TollBit
Seed Round in 2024
TollBit develops content monetization software that helps digital publishers license their content to AI bots and data scrapers while protecting the health of the content ecosystem. The software monitors scraped data, blocks unauthorized bot traffic, and enables publishers to manage licensing terms and revenue with scraping partners.
Meet Cute
Series A in 2020
Meet Cute, Inc. is an entertainment company based in New York that specializes in creating and distributing short-form audio romantic comedies. Founded in 2019, the company offers a platform where users can write, produce, and voice act their own romantic comedy stories. Its flagship product is an audio platform that allows users to craft narratives that take audiences from initial encounters to happy endings in approximately 15 minutes. By focusing on original content in podcast form, Meet Cute aims to provide listeners with engaging stories that evoke happiness and hope, aligning with the enduring appeal of the romantic comedy genre.
Wondery Inc. is a content producer and publisher based in West Hollywood, California, specializing in mobile and on-demand audio storytelling. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating and curating immersive podcasts that span various genres, including crime, love, mystery, and conspiracy. Wondery's portfolio features well-known programs such as Sword & Scale, Dirty John, and Business Wars, among others. The company aims to connect audiences to a diverse array of narratives while offering a platform for storytellers to gain exposure and advertising representation. Additionally, Wondery provides a mobile application that allows users to follow their favorite podcasts, discover new content, and organize it by channels.
Wondery Inc. is a content producer and publisher based in West Hollywood, California, specializing in mobile and on-demand audio storytelling. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating and curating immersive podcasts that span various genres, including crime, love, mystery, and conspiracy. Wondery's portfolio features well-known programs such as Sword & Scale, Dirty John, and Business Wars, among others. The company aims to connect audiences to a diverse array of narratives while offering a platform for storytellers to gain exposure and advertising representation. Additionally, Wondery provides a mobile application that allows users to follow their favorite podcasts, discover new content, and organize it by channels.
Axios Media
Series B in 2017
Axios is a digital media company offering concise, reliable news and analysis across politics, technology, business, health, climate, sports, global affairs, and science. It prioritizes efficient storytelling and has a reputation for launching journalists to prominent roles at other outlets.
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.
Herb is an online news portal and community founded in 2006 in the United States, focusing on cannabis as both a medicine and a therapeutic herb. The company's platform aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding cannabis by promoting its benefits and facilitating a greater understanding of its use. Herb curates a wide range of cannabis-related products, experiences, and cultural content, serving as a reliable resource for enthusiasts seeking trustworthy information. By leveraging technology, Herb fosters a culture of discovery within the cannabis space, helping to integrate cannabis into mainstream conversations and practices.
Fatherly
Venture Round in 2017
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.
Brit + Co is a media company serving a large online audience of women with a creative spirit. It operates a digital platform and related experiences that combine editorial content, tutorials, and shopping, connecting users with makers, designers, chefs, and inventors to foster creativity. The company offers do-it-yourself project kits and a curated line of products, with content distributed via its app, website, and social channels to inspire, educate, and entertain a digitally connected community.
Axios Media
Series A in 2016
Axios is a digital media company offering concise, reliable news and analysis across politics, technology, business, health, climate, sports, global affairs, and science. It prioritizes efficient storytelling and has a reputation for launching journalists to prominent roles at other outlets.
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, providing a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to be the leading online community for animal lovers, offering engaging stories and videos that highlight animal-related issues and promote animal activism. The Dodo also facilitates connections between its audience and animal welfare initiatives, encouraging care and awareness for various species. Through its content, the company seeks to inspire and inform individuals about the importance of animal welfare and the natural world.
ZergNet
Venture Round in 2015
ZergNet is a content recommendation company that specializes in driving incremental traffic and unique visitors to its partners. By implementing its content recommendation module, ZergNet promotes digital content across a network of prominent publishing partners, including major media companies such as Conde Nast, NBC, and Viacom. The company's platform not only facilitates the publication of content but also offers tailored recommendations that enhance audience engagement. This enables digital publishers to monetize their platforms effectively while expanding their reach through the promotion of curated and relevant content. ZergNet's services significantly contribute to increased traffic, with larger partners seeing hundreds of thousands of new unique visitors daily, ultimately boosting their sales revenue.
Bkstg
Venture Round in 2015
Bkstg Inc. is an online platform that facilitates connections between artists and music enthusiasts. Founded by technology and music entrepreneurs in 2013 and based in Los Angeles, California, Bkstg aims to transform the relationship between artists and their fans. The platform allows users to engage with celebrities, including musicians, actors, comedians, and sports figures, fostering a unique and ongoing interaction. Users can access exclusive content such as videos, limited-edition merchandise, and early ticket sales for events. Additionally, Bkstg enables fans to create and share content related to music, enhancing the overall experience of engagement within the entertainment community.
Spoon University
Seed Round in 2015
Spoon University is an online food publication platform founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, specifically designed to address the needs of college students. The platform serves as a daily food resource, offering a variety of simple recipes, local restaurant reviews, and food-related news tailored for millennials. By providing localized content and lifestyle stories, Spoon University enables college students to discover and share culinary experiences and knowledge, fostering a community centered around food.
Brandtale
Seed Round in 2015
Brandtale Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in digital advertising services, focusing on branded content and marketing intelligence. Established in 2015, Brandtale offers a platform that unifies custom content and publishers, enabling marketers to manage and analyze their advertising campaigns effectively. The platform provides insights into industry trends, competitor activities, and potential publishing partnerships, facilitating informed decision-making for marketers. Additionally, it allows publishers to enhance their profiles, evaluate competitive content offerings, and connect with brands to generate new business opportunities. By providing a comprehensive view of advertising efforts and market dynamics, Brandtale supports clients in maximizing the impact of their marketing strategies. As of early 2017, Brandtale operates as a subsidiary of Market Track, LLC.
Cricket's Circle
Seed Round in 2015
Cricket's Circle, Inc. is a retail company based in New York that operates an online platform dedicated to expectant and new parents. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of product recommendations and useful information related to baby care. Its offerings include essential items across various categories such as bath and skin care, diapering, feeding, health and safety, nursery products, and toys. Additionally, Cricket's Circle provides a shoppable solution and a baby gift registry, utilizing personalized content and data to enhance the shopping experience for mothers. By focusing on both e-commerce and content, the company aims to support parents in making informed choices for their children.
PureWow
Seed Round in 2015
PureWow is a digital lifestyle publication for women, delivering daily content across fashion, beauty, home, wellness, money, tech, food, books, travel, and more. The platform provides interest- and location-specific editions to personalize the reader experience, including local editions in major markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and the Hamptons, as well as topic-driven editions. Readers access content across multiple channels, including its website, mobile, email newsletters, and social and video formats. PureWow aims to elevate everyday life by presenting curated discoveries and practical recommendations that cater to contemporary women's interests.
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.
Into The Gloss
Venture Round in 2014
Into The Gloss is a web-based platform that features insights, trade secrets, and inspiration shared by stylists, models, editors, and other specialists. It specializes in the fields of fashion, lifestyle, and retail.
Into The Gloss was founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, United States
ZergNet is a content recommendation company that specializes in driving incremental traffic and unique visitors to its partners. By implementing its content recommendation module, ZergNet promotes digital content across a network of prominent publishing partners, including major media companies such as Conde Nast, NBC, and Viacom. The company's platform not only facilitates the publication of content but also offers tailored recommendations that enhance audience engagement. This enables digital publishers to monetize their platforms effectively while expanding their reach through the promotion of curated and relevant content. ZergNet's services significantly contribute to increased traffic, with larger partners seeing hundreds of thousands of new unique visitors daily, ultimately boosting their sales revenue.
Distractify
Series A in 2014
Distractify is a content publishing website that focuses on delivering entertainment-related news and culturally relevant conversations. The platform specializes in creating, covering, and curating trending topics, allowing readers to stay informed about the latest developments in the entertainment industry. With a monthly audience of 15.7 million unique visitors, Distractify tells engaging stories and produces videos that resonate with its audience. The company aims to connect brands with relevant content experiences, making it a significant player in the digital media landscape.
Storehouse
Series A in 2014
Storehouse is a developer of an online multimedia story-sharing platform that enables users to create and share their narratives through a combination of photos, videos, and text. The company's application provides a user-friendly interface for storytelling, allowing individuals to express their experiences visually and engage with a broader audience. Storehouse has received recognition for its innovative approach, winning the TechCrunch 2015 Crunchie for Best Mobile App and the 2014 Apple Design Award.
Chartbeat
Venture Round in 2014
Chartbeat provides a real-time content intelligence platform for publishers. It empowers digital publishing organizations to understand audience engagement with minute-by-minute analytics across various platforms. The company offers insights into visitors, load times, and referring sites, along with alerts for website performance issues.
Violet Grey
Series A in 2014
Violet Grey is a beauty retail company based in West Hollywood, California, founded in 2010. It specializes in selling a wide range of beauty care products, including makeup, skincare, hair care, and body treatment items, through both physical stores and an online platform. The company's offerings span from primers and foundations to cleansers and moisturizers, catering to various beauty needs. Additionally, Violet Grey provides digital content through THE VIOLET FILES, a magazine offering makeup recommendations, reviews, and tutorials. Originally known as Snob Inc., the company has evolved from its beginnings as a private dressing studio for Hollywood clients into a comprehensive beauty destination.
Storehouse
Seed Round in 2014
Storehouse is a developer of an online multimedia story-sharing platform that enables users to create and share their narratives through a combination of photos, videos, and text. The company's application provides a user-friendly interface for storytelling, allowing individuals to express their experiences visually and engage with a broader audience. Storehouse has received recognition for its innovative approach, winning the TechCrunch 2015 Crunchie for Best Mobile App and the 2014 Apple Design Award.
The Dodo
Seed Round in 2014
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, providing a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to be the leading online community for animal lovers, offering engaging stories and videos that highlight animal-related issues and promote animal activism. The Dodo also facilitates connections between its audience and animal welfare initiatives, encouraging care and awareness for various species. Through its content, the company seeks to inspire and inform individuals about the importance of animal welfare and the natural world.
Into The Gloss
Seed Round in 2013
Into The Gloss is a web-based platform that features insights, trade secrets, and inspiration shared by stylists, models, editors, and other specialists. It specializes in the fields of fashion, lifestyle, and retail.
Into The Gloss was founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, United States
Storybird
Series A in 2013
Storybird Inc. operates an online platform that allows writers, readers, and artists to create, read, and share visual stories. Founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company curates artwork from illustrators and animators worldwide, inspiring users of all ages to develop their narratives. The platform serves as a storytelling community for families, friends, teachers, students, and both amateur and professional writers. With over 5 million members, Storybird has facilitated the creation of approximately 15 million stories, which have been read for several billion minutes. More than 400,000 educators utilize the platform to foster writing and reading skills among their students. Through its simple tools, Storybird enables users to build digital books quickly, discover new authors, and engage with a vibrant community of passionate young writers and readers.
Brit + Co is a media company serving a large online audience of women with a creative spirit. It operates a digital platform and related experiences that combine editorial content, tutorials, and shopping, connecting users with makers, designers, chefs, and inventors to foster creativity. The company offers do-it-yourself project kits and a curated line of products, with content distributed via its app, website, and social channels to inspire, educate, and entertain a digitally connected community.
Circa
Convertible Note in 2013
Circa is a company that has redefined the news consumption experience by creating a mobile-first news platform. Founded in 2011 by Matt Galligan, Ben Huh, and Arsenio Santos, Circa delivers news in a format specifically designed for mobile devices, focusing on concise and engaging updates that cater to the habits of modern mobile users. By prioritizing the unique characteristics of mobile platforms, Circa aims to enhance how news is produced, delivered, and consumed, offering a streamlined and intuitive experience for its audience.
Food52 operates an online platform that combines a curated shop, content, and community for kitchen and home enthusiasts. It enables users to discover and share recipes, access editors' recipes and community submissions, and explore cookbooks, kitchenware, tableware, and home goods through an integrated shopping experience. The company hosts cooking contests and offline pop-ups, and provides lifestyle features, tips, and inspiration to help people cook and enhance their homes. It supports a large global community of cooks and home enthusiasts who engage with recipes, products, and expert guidance to bring ideas to life in their own kitchens.
RebelMouse
Seed Round in 2012
RebelMouse, Inc. is a social media aggregator and digital publishing platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. The platform enables brands, media companies, and individuals to create engaging content experiences that foster community building and audience growth across various social media channels. RebelMouse's innovative approach transcends conventional content management by liberating content across multiple sites, apps, and advertisements. It enhances audience engagement through intelligent recommendations, real-time trending alerts, and social calls to action. The company has been instrumental in generating significant online traffic for various publishers, including Axios and The Dodo, while also revitalizing established brands like PAPER Magazine. Additionally, RebelMouse assists organizations, such as United Airlines, in adopting media-centric strategies to enhance their online presence.
Trendabl
Venture Round in 2012
Trendabl, Inc. is a company that operates an online community centered on fashion enthusiasts. Founded in 2011 and based in New York, Trendabl offers a photo-sharing platform designed specifically for fashion-related content. Users can capture images, apply filters, and tag their photos with details such as brand, price, and retail availability. The application allows members to share their posts with friends and followers, fostering a vibrant community where users can connect with fashion icons, celebrities, designers, and influencers. Trendabl aims to enhance the way individuals engage with fashion through its innovative platform.
VHX Corporation is a technology company that specializes in video distribution, providing a platform that enables businesses to create custom video experiences across various connected devices. Founded in 2011 and based in Brooklyn, New York, VHX allows content creators, including filmmakers, educators, and fitness trainers, to sell their work directly to audiences from their own websites. The platform supports a diverse range of content types, including films, TV shows, and online courses, giving creators significant control over their distribution and customer data. With an end-to-end solution, VHX facilitates efficient marketing and revenue retention for its users. Since its launch, the company has successfully enabled publishers to generate substantial sales, serving over a million customers. VHX operates as a subsidiary of Vimeo, LLC.
Group Commerce
Series C in 2012
Group Commerce is a leading platform tailored for publishers aiming to excel in e-commerce. Established in 2010, the company provides a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution that addresses the distinct needs of brands and media companies. Its platform functions as a command center for publishers' e-commerce initiatives, facilitating vital operations such as payment processing, customer service, merchant sourcing, and merchandising strategy. Group Commerce distinguishes itself by offering extensive professional services and expertise to ensure publishers can thrive in the e-commerce landscape. The company serves a diverse client base, which includes prominent names like Boston.com, CBS Local, Chegg.com, DailyCandy, Hearst Publications, Meredith Corporation, and the New York Times, among others.
Editorially
Series A in 2012
Editorially, Inc. is a collaborative writing and editing platform founded in 2012 and based in Brooklyn, New York. The company focuses on enhancing the writing and editing process through user-friendly design and development of web-based applications. Editorially aims to support writers at every stage, from initial inspiration to publication, by providing tools that facilitate collaboration and enhance usability. The team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in writing, editing, publishing, design, and engineering, enabling a practical approach to product development. By valuing clear communication and interdisciplinary roles, Editorially emphasizes the connection between effective writing and robust software development, fostering an environment that encourages agile methodologies and iterative improvements.
Hyperink
Venture Round in 2011
Hyperink, Inc. is a self-publishing platform based in San Francisco, California, that enables individuals to publish eBooks across various categories, including biographies, self-help, technology, and more. Founded in 2010, the company offers services such as cover design, layout, and customer support to streamline the publishing process for users. Hyperink's platform allows writers and bloggers to curate and compile their existing content into cohesive books, transforming blogs and articles into published works. The company distributes its eBooks through its own website as well as other online retailers, aiming to democratize the publishing process and empower individuals to share their knowledge and stories with a wider audience.
Spanfeller Media Group
Series B in 2011
Spanfeller Media Group, Inc. is a content-focused media company based in New York, founded in 2010. It operates notable online platforms, including The Daily Meal, which specializes in food-related content, and The Active Times, dedicated to sports and fitness. The company aims to revolutionize the creation, sharing, and monetization of premium content by leveraging its expertise in digital media. Spanfeller Media Group offers a range of services, including content creation, digital content aggregation, curation, and online advertising revenue generation. Additionally, the company is focused on launching new websites that cater to niche vertical content areas that lack dominant players in the market.
Visual Revenue
Seed Round in 2011
Founded in 2010, Visual Revenue, Inc. is a company that develops a real-time predictive analytics platform aimed at enhancing editorial decision-making in data-driven newsrooms. The platform provides tools that support human editors by delivering real-time recommendations and measuring social media success, thereby facilitating content discovery for media organizations. By reducing the complexity of content management, Visual Revenue enables publishers to engage their audiences more effectively while preserving their unique editorial voice. The company's focus is on empowering editors rather than replacing them, ensuring that editorial judgment remains central to the content creation process. In 2013, Visual Revenue was acquired by Outbrain.
OnSwipe
Venture Round in 2011
OnSwipe is a platform designed to enhance the presentation of content and advertising for publishers on touch-enabled devices through web browsers. The company enables media publishers to create visually appealing and interactive experiences that mimic the functionality of native applications and websites. By addressing the increasing demand for optimized content on tablets and other touch devices, OnSwipe simplifies the publishing process, allowing media companies to effectively engage their audiences in a magazine-like format. This focus on improving user experience positions OnSwipe as a valuable solution in an evolving digital landscape.
Group Commerce
Series B in 2011
Group Commerce is a leading platform tailored for publishers aiming to excel in e-commerce. Established in 2010, the company provides a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution that addresses the distinct needs of brands and media companies. Its platform functions as a command center for publishers' e-commerce initiatives, facilitating vital operations such as payment processing, customer service, merchant sourcing, and merchandising strategy. Group Commerce distinguishes itself by offering extensive professional services and expertise to ensure publishers can thrive in the e-commerce landscape. The company serves a diverse client base, which includes prominent names like Boston.com, CBS Local, Chegg.com, DailyCandy, Hearst Publications, Meredith Corporation, and the New York Times, among others.
Founded in 2010 by Craig Marks, former top editor of Spin, Blender, and Billboard magazines, Popdust is an online platform dedicated to pop music culture. It connects fans with popular artists through voting competitions, revealing interviews, shareable content, and real-time news feeds. The company is headquartered in New York.
Food52 operates an online platform that combines a curated shop, content, and community for kitchen and home enthusiasts. It enables users to discover and share recipes, access editors' recipes and community submissions, and explore cookbooks, kitchenware, tableware, and home goods through an integrated shopping experience. The company hosts cooking contests and offline pop-ups, and provides lifestyle features, tips, and inspiration to help people cook and enhance their homes. It supports a large global community of cooks and home enthusiasts who engage with recipes, products, and expert guidance to bring ideas to life in their own kitchens.
Chartbeat
Series A in 2010
Chartbeat provides a real-time content intelligence platform for publishers. It empowers digital publishing organizations to understand audience engagement with minute-by-minute analytics across various platforms. The company offers insights into visitors, load times, and referring sites, along with alerts for website performance issues.
Spanfeller Media Group
Series A in 2010
Spanfeller Media Group, Inc. is a content-focused media company based in New York, founded in 2010. It operates notable online platforms, including The Daily Meal, which specializes in food-related content, and The Active Times, dedicated to sports and fitness. The company aims to revolutionize the creation, sharing, and monetization of premium content by leveraging its expertise in digital media. Spanfeller Media Group offers a range of services, including content creation, digital content aggregation, curation, and online advertising revenue generation. Additionally, the company is focused on launching new websites that cater to niche vertical content areas that lack dominant players in the market.
Group Commerce
Series A in 2010
Group Commerce is a leading platform tailored for publishers aiming to excel in e-commerce. Established in 2010, the company provides a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution that addresses the distinct needs of brands and media companies. Its platform functions as a command center for publishers' e-commerce initiatives, facilitating vital operations such as payment processing, customer service, merchant sourcing, and merchandising strategy. Group Commerce distinguishes itself by offering extensive professional services and expertise to ensure publishers can thrive in the e-commerce landscape. The company serves a diverse client base, which includes prominent names like Boston.com, CBS Local, Chegg.com, DailyCandy, Hearst Publications, Meredith Corporation, and the New York Times, among others.
Vook, formerly known as Pronoun, is a publishing company offering digital and print book creation, distribution, cover design, and copy editing services. They leverage technology and data to assist authors in publishing swiftly, marketing effectively, and retaining creative and financial autonomy over their works.