The Trade Desk, Inc. is a global technology company that provides a self-service platform for ad buyers to create, manage and optimize data-driven digital advertising campaigns. Its cloud-based platform enables agencies, marketers and other buyers to purchase advertising inventory across display, video, audio, native and connected television formats through real-time bidding. By integrating with a wide range of demand-side tools and third-party data providers, The Trade Desk helps clients reach audiences at scale, measure performance and adjust spend in real time.
Founded in 2009 by Jeff Green and Dave Pickles, The Trade Desk has grown from a start-up ad tech firm into a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker TTD following its initial public offering in September 2016. Headquartered in Ventura, California, the company operates offices across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Its platform supports multiple currencies and languages, enabling global brands and agencies to execute campaigns across more than 70 countries.
Under the leadership of founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Green, The Trade Desk has expanded its product suite to include advanced audience targeting, data management and analytics capabilities. The company places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning through its proprietary AI engine, which automates decision-making and optimizes media spend. This technological foundation is designed to give advertisers greater visibility into campaign performance and return on investment.
Key offerings include Unified ID, an open alternative to cookie-based targeting, as well as integrations with major publishers, data marketplaces and measurement partners. The Trade Desk also provides professional services and educational resources to help clients navigate the evolving privacy landscape and emerging formats such as over-the-top (OTT) streaming. By continuously enhancing its platform and forging strategic partnerships, The Trade Desk positions itself as a central hub for programmatic ad buying in an increasingly fragmented media environment.