Knight Foundation

Knight Foundation is a national foundation with deep local connections, dedicated to promoting informed and engaged communities, which it views as vital for a healthy democracy. The foundation invests in journalism, the arts, and the development of cities where its founders, John S. and James L. Knight, once published newspapers. Through its Knight Enterprise Fund, it provides early-stage venture funding specifically aimed at media innovation. By supporting early-stage companies at the intersection of media and technology, Knight Foundation seeks to enhance access to quality information, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

Alberto Ibargüen

CEO, Co-Founder and President

Raul Moas

Senior Director / Miami

Christopher Thompson

Program Director

Past deals in Media

Amjambo Africa

Grant in 2025
Amjambo Africa is a nonprofit journalism organization that covers issues about diversity and immigration. It is Maine's most inclusive newsroom and publish content.

American Journalism Project

Grant in 2025
The American Journalism Project is the first venture philanthropy organization dedicated to local news by investing in and building nonprofit newsrooms that are sustained by and look like the people they serve. We make catalytic investments in nonprofit news organizations, partner with communities to launch new organizations, and coach leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms.

Public Media Company

Grant in 2024
Public Media Company is a national nonprofit that provides comprehensive consulting services for strengthening, expanding and financing public media in communities nationwide. They are committed to creating market based, regional and national operating solutions that result in more efficient uses of resources that will add value to the public media system.

Indiegraf

Seed Round in 2024
Indiegraf is a Vancouver-based company that supports independent news outlets by providing tools, resources, and services to help them launch and sustain digital news operations. It offers news‑pooling tools, digital playbooks, research, sales and growth services, and capital templates, enabling media outlets to grow audiences and revenues while filling local news gaps.

Signal Cleveland

Grant in 2022
Signal Cleveland offers community members access to the news they require. It publishes authoritative, trustworthy daily journalism on a variety of topics, such as government, economy, education, health, safety, and resilience. Their website is chock-full of explainers and guides to help Cleveland residents navigate life in the city, and it serves as a growing civic tool for the city.

MediaJustice

Grant in 2022
MediaJustice is a national racial justice organizing hub that champions the media and technology rights of communities of color and America’s poor. It's mission is to build a powerful movement for a more just and participatory media and digital world—with racial equity and human rights for all.

CreaTV San José

Venture Round in 2022
CreaTV San Jose provides media and technology services. They offer programmes for communities. They offer services that include classes, submitting content, and production services.

NewsMatch

Grant in 2021
NewsMatch provided the roadmap, tech support, and national exposure.NewsMatch is a testament to the critical role of local news and investigative journalism.

NYC Media Lab

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2010 and based in Brooklyn, NYC Media Lab is an accelerator and innovation hub that links New York City's universities with industry to advance media and technology research, talent development, and job growth. Through corporate memberships, it collaborates with major companies to sponsor seed research projects and coordinates partnerships with academic institutions such as New York University, Columbia University, and Parsons School of Design at The New School, organizing roundtables and joint projects on topics like big data and emerging interfaces. By fostering collaborations and knowledge transfer, NYC Media Lab supports product development and strengthens the city's innovation ecosystem.

The Associated Press

Grant in 2021
The Associated Press (AP) is a prominent not-for-profit news cooperative based in New York, founded in 1846. It serves as a reliable source of independent news, supplying content to its members, international subscribers, and commercial customers. With a legacy of covering significant historical events, AP has adapted to technological advancements over the years, transitioning from traditional methods of news delivery to modern digital platforms. It operates a sophisticated digital photo network and offers a continuously updated multimedia news service, including a state-of-the-art television news service and one of the largest radio networks in the United States. The AP has received numerous accolades, including 51 Pulitzer Prizes since the award's inception in 1917, reflecting its commitment to quality journalism. With more than 3,700 employees and over 280 offices worldwide, the Associated Press continues to play a vital role in the global news landscape.

Brown Institute for Media Innovation

Grant in 2021
Brown Institute for Media Innovation is an educational institution that offers UG and PG programs in research and media innovation.

The Salt Lake Tribune

Grant in 2019
The Salt Lake Tribune is a prominent newspaper and online platform based in Salt Lake City, Utah, primarily focused on delivering news and information to its readers. Established in 1971, it has grown to become the largest circulated daily newspaper in the city. The publication offers a wide range of content, including breaking news, weather, traffic updates, and sports coverage, particularly emphasizing local events and the Utah Jazz. The Salt Lake Tribune aims to serve the public by providing timely updates on both local and global issues, ensuring that readers are informed about current affairs. Its commitment to quality journalism has been recognized with awards, including the EPPY award for Best Newspaper Website in 2012.

WhereBy.Us

Venture Round in 2018
WhereBy.Us Enterprises Inc is a company that specializes in local content and engagement solutions, helping businesses connect with local customers. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company operates a community development platform that combines media and technology to foster connections within urban environments. It publishes several media brands, including The New Tropic in Miami and The Evergrey in Seattle, which produce original local journalism, curate daily newsletters, and organize experiential events. WhereBy.Us also offers insights through research and strategy consulting, enabling clients to deepen their understanding of local communities and enhance their engagement with residents. The company's platform serves five cities across the United States, effectively reimagining local media for a modern audience.

NewsGuard

Seed Round in 2018
NewsGuard employs trained journalists to evaluate the credibility of online news sources. It licenses these ratings to social media platforms and aggregators, helping users distinguish reliable from fraudulent information.

WhereBy.Us

Seed Round in 2018
WhereBy.Us Enterprises Inc is a company that specializes in local content and engagement solutions, helping businesses connect with local customers. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company operates a community development platform that combines media and technology to foster connections within urban environments. It publishes several media brands, including The New Tropic in Miami and The Evergrey in Seattle, which produce original local journalism, curate daily newsletters, and organize experiential events. WhereBy.Us also offers insights through research and strategy consulting, enabling clients to deepen their understanding of local communities and enhance their engagement with residents. The company's platform serves five cities across the United States, effectively reimagining local media for a modern audience.

Blavity

Seed Round in 2017
Founded in 2014, Blavity is a media-tech company that serves as a hub for multi-cultural creators and influencers. It partners with these individuals to amplify their messages, reach wider audiences, and support their creative endeavors.

The Tab

Venture Round in 2016
The Tab is a media agency founded in 2009 by three students at Cambridge University, focusing on university news and youth culture. It operates with a network of writers and reporters across leading universities in the US and UK, delivering exclusive stories, videos, and engaging content that resonate with young audiences. The company has established a reputation for being at the forefront of breaking news, covering social issues, sports, entertainment, and live events. The Tab is characterized by its vibrant and bold approach to journalism, aiming to connect with millions of readers aged 18 to 24. By syndicating content to major media outlets and developing original video series, The Tab has positioned itself as a significant player in the media landscape, catering to the interests and experiences of a transformative demographic.

Blavity

Seed Round in 2016
Founded in 2014, Blavity is a media-tech company that serves as a hub for multi-cultural creators and influencers. It partners with these individuals to amplify their messages, reach wider audiences, and support their creative endeavors.

WhereBy.Us

Seed Round in 2016
WhereBy.Us Enterprises Inc is a company that specializes in local content and engagement solutions, helping businesses connect with local customers. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company operates a community development platform that combines media and technology to foster connections within urban environments. It publishes several media brands, including The New Tropic in Miami and The Evergrey in Seattle, which produce original local journalism, curate daily newsletters, and organize experiential events. WhereBy.Us also offers insights through research and strategy consulting, enabling clients to deepen their understanding of local communities and enhance their engagement with residents. The company's platform serves five cities across the United States, effectively reimagining local media for a modern audience.

RadioPublic

Seed Round in 2016
RadioPublic is an innovative online podcasting platform that facilitates the discovery and engagement of listeners with audio content, including stories and podcasts. It offers a suite of tools designed to enhance the podcasting experience, featuring embedded web audio players, native applications, and marketing websites tailored for podcasters. Additionally, the platform provides methods for direct listener monetization, empowering creators to earn from their content. By focusing on connecting audiences to new podcasts while simplifying access to favorites, RadioPublic supports podcasters in successfully growing their audience and enhancing their overall presence in the audio landscape.

Blavity

Seed Round in 2016
Founded in 2014, Blavity is a media-tech company that serves as a hub for multi-cultural creators and influencers. It partners with these individuals to amplify their messages, reach wider audiences, and support their creative endeavors.

Gimlet

Series A in 2015
Gimlet Media Inc. is a digital media company specializing in the production of narrative podcasts. Founded in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company focuses on creating high-quality audio content that engages listeners and fosters understanding among audiences. By offering a platform that allows users to share, subscribe, and download episodes, Gimlet Media provides clients with a means to deliver compelling stories and enhance their brand visibility. In 2019, Gimlet Media became a subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A., expanding its reach within the audio streaming industry.

The Tab

Venture Round in 2015
The Tab is a media agency founded in 2009 by three students at Cambridge University, focusing on university news and youth culture. It operates with a network of writers and reporters across leading universities in the US and UK, delivering exclusive stories, videos, and engaging content that resonate with young audiences. The company has established a reputation for being at the forefront of breaking news, covering social issues, sports, entertainment, and live events. The Tab is characterized by its vibrant and bold approach to journalism, aiming to connect with millions of readers aged 18 to 24. By syndicating content to major media outlets and developing original video series, The Tab has positioned itself as a significant player in the media landscape, catering to the interests and experiences of a transformative demographic.

Fatherly

Seed Round in 2015
Fatherly is a digital media brand and online parenting resource platform focused on empowering men in their roles as fathers. Headquartered in New York City and operating as a subsidiary of Some Spider Inc., the company provides a wide range of content, including original video series, expert reports, podcasts, and events. Its offerings cover various parenting topics such as gear, food and health, work and money, and relationships, aimed at equipping fathers with practical advice and insights. Additionally, Fatherly features a curated selection of products, including gifts for new and expectant fathers, toys, and home fitness items, all designed to support men in raising their children and leading fulfilling lives.

Gimlet

Seed Round in 2014
Gimlet Media Inc. is a digital media company specializing in the production of narrative podcasts. Founded in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company focuses on creating high-quality audio content that engages listeners and fosters understanding among audiences. By offering a platform that allows users to share, subscribe, and download episodes, Gimlet Media provides clients with a means to deliver compelling stories and enhance their brand visibility. In 2019, Gimlet Media became a subsidiary of Spotify Technology S.A., expanding its reach within the audio streaming industry.

Watchup

Series A in 2014
Watchup, Inc. is a technology company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in developing an innovative streaming news application that allows users to create personalized video playlists from a wide range of local, national, and international news channels. The app aggregates content from over 170 video news publishers, including major outlets like CNN and CBS, enabling users to customize their newscasts according to their interests. Watchup's application is available on various platforms, including Apple TV, iOS, Android devices, and Amazon Fire TV. The company has received recognition for its service, being named one of the Best Apps of the Year by Google Play and winning a Webby award in 2016. As of January 2017, Watchup operates as a subsidiary of Plex, Inc.

Naytev

Seed Round in 2014
Naytev is a technology company that provides a social media management platform that uses machine learning to identify and prioritize high‑impact messages for real‑time sharing. Its solution automates the creation, scheduling, and optimization of paid and organic posts across all major networks, enabling organizations to run advanced campaigns, boost content manually or automatically, and coordinate complex social calendars across multiple accounts and time zones. The platform is designed to increase referral traffic, reduce marketing spend, and improve overall social media performance.

The Tab

Venture Round in 2014
The Tab is a media agency founded in 2009 by three students at Cambridge University, focusing on university news and youth culture. It operates with a network of writers and reporters across leading universities in the US and UK, delivering exclusive stories, videos, and engaging content that resonate with young audiences. The company has established a reputation for being at the forefront of breaking news, covering social issues, sports, entertainment, and live events. The Tab is characterized by its vibrant and bold approach to journalism, aiming to connect with millions of readers aged 18 to 24. By syndicating content to major media outlets and developing original video series, The Tab has positioned itself as a significant player in the media landscape, catering to the interests and experiences of a transformative demographic.

Watchup

Seed Round in 2014
Watchup, Inc. is a technology company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in developing an innovative streaming news application that allows users to create personalized video playlists from a wide range of local, national, and international news channels. The app aggregates content from over 170 video news publishers, including major outlets like CNN and CBS, enabling users to customize their newscasts according to their interests. Watchup's application is available on various platforms, including Apple TV, iOS, Android devices, and Amazon Fire TV. The company has received recognition for its service, being named one of the Best Apps of the Year by Google Play and winning a Webby award in 2016. As of January 2017, Watchup operates as a subsidiary of Plex, Inc.

Versa

Seed Round in 2014
Versa is a media technology company that focuses on promoting an informed and engaged public through innovative platforms. Its flagship offering, Featured Perspectives, is a unique technology-driven platform that allows organizations, executives, thought leaders, and advocates to provide real-time commentary and analysis on developing news stories. This feature not only generates premium revenue for publishers but also enriches the reader experience by offering high-quality opinions alongside news updates. Additionally, Versa has developed a platform dedicated to open political data, allowing users to access comprehensive information on politicians, groups, issues, and events globally. By facilitating easy access to key political data, Versa aims to engage individuals in political discourse and encourage informed participation in civic matters.

Upworthy

Series A in 2013
Upworthy is an online social media platform focused on changing public attention towards significant issues through impactful storytelling. The company aims to connect individuals by sharing compelling narratives that highlight important topics, fostering a sense of community and engagement. By prioritizing stories that resonate broadly, Upworthy seeks to create a shared understanding among diverse audiences and inspire positive change in the world. Its platform serves as a medium for users to access and discuss essential stories, ultimately promoting a more informed and connected society.

Versa

Seed Round in 2013
Versa is a media technology company that focuses on promoting an informed and engaged public through innovative platforms. Its flagship offering, Featured Perspectives, is a unique technology-driven platform that allows organizations, executives, thought leaders, and advocates to provide real-time commentary and analysis on developing news stories. This feature not only generates premium revenue for publishers but also enriches the reader experience by offering high-quality opinions alongside news updates. Additionally, Versa has developed a platform dedicated to open political data, allowing users to access comprehensive information on politicians, groups, issues, and events globally. By facilitating easy access to key political data, Versa aims to engage individuals in political discourse and encourage informed participation in civic matters.

Watchup

Angel Round in 2012
Watchup, Inc. is a technology company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in developing an innovative streaming news application that allows users to create personalized video playlists from a wide range of local, national, and international news channels. The app aggregates content from over 170 video news publishers, including major outlets like CNN and CBS, enabling users to customize their newscasts according to their interests. Watchup's application is available on various platforms, including Apple TV, iOS, Android devices, and Amazon Fire TV. The company has received recognition for its service, being named one of the Best Apps of the Year by Google Play and winning a Webby award in 2016. As of January 2017, Watchup operates as a subsidiary of Plex, Inc.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.