When StackAdapt, an AI-driven programmatic advertising platform, was offered a chance by HubSpot to nominate a solutions partner for their Partner Growth Accelerator (PGA) program, Kuno Creative came to mind.
StackAdapt was already familiar with us, having seen our paid media team successfully use their platform with healthcare and education sector clients. They ultimately selected Kuno as their PGA program partner, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity that followed.
What unfolded is a great example of how structure, enablement and the right software can fuel meaningful collaboration between HubSpot’s high-performing solutions partners and top-tier app partners.
The roots of success started with building an open relationship between Kuno and StackAdapt. It meant being vulnerable, keeping open communication and committing to each other’s growth.
Kuno VP of Growth Strategies Shaun Kanary put it in these words in a HubSpot webinar:
“I’m going to win sometimes. You’re going to win sometimes. We’re all going to win sometimes. The important thing is that we’re moving and we’re striving together, understanding each other’s goals and having those in mind.”
From that foundation, the two teams began developing a go-to-market strategy and pinpointing a common customer profile. Using tools like Crossbeam to analyze shared CRM data, they found a natural intersection in the manufacturing space: a B2B industrial segment that helped StackAdapt expand into an area it hadn’t heavily focused on before.
Following each PGA session, Kuno and StackAdapt continued to meet regularly, reviewing takeaways, applying lessons together and refining their shared goals.
The collaboration came to life in several ways that showcased the power of aligned teams and shared intent:
Together, Kuno and StackAdapt co-hosted a webinar featuring industry thought leader Robert Rose, “The Proven Path to Better B2B Leads & Conversions.”
From start to finish, the event was a team effort. Each group leaned into its strengths in the webinar planning process, delivering a blend of creative storytelling and technical know-how that spoke directly to their shared ICP.
Partnering with an expert influencer who resonated with their target audience, the teams drew nearly 550 registrants. Even more impressive, within 24 hours of the webinar, Kuno and StackAdapt closed their first co-sell deal from the event.
In case you’re interested in checking it out, here’s a link to the webinar recording.
Next came INBOUND 2025 in San Francisco, where the teams co-sponsored a booth with a playful and memorable theme: The Programmatic Bakery. The concept underscored how perfectly the partnership fit: Kuno and StackAdapt, both participants in HubSpot’s PGA program, coming together like milk and cookies.
More than 250 attendees lined up for a “cookie selfie” using Kuno’s HubSpot-integrated Cookie Selfie Generator. AI turned each photo into the cookie of their choice: chocolate chip for the strategist, sugar cookie for the creative optimizer…and the list goes on. (Stickers served as a keepsake!)
Nurturing leads from INBOUND has been a joint play. After the event, Kuno and StackAdapt launched a retargeting ad campaign. Attendees were given the chance to unlock a discounted programmatic media strategy package by booking a discovery call before a set date, with one lucky participant, Osborne Coinage, winning the full package.
And within weeks, INBOUND leads turned into two closed deals, delivering a near immediate return.
One INBOUND highlight was Partner Day, where Kanary joined StackAdapt’s Amber Giannone and Tai Rattigan of Partnership Leaders for a panel discussion on the value of collaboration within HubSpot’s PGA program. Together, they shared insights on how partnership-driven strategies can amplify growth and innovation across the HubSpot ecosystem.
While nurturing leads from the earlier webinar, both teams kept building on their wins through hands-on collaboration and shared sales enablement.
Rather than simply passing along referrals, Kuno and StackAdapt began embedding each other directly into their sales cycles. Having a tech solution provider like StackAdapt join Kuno’s client calls to discuss programmatic advertising — in turn, also having Kuno participate in StackAdapt’s sales discussions — added real-time expertise and trust on both sides.
Collectively, the cross-functional teamwork has influenced a $1M+ pipeline for StackAdapt, with active opportunities still in play.
In the HubSpot webinar, Kanary described the PGA program as a “business-changing and life-changing experience.” Through it, he gained a new perspective on what app partners experience and what it truly means to be in the trenches together.
What began as a short-term collaboration has evolved into a long-term partnership where everyone is winning: deeper trust, shared expertise and measurable revenue growth on all sides.
We’re proud of the results this collaboration has generated and excited for the new opportunities it’s creating for our teams, our clients and the overall HubSpot ecosystem.