Building technology-driven marketing systems that improve performance and reduce media waste.

Digital marketing today absorbs large budgets, yet many brands still struggle to see clean, measurable returns. Campaigns run across many platforms, reports grow thicker, and decision clarity often weakens under pressure. Wise Pirates answers this challenge with a structured, technology-led approach that turns marketing activity into accountable performance. This direction comes from the working philosophy of its founder and Managing Director, Pedro Barbosa, who believes performance improves when systems, data, and execution move together.

That belief formed the creation of Wise Pirates in 2017. Pedro built the company around a simple operating idea. Marketing and technology should function as one connected mechanism, guided by measurement and efficiency.

Instead of treating campaigns as isolated creative efforts, the company treats them as performance systems that can be tracked, refined, and strengthened over time. This mindset led to the development of organised tools and analytical models that give brands clearer control over digital outcomes.

From that foundation, Wise Pirates evolved into a martech and digital transformation partner for performance-focused brands. The team designs campaign structures, data environments, and technology platforms that show how budgets truly behave in the market. Clients gain visibility into where investment generates value and where inefficiencies appear. With that visibility comes stronger judgment and better allocation choices, which naturally lead to more stable returns.

This performance discipline then moved into product innovation. The launch of the WAndrome platform marked a major step, introducing a proprietary system that detects media waste and guides smarter budget distribution. The platform studies campaign behaviour and surfaces improvement opportunities with precision. Its purpose stays practical and business driven. Marketing spend should connect directly to measurable value.

That same practical discipline shapes leadership and team culture. Pedro Barbosa places a strong focus on future-ready capability, especially in artificial intelligence and automation. He brings together specialists in technology, data, and marketing strategy so every campaign benefits from combined expertise.

With this connected model, Wise Pirates persists in growing across Europe, turning digital marketing into a structured engine for measurable growth rather than uncertain experimentation.

Below are the interview highlights:

Could you please brief us about the company and its objectives?

Wise Pirates is a Martech company, a hybrid between a marketing agency and a tech firm. With 9 years of experience and a team of over 130 people, our focus is on "Total Performance. With total performance, we mean overall business performance, so it´s clearly not about digital channels only."

We combine technology and marketing in a model that ranges from diagnosis to execution, delivering A-to-Z solutions. Above all, we adapt every project to the digital maturity of each brand. Our objective is to be the engine that powers our clients' digital and AI transitions, ensuring they don't just survive but thrive in an AI-first economy.

 

How did Wise Pirates evolve from a traditional marketing agency into a digital business partner focused on shared risks and agile prototyping since its founding in 2017?

Wise Pirates never aimed to be an ordinary agency. From day one, we were driven by curiosity and a constant desire to learn more; "permanent Search for Wisdom with Attitude" is what moved us, the motto that inspired the name Wise Pirates.

​We sought to create a true point of differentiation within this vast agency landscape. We share risk, we prototype fast, and we make every action count. We don’t promise magic formulas; we promise applied knowledge and results that truly make a difference, as a martech partner.

 

What core principles of transparency, agility, and data obsession guide Wise Pirates' approach to co-creating digital journeys with clients?

Transparency, agility, and data obsession are not buzzwords; they are our core principles. We work side by side with clients, acting as an extension of their teams. Everything is measured, analyzed, and optimized. In our dictionary, just considering gut feelings may be an enemy of growth.

 

Can you describe how Wise Pirates differentiates its performance marketing services, including PPC, SEO, and multichannel strategies, from conventional agency models?

At Wise Pirates, every performance project is custom-built based on data and specific business goals.

We integrate PPC, SEO/GEO, and multichannel strategies into a unified approach focused on measurable results. We avoid generic models and continuously optimize based on consumer behavior and total business performance.

 

How did Wise Pirates evolve from a digital marketing agency into a key AI development player highlighted for 2026?

A strategic investment in research and development, combined with a culture of continuous experimentation, enabled Wise Pirates to pioneer the integration of artificial intelligence into performance marketing and analytics.

This approach accelerated results, led to proprietary solutions, and positioned the company as a key player in the AI-driven marketing ecosystem.

 

What specific AI technologies does Wise Pirates prioritize in performance marketing and web analytics services?​

Wise Pirates prioritizes technologies such as generative AI & LLMs, cloud infrastructure, and cloud computing services for data processing, machine learning pipelines, scalable analytics, as well as modern deployment platforms for application hosting.

Natural language processing (NLP), CDPs for unified data architectures, and marketing automation systems are also part of a vast ecosystem of AI technologies. used to enhance segmentation, hyper-personalization, predictive modelling, HVA segmentation, media investment optimization, real-time campaign tracking, and data-driven decision-making,as well as advanced measurement and analytics capabilities.

 

Can you describe a recent project where Wise Pirates integrated AI to enhance client ROI in e-commerce or healthcare?

We implemented an AI-powered recommendation engine and automated bidding system, tailored to real-time consumer behavior. This combination helped optimize every interaction, leading to a meaningful increase in ROAS, lower cost per conversion, and a clear boost in conversion rates.

It was a powerful example of how technology, when applied with purpose, delivers real, measurable results. Another example is our feed optimization custom solution, which integrates AI with Google Shopping and leverages results in weeks.

 

How does Wise Pirates leverage certifications from Google, Salesforce, and Amazon in its AI development workflows?

Our team has more than 100 certifications, including those from companies, but also Meta, Tik Tok, and Open AI. These certifications provide access to advanced tools, best practices, and direct support from leading platforms. This ensures our AI workflows align with global standards and are integrated within the ecosystems.

When we first moved to be certified in Google Cloud and specialized in tools as Vertex AI, clients thought we would invest in a single ecosystem for AI, but being the only "Full Google Partner" is part of the equation. We also partner with open AI and have developments in tools such as N8N, Lovable, Supabase, Airtable, and Make.

For agentic projects that may be customized through the use of low code, through solutions that are scalable, trustable and with a security first approach.

 

What role does innovation by design play in Wise Pirates' approach to prototyping AI solutions for clients?

Innovation by design is a fundamental pillar of our approach. Each solution is built around clear client goals, using a collaborative, iterative process grounded in rapid testing, continuous learning, and real business needs.

Our focus is not just on launching ideas, but on validating, refining, and scaling solutions that deliver value from day one. For us, a good prototype is not just functional. It’s relevant, effective, and built to grow with the client.

 

How has Wise Pirates scaled AI-powered reporting and insights for large international clients operating across multiple markets?

We work with large international enterprises that demand scalability, consistency, and results. We have developed AI-powered reporting systems that centralize data across multiple markets, offering real-time dashboards and actionable insights. This approach enables clear performance tracking, trend forecasting, and continuous optimization. fully integrated into the client’s decision-making processes.

Our ability to combine strategic vision with technical precision is what continues to earn the trust of global brands. Also, relevant to say that as a member of ICOM - the most relevant worldwide independent agencies ecosystem, we have access to scale services like this to the most relevant markets at an unprecedented speed.

 

What differentiates Wise Pirates' AI business partnership model from traditional service providers?

Our partnership model is built on co-responsibility, enablement, and full transparency. We don’t operate as an external vendor delivering isolated solutions; we embed ourselves within client teams as strategic partners, aligned on shared goals and committed to real outcomes.

We work to increase digital and tech maturity across the organization, empowering internal teams rather than creating dependency. Our approach combines deep technical expertise with integrated business thinking, ensuring that every AI solution delivers tangible performance impact. An approach that includes custom digital solutions and products with services in a team that is mostly expertized in understanding the clients business, more than the tech solution itself.

Additionally, we provide complete visibility and data ownership, fostering trust, autonomy, and long-term value creation.

 

How does Wise Pirates embed AI into existing marketing stacks for seamless efficiency in industries like F&B or tourism?

Our approach enables the seamless integration of artificial intelligence into existing marketing stacks without disruption or major structural changes. We leverage APIs, cloud-based tools, and proprietary frameworks to automate tasks, deliver personalized experiences, and optimize campaigns more precisely.

A clear example is our WAndrome platform, which predicts creative performance before media spend, reduces waste, and accelerates strategic decisions, delivering immediate efficiency gains in media budgets.

This ensures a smooth transition with measurable efficiency improvements and operational continuity for companies of all sizes.

 

What future AI trends does Wise Pirates anticipate shaping digital maturity for clients in 2026?

We see 2026 as a pivotal year for organizations that succeed in aligning technology with strategic vision. Trends such as multimodal AI, predictive personalization, and intelligent automation will no longer be competitive advantages; they will be prerequisites.

The real leap in digital maturity will come from a brand’s ability to anticipate behavior, test scenarios before execution, and make decisions based on data, not intuition. Tools and teams that can predict impact, reduce inefficiencies, and accelerate strategic decision-making will be absolutely essential.

 

How does Wise Pirates ensure data obsession and agility drive AI project success across diverse sectors?

We believe effective artificial intelligence is impossible without a culture deeply rooted in data and agility. Our model combines continuous analysis, short learning cycles, and the ability to adapt in real time.

We work with multidisciplinary teams, agile processes, and a mindset of constant improvement. This discipline allows us to deliver tailored, measurable impact, whether in retail, financial services, or healthcare. The focus is always the same: turning complexity into performance.

 

What advice does Wise Pirates offer businesses seeking AI partners for low-risk, high-impact digital growth?

Choosing an AI partner is a strategic decision, not a technical one. We recommend seeking teams that understand your business and don’t sell technology, but deliver real impact, controlling risks, and being fully compliant with principles such as the AI Act. Starting with solutions that generate quick wins, but are scalable, is key.

A true partner doesn’t create dependency: they empower, share goals, and evolve with your organization, addressing opportunities with traction and a framework for secure incremental implementation. The true value of AI lies in its purposeful application, and there are no shortcuts to that.

 

How is Wise Pirates expanding its international footprint and adapting its AI solutions for global markets?

Our international growth is rooted in adaptability, relevance, and the ability to deliver consistent value across markets. We don’t export a one-size-fits-all model; we take time to understand each market’s digital maturity, regulatory context, and consumer behavior.

This allows us to localize our AI strategies while maintaining the strategic backbone that drives results.

More than expanding geographically, we are building partnerships with a global mindset, empowering clients to evolve faster by combining our technological capabilities with deep market understanding. Our AI solutions are designed to scale, but also to adapt. That’s how we ensure impact, whether we are working in Southern Europe or Latin America.