Member Spotlight! e-Dialog

Get to know a MITX member! This month we're featuring e-Dialog.



1. How was e-Dialog founded, and what inspired its creation?

e-Dialog was founded in 1997. The original founder was Bill Herp, a serial entrepreneur, motivated by technology and new opportunities around that technology - originally focused around email. It grew quickly initially, but had to retrench during the dot-com bust of the early 2000s, going from 200 employees to 50. The company raised $20 million in venture capital and quickly grew to 400 employees and was acquired by GSI Commerce in 2008, which was acquired by eBay Inc. in 2011. Today e-Dialog is a leading provider of multichannel digital marketing solutions for some of the world’s most recognized brands, with over 400 people in 6 locations through the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific.

2. What makes e-Dialog different than other companies in your market space?

It has to be our strong core foundation in email marketing combined with backing from ecommerce power houses like GSI Commerce and eBay that is enabling us to extend beyond email and provide digital marketers with an end-to-end platform for multichannel customer engagement. As the “hub” for digital communication, our open platform allows digital marketers to quickly analyze data, make decisions, and target and refine consumer experiences seamlessly across channels.

3. Tell us about e-Dialog’s culture:

e-Dialog’s culture is very unique. We have smart and talented employees across the globe who are highly committed and motivated to our clients’ success.  You can feel the entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and passion throughout the halls of each office. We work hard but play hard by participating social events, volunteering and raising money for great causes!

4. What has been e-Dialog's greatest accomplishment in 2011?

This year’s acquisition by eBay Inc. is a significant and exciting milestone for e-Dialog, opening the door to endless opportunity for our company, our clients, and our employees.

5. What is the biggest challenge e-Dialog faces in the market place today?

Our biggest challenge is the economic downturn, and its effects on our client’s business. Our clients, which are primarily Fortune 500, are under an enormous amount of pressure to continually innovate in the areas of customer engagement and to “do more with less” – therefore we continually looking to drive their goals with enabling technologies and supporting services.

6. Why are you a MITX member?

The people and events – MITX is an organization made up of smart leaders and members in the digital marketing space. It’s great to have a local association here in Boston to exchange ideas with, learn and network with.