David Steinberg, CEO of Zeta Global, recently rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking a milestone moment for both the company and its leadership. For Steinberg, who grew up in New York City, the occasion carried personal significance. He described the experience as humbling and deeply meaningful, sharing the moment with his team as a reflection of years of work, growth, and perseverance.
Steinberg’s visit coincided with the launch of Athena, Zeta Global’s new conversational super intelligent agent built to simplify how humans interact with artificial intelligence. Athena is designed to remove much of the friction that typically accompanies AI use. Rather than relying on complex prompts or technical expertise, users are guided through intuitive conversations that help them unlock the full value of AI-driven marketing tools with greater speed and efficiency.
A central highlight of the launch was Zeta Global’s newly announced partnership with OpenAI. Widely regarded as a leader in artificial intelligence, OpenAI is collaborating with Zeta in what Steinberg described as one of the most important agreements the company has entered into. Through this partnership, Athena will serve as a foundational component within ChatGPT, allowing users to access its capabilities directly from their mobile devices whenever needed.
Steinberg explained that partnerships of this scale are built over time, not overnight. Zeta spent months laying the groundwork by integrating OpenAI’s API early and demonstrating Athena’s real-world potential. That early commitment helped showcase the value of Zeta’s technology and build confidence with OpenAI. Steinberg also noted that OpenAI’s approach of complementing, rather than competing with, enterprise software platforms made the collaboration a natural fit.
The launch of Athena reflects a broader shift across marketing and enterprise technology, where AI is becoming a core operational tool rather than a novelty. By lowering barriers to entry and making advanced AI more accessible, Zeta Global is positioning itself at the center of this transition. Tools like Athena aim to empower businesses of all sizes to improve performance without requiring deep technical expertise.
Steinberg also pointed to the wider implications of AI adoption across finance and digital marketing. As companies gain access to more powerful analytical tools, they are better equipped to make data-driven decisions that support efficiency, growth, and sustainability. AI’s ability to process and interpret large datasets opens new pathways for aligning business outcomes with long-term sustainability objectives, including progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The integration of AI into entrepreneurship, Steinberg emphasized, is about more than profitability. It is about building solutions that create lasting value and positive impact. Businesses that combine advanced technologies like AI and blockchain with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility are likely to define the next phase of innovation.
As Zeta Global continues to expand its AI capabilities and deepen strategic partnerships, the company is emerging as a key player in the evolving marketing technology landscape. With Athena’s rollout underway and strong alliances in place, Zeta is setting a forward-looking tone for 2026 and beyond. Steinberg’s journey underscores the role of collaboration, vision, and innovation in shaping transformative outcomes across technology, finance, and business.