Big Agency Makes Seemingly Reluctant Digital Investment–(Financial Times) Publicis is nearing the completion of its Digitas acquisition. Yet, Maurice Levy, Publicis chief is quoted saying, “Due to the sheer number of people going through Google or Yahoo every day, they are having to take an almost mathematical approach to advertising. That is great for them, but what you lose is the human touch.” The agency, FT notes, may have a hard time getting the kind of margins on web as they do on print and TV. Our CIQ viewpoint: So sorry boys; the times they are a-changing.

New Chief for Conde Net Teen Site— (Media Post) CondeNet’s new teen site for girls, Flip, has a named a chief. The 20-year print veteran will head the new social networking site. CIQ’s take: Conde Net is right to dive into this space, trying to make it both authentic to teens and worthwhile to advertisers. But make sure you have someone who understands digital first. If that part doesn’t work, it won’t matter if advertisers are happy.

VC Investment Hit $25B in US in 2006— (FT, registration required) Consumer internet was one of thet top categories. Also covered in the Financial Times: European investment in internet startups is up. CIQ perspective: Let’s get it right this time. In 2000 and 2001 we hated to see great content ventures, which otherwise might have had a future, go under because the funding was pulled.