Tencent and Publicis in Data and Incubation Partnership

Social media communications platform Tencent has partnered with marcoms network Publicis Groupe, to connect behavioral data, co-invest and co-create content, and launch a 'Drugstore' incubation facility.

Tencent's QQ messaging platform and Weixin/WeChat text and voice messaging mobile apps are used by hundreds of millions of people every day to communicate, share experiences, consume information, and seek entertainment. The firm recently partnered with WPP, to set up a 'social innovation and ideation lab', combining the firms' technology, analytics and creative input to build social media ideas and campaigns for its instant messaging platforms.

Through the latest partnership, Tencent and Publicis Groupe's incubation facility will curate, invest in, and cultivate start-ups. The deal will also see the firms connect their online behavioral data; and co-create and co-invest in web native content, to drive content opportunities and new content models for clients. Publicis says this is the first partnership that transcends its three solutions: Publicis Media, Publicis Communications and Publicis Sapient.

SY Lau (pictured), Senior Executive VP of Tencent and President of Online Media Group, adds: 'This partnership will give brands and organizations around the world a better understanding of China's unique and dynamic mobile Internet development, while creating huge business opportunities associated with this new market. Tencent is one of the world's most influential digital media platforms and Publicis Groupe is one of the global leaders in marketing and communications; together, we will define the new era for the media industry and unveil a new partnership model.'

Web sites: www.tencent.com and www.publicis.com .