in your total target market, Whatson helps you pinpoint and target the 2,500 most interesting ones using big data. More than 10 times faster and cheaper than a human can do. This data is useful for: Outbound automation, Custom advertising audiences, enrichment and updating of the CRM / First Party Data, and various other applications. Additionally, Whatson handles these applications in-house for its Users, streamlining processes and maximizing results through ease-of-use.
The Origins of Whatson: From Frustration to Innovation
The inspiration behind Whatson came from the frustration prevalent in the marketplace, where marketing and sales teams struggle to effectively communicate their message to the right prospects. With generic audiences and limited prospect information, large-scale marketing and sales campaigns often led to resistance from prospects. Chiel Baauw, creator, and co-founder of Whatson, realized this had to change: “Marketers spend tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars every month on ads that in 75% of the cases end up with a person for whom the offer is not relevant. Entire sales teams are created to research, enrich and approach new prospects, while these processes are often full of unnecessary repetitive actions. And why is it that when I contact three people in a sincere and interested manner, at least two respond to me? Whereas with an automated send, you get a maximum of 5% response? It turns out the difference is in the interest you show in the recipient: genuine interest in your prospect, by making sure you come in only highly relevant and highly personalized. Just as you would if you were given 30 minutes to approach your ideal prospect. This makes all the difference in getting interest back. It’s an old Weapon of Influence by Cialdini, the rule of reciprocity: you do something for me, I do something for you in return. It became my dream to transform all sales and marketing activities into relevant and valuable interactions. And to be nominated as Rising Star is an amazing gift. My dreams are my dreams, to be rewarded for them like this is unreal”
The Powerful Duo of Big Data and AI
The answer lies in leveraging big data and AI technologies. By building the Netherlands’ best B2B prospect database and combining it with smart applications, Whatson has created a powerful tool that helps marketers and salespeople achieve their goals in a user-friendly way. Michel Scheidt, investor at AddVentures, emphasizes the importance of AI in business: “As an investor, I see time and again the challenges in marketing and sales. Whatson is exactly what companies need to grow quickly. The power of AI, combined with a user-friendly approach, makes Whatson a valuable partner for companies striving for success in an increasingly competitive market. When Chiel told me 3 years ago what his dream was, I immediately decided I wanted to help him make it a reality. Whatson is exactly what I believe my companies need to grow rapidly.”
A Future Full of Pride and Innovation
Reaching the finals in two categories is not only a milestone for Whatson but also a source of pride and motivation for the future. It confirms not only the hard work and dedication of the team but also the value of their product in an ever-changing landscape of sales and marketing. With a strong focus on innovation and customer focus, Whatson continues to strive for excellence, and this recognition is just the beginning of what is yet to come.
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