Partnerize has announced a strategic collaboration with Profound, a marketing platform specialising in Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), aimed at quantifying value in the zero-click environment.
AI is transforming the customer journey: over half of searches now end without a click, with knock-on effects for how brands understand and monetise their reach and influence.
"The industry is moving beyond the era of 'click-counting' and into an era of 'value-mediation,'" said Matt Gilbert, CEO of Partnerize.
The two parties shared that the collaboration will create a clear separation of roles, with Profound providing AI discovery intelligence, and Partnerize delivering independent economic infrastructure to verify, allocate, and execute compensation, integrating its VantagePoint Fractional Commission Standard into Profound’s AI marketing platform.
"Answer engines like ChatGPT are quickly becoming the front door to the internet. Brands are actively trying to understand how they appear inside AI search and why,” said James Cadwallader, CEO of Profound.
According to Gilbert, the aim of connecting Profound’s signals to Partnerize’s VantagePoint system is to provide governance and auditability within AI-driven discovery.
“Partnering with Partnerize allows this discovery layer to connect directly to real commercial outcomes, which is critical as AI becomes a primary driver of purchase decisions,” commented Cadwallader.
Alongside this, the companies are set to launch a joint evidence initiative focused on producing real-world case studies on the journey from AI discovery influence to revenue.
The joint go-to-market initiatives will cover a number of areas, with co-authored research on AI-mediated commerce economics, industry education supporting standards and best practices, shared pilot programs and proof-of-value engagements.
“Together, we transform AI discovery from a qualitative narrative into a defensible, budget-worthy line item across all media spend, not just affiliate,” commented Sean Sewell, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Partnerize, in a post on LinkedIn.
“The result is a complete, end-to-end architecture for AI-era marketing — from discovery intelligence to verified,” he added.
