Cineverse acquires IndiCue to expand CTV monetization and streaming infrastructure
IndiCue joins Cineverse, bringing programmatic CTV ad tech and real-time analytics to a unified streaming infrastructure.
Cineverse has acquired IndiCue, a connected TV (CTV) monetization platform, in a deal valued at up to $40 million. The acquisition is set to strengthen Cineverse’s position as a provider of end-to-end streaming infrastructure, integrating IndiCue’s ad tech stack directly into Cineverse’s Matchpoint platform. This move aims to unify content preparation, distribution, monetization, and real-time analytics for studios, streaming operators, and brands across FAST, AVOD, and CTV environments.
The deal is expected to accelerate Cineverse’s transition to majority technology revenue, with IndiCue projected to generate $38 million in revenue and $9.6 million in EBITDA in 2026. The combined company targets $115–$120 million in revenue for fiscal year 2027.
Short on time?
Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:
- What’s the strategic angle behind Cineverse’s IndiCue acquisition?
- How IndiCue’s platform fits into Cineverse’s Matchpoint ecosystem
- What this means for CTV marketers and streaming operators
- Key trends in CTV ad tech and streaming monetization
What’s the strategic angle behind Cineverse’s IndiCue acquisition?
Cineverse, an entertainment technology company and studio, is building a comprehensive infrastructure for the streaming industry. The acquisition of IndiCue adds a profitable, recurring monetization layer to Cineverse’s platform, enabling the company to offer a unified solution for content distribution and ad revenue optimization.
IndiCue brings a customer base of over 100 media companies—including IMAX, Freecast, Cannella Media, and Loop Media—and is expected to contribute immediate EBITDA-positive results. The deal was financed through a mix of cash, deferred consideration, and performance-based earnouts, with Cineverse also raising $13 million in convertible notes to support the transaction.
Valery Moniaga
How IndiCue’s platform fits into Cineverse’s Matchpoint ecosystem
IndiCue’s technology stack includes ad serving, supply-side platform (SSP), demand-side platform (DSP), and server-side ad insertion (SSAI), all designed for high performance and scalability. By integrating IndiCue into Matchpoint, Cineverse can now offer:
- End-to-end streaming infrastructure: From content preparation to monetization and analytics, all within a single platform.
- Real-time performance optimization: Automated workflows and analytics to maximize ad yield and viewer experience.
- Unified execution layer: Reduces operational complexity for streaming operators by consolidating distribution, data, and monetization.
The combined platform is positioned as the only independent, full-stack white-label solution unifying content delivery and ad monetization for studios and streaming operators.
What this means for CTV marketers and streaming operators
For marketers and streaming operators, the Cineverse–IndiCue deal offers several practical benefits:
- Programmatic monetization at scale: Manage and optimize ad revenue across FAST, AVOD, and CTV environments.
- Integrated analytics: Access real-time data to inform ad placement and improve campaign performance.
- Reduced vendor complexity: Work with a single partner for both streaming operations and monetization.
- Faster innovation: Joint product and engineering teams will develop new ad tech products and advanced data capabilities.
IndiCue’s platform is already live with more than 40 clients and onboarding 75 additional publishers, supporting a wide range of streaming content distributors.
Key trends in CTV ad tech and streaming monetization
The acquisition reflects several macro trends in the CTV and ad tech landscape:
- Automation and integration: Platforms are moving toward unified solutions that automate content distribution and ad monetization.
- Revenue tech convergence: The line between content operations and ad tech is blurring, with infrastructure providers offering both.
- Competitive landscape: Cineverse and IndiCue compete with The Trade Desk, PubMatic, MNTN, and Tatari, all focused on optimizing ad yield and viewer experience at scale.
- Growth of programmatic CTV: As streaming audiences grow, programmatic advertising and real-time analytics are becoming essential for maximizing revenue.
With this acquisition, Cineverse aims to deliver a closed-loop system for streaming content and advertising, helping media owners and brands respond dynamically to performance signals and market demand.
