Xmov is a company that specializes in developing artificial reality animation solutions, focusing on virtual human and content creation tailored for enterprise users across various Metaverse applications. The company employs advanced motion capture, animation, and artificial intelligence technologies to deliver customized interactive solutions for diverse business scenarios. Additionally, Xmov creates a comprehensive infrastructure for 3D virtual content production, providing full-stack technology and product services aimed at facilitating education, employment, and the development of virtual world platforms. Their innovative approach spans multiple sectors, including entertainment, cultural tourism, e-commerce, finance, education, healthcare, and communications, establishing a multifaceted ecological development model.
DNABLOCK
Seed Round in 2022
DNABLOCK is leading the way to personalized entertainment, interaction, and inclusion by removing the barriers of 3D content creation. Our platform and REPLIKANTâ„¢ animation engine allows creatives, brands, and individuals the ability to generate bespoke, high-quality, digital beings without prohibitive post-production costs or specialized 3D programming knowledge. Our platform supports the exporting of content onto ANY device, making it simple to create fulfilling interactions with an enormous reach. We operate a scalable, high-end, computer graphics pipeline. This pipeline, combined with advanced machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis, is our recipe for engaging, real-time, interactive, digital beings and the future of digital interface. As a forward-thinking company, we have focused on likeness protection and ownership; adding authentication mechanisms to guarantee control and transparency.
Spotter, Inc., established in 2019 and headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, specializes in empowering independent content creators across digital platforms. The company offers financial liquidity solutions, providing upfront cash to creators focused on specific sub-topic categories. This enables them to expand their content, invest in their business, and maintain independence. Spotter has deployed over $940 million to YouTube creators, with plans to reach $1 billion by 2024. Additionally, Spotter's platform generates over 88 billion monthly watch-time minutes, offering a scalable, brand-safe media solution to advertisers.
Candy Digital is a rapidly growing company specializing in the creation and distribution of officially licensed non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital collectibles. Founded in 2021 by a group including Fanatics, Michael Rubin, Mike Novogratz, and Gary Vaynerchuk, Candy Digital aims to engage fans by providing authentic digital assets that connect them with their interests in sports, art, entertainment, and music. The company operates an NFT ecosystem platform that allows users to purchase, trade, and share these collectibles, ensuring a secure and scalable experience. Under the leadership of CEO Scott Lawin, Candy collaborates with athletes, artists, and content owners to produce unique digital offerings, enhancing the way fans interact with their passions through innovative digital assets.
StreamElements
Series B in 2021
StreamElements is a company based in Tel Aviv, Israel, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing a web-based platform tailored for live content creators, offering tools for monetization, audience management, and community growth. The platform allows creators to display unblockable ads, collect donations, and reward viewers with loyalty points. Key features include a stream dashboard, overlay manager, chat statistics, leaderboard, spam filters, and custom stream pages. StreamElements also facilitates revenue generation through viewer purchases using currency earned by watching streams. Additionally, the company provides cloud-based overlays, alerts, chatbots, loyalty programs, sponsorships, and brand-safe moderation services. It supports creators across various platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok, connecting them with brands for performance marketing campaigns.
Iyuno-SDI
Debt Financing in 2021
Iyuno-SDI Group is the media and entertainment industry service provider.
Cameo is a marketplace that enables fans to book personalized video shoutouts from celebrities and other notable figures across various fields. The company's platform facilitates the booking and payment process for these customized videos, allowing users to create authentic fan experiences. Cameo partners with thousands of talent, offering a wide range of options for customers seeking unique and personal interactions. Additionally, Cameo provides tools for creating short films with professional-grade video effects, accessible to users of all skill levels.
GetYourGuide
Convertible Note in 2020
GetYourGuide is an online platform that facilitates the booking of tours, attractions, and activities around the globe. Founded in 2009 by Jochen Mattes, Johannes Reck, Martin Sieber, Pascal Mathis, Tao Tao, and Tobias Rein, the platform provides a wide range of services, including tickets to tourist attractions, cooking classes, and various experiential activities. By acting as an intermediary, GetYourGuide allows customers to book these experiences at no direct cost to them; instead, tour providers pay a percentage of their revenue to the platform. This model not only streamlines the booking process for travelers but also includes a customer review system that helps users assess the quality of tour providers. To maintain high standards, GetYourGuide removes consistently poorly reviewed providers from its offerings, ensuring a reliable selection of experiences for users.
Game Jolt
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Game Jolt is a social media platform tailored for gamers and the content they produce. It serves as a user-generated marketplace for digital collectibles, facilitating connections between brands, creators, and the Gen Z gaming community. The platform allows users to share and download video games, participate in on-platform events, and engage in mini-games, thereby enhancing user interaction. Through these features, Game Jolt fosters a dynamic environment where players can connect, compete, and collaborate with friends and other gamers.
C Channel
Venture Round in 2020
C Channel is an online video media provider that focuses on delivering high-quality content tailored to women aged 20 to 34. The company offers a diverse range of lifestyle-related information, including topics such as hairstyling, food, fashion, and travel tips. By leveraging video as its primary medium, C Channel aims to engage its audience with relevant and inspiring content. Additionally, the company operates as a marketing and advertising agency, specializing in the production and management of impactful influencers to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in connecting with its target demographic.
DICE is a London-based company founded in 2014 that provides an online platform for discovering and purchasing tickets to live shows and events worldwide. Operating in markets such as the UK, US, France, Italy, Spain, India, and Australia, DICE aims to facilitate access to live performances and enhance the experience for fans. The platform not only enables users to book tickets for various events but also focuses on promoting artists and expanding their reach through live streaming options. By simplifying the ticket purchasing process and connecting fans with their favorite artists, DICE encourages greater attendance at live events.
GetYourGuide
Series E in 2019
GetYourGuide is an online platform that facilitates the booking of tours, attractions, and activities around the globe. Founded in 2009 by Jochen Mattes, Johannes Reck, Martin Sieber, Pascal Mathis, Tao Tao, and Tobias Rein, the platform provides a wide range of services, including tickets to tourist attractions, cooking classes, and various experiential activities. By acting as an intermediary, GetYourGuide allows customers to book these experiences at no direct cost to them; instead, tour providers pay a percentage of their revenue to the platform. This model not only streamlines the booking process for travelers but also includes a customer review system that helps users assess the quality of tour providers. To maintain high standards, GetYourGuide removes consistently poorly reviewed providers from its offerings, ensuring a reliable selection of experiences for users.
TThunDer Animation
Series B in 2019
Hangzhou TThunder Animation Co., Ltd., founded in 2015 and located in Hangzhou, China, specializes in the development, production, and operation of animation video content for preschool children. The company focuses on creating professional and aesthetically engaging videos that support the psychological development of young audiences. TThunder Animation distributes its content through various national channels in China and internationally, ensuring broad accessibility for preschool-age viewers. In addition to video content, the company also manufactures smart toys, further enhancing the interactive experience for children.
HEED
Venture Round in 2018
Heed, LLC, established in 2015 and located in New York, develops a consumer platform that enhances the sports and entertainment experience through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). The platform provides real-time stories and insights, enabling users to engage with live events in an innovative manner by uncovering physical and behavioral elements associated with those events. By transforming how audiences interact with sports and entertainment, Heed aims to create a more immersive and informative experience for consumers.
Radish is a mobile fiction platform that specializes in serialized storytelling, offering readers a diverse array of stories presented in bite-sized installments tailored for smartphone use. The platform allows readers to explore thousands of serials across multiple genres, including romance, fantasy, young adult, paranormal, mystery, and science fiction. Radish fosters direct interaction between readers and authors through live community chat rooms, enhancing the reader experience. For writers, Radish provides a unique opportunity to publish original works, revive previously published titles, and generate anticipation for upcoming stories, all while ensuring they receive immediate compensation and retain copyright ownership. This innovative approach is transforming the landscape of story consumption and production.
C Channel
Venture Round in 2016
C Channel is an online video media provider that focuses on delivering high-quality content tailored to women aged 20 to 34. The company offers a diverse range of lifestyle-related information, including topics such as hairstyling, food, fashion, and travel tips. By leveraging video as its primary medium, C Channel aims to engage its audience with relevant and inspiring content. Additionally, the company operates as a marketing and advertising agency, specializing in the production and management of impactful influencers to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in connecting with its target demographic.
Digital Domain
Post in 2016
Digital Domain, established in 1992, is a global media entertainment company headquartered in Hong Kong. It specializes in visual effects (VFX) production and post-production services, creating digital imagery for films, commercials, TV shows, music videos, and mixed reality projects. The company is renowned for its work on major motion pictures like "Titanic" and "Deadpool". Additionally, Digital Domain offers virtual reality (VR) services, including 360-degree camera technology and VR content creation. It operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China, with offices in Los Angeles, London, Vancouver, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Hyderabad.
Hike is a versatile technology company that focuses on creating innovative products aimed at shaping the social future. It operates a comprehensive platform that facilitates in-store, online, and mobile selling for retailers, alongside providing cloud-based retail management software. In addition, Hike is engaged in the blockchain gaming sector, developing the Rush Gaming Universe, which combines elements of Web2 and Web3 to offer a unique social gaming experience. This platform allows players to utilize their skills to earn and grow within the gaming ecosystem. Furthermore, Hike has developed a mobile messaging application that provides multilingual messaging services, enabling users to express themselves through stickers and emojis while sharing messages and media with friends and family. Overall, Hike is dedicated to merging technology with social interaction and gaming, creating new economic opportunities for users.
WME
Private Equity Round in 2016
William Morris Endeavor (WME) is a prominent talent agency headquartered in Beverly Hills, with additional offices in New York, Nashville, London, and Miami. Established in 2009 through the merger of Endeavor and the William Morris Agency, WME represents leading artists across various entertainment sectors, including film, television, music, theatre, advertising, literature, and digital media. In addition to its talent representation, WME offers advisory services to major consumer brands, helping them develop entertainment-based marketing strategies. The agency also invests in companies within the digital media landscape, further diversifying its role in the entertainment industry.
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, offering a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to create an online community for animal lovers by providing engaging stories and videos related to animal welfare and activism. Through its content, The Dodo encourages connections between people and animals, promoting care and awareness of various animal-related issues.
Jump Ramp
Series C in 2015
Jump Ramp Games, Inc., established in 2011 and headquartered in New York, specializes in developing mobile gaming applications. Its flagship product, Lucktastic, offers free mobile casual games with real-world rewards, including gift cards from major brands. The company generates revenue through online advertising, lead generation, and mobile video services within the Lucktastic app. As of 2019, Jump Ramp operates as a subsidiary of MobilityWare, Inc.
DramaFever
Acquisition in 2014
DramaFever, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., is a leading online platform specializing in the distribution of international televised content. It offers on-demand streaming services featuring movies, documentaries, and TV shows, predominantly from Asia and Latin America, with professional subtitles in multiple languages. The company's extensive library includes Korean dramas, Latin American telenovelas, and kids programming. DramaFever also provides advertising opportunities and partners with other media companies to develop next-generation online entertainment sites. Based in New York, the company employs over 130 people, with a significant portion dedicated to engineering and improving the user experience for its millions of viewers worldwide.
Legendary Entertainment
Private Equity Round in 2014
Legendary Entertainment is a media company that specializes in creating and distributing content for television and digital platforms globally. The company engages in the development, co-production, co-financing, and distribution of motion pictures, collaborating with other production studios to enhance its offerings. Legendary Entertainment is dedicated to producing content that appeals to mainstream audiences, with a particular emphasis on the influential fandom demographic. Its portfolio includes box-office films, television shows, and comic storylines, reflecting a commitment to delivering engaging entertainment across various media formats.
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, offering a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to create an online community for animal lovers by providing engaging stories and videos related to animal welfare and activism. Through its content, The Dodo encourages connections between people and animals, promoting care and awareness of various animal-related issues.
The Dodo
Seed Round in 2014
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, offering a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to create an online community for animal lovers by providing engaging stories and videos related to animal welfare and activism. Through its content, The Dodo encourages connections between people and animals, promoting care and awareness of various animal-related issues.
Wandoujia
Series B in 2014
Wandoujia is a prominent mobile entertainment search engine based in Beijing, China, that significantly influences the mobile internet landscape. Established in 2010, the platform has been installed over 350 million times, with daily new installations surpassing 800,000. Wandoujia's extensive search index encompasses over one million options across various content categories, including apps, videos, ebooks, wallpapers, music, and themes, sourced from more than 130 content providers. The company has pioneered mobile search products that enhance user discovery and consumption of content. Additionally, Wandoujia has formed successful international partnerships that facilitate the entry of foreign applications into the Chinese market, collaborating with well-known developers such as Flipboard and Evernote. The company also publishes a monthly report titled "The Mobile Search Index," which highlights trends in mobile search within China. With a dedicated team of over 250 employees, Wandoujia continues to innovate in the realm of mobile applications and distribution.
Jump Ramp
Series B in 2013
Jump Ramp Games, Inc., established in 2011 and headquartered in New York, specializes in developing mobile gaming applications. Its flagship product, Lucktastic, offers free mobile casual games with real-world rewards, including gift cards from major brands. The company generates revenue through online advertising, lead generation, and mobile video services within the Lucktastic app. As of 2019, Jump Ramp operates as a subsidiary of MobilityWare, Inc.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.
Cheezburger
Venture Round in 2012
Cheezburger, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a network of social humor websites, including popular platforms such as I Can Has Cheezburger, FAIL Blog, Know Your Meme, and Memebase. Founded in September 2007 by Ben Huh and Eric Nakagawa, the company specializes in providing social humor and entertainment content, allowing users to view, create, and remix memes, images, and videos. In addition to its extensive digital humor offerings, Cheezburger also provides advertising services to generate revenue. The company has published several books that compile humorous content from its platforms, further extending its brand into print media. Cheezburger operates as a subsidiary of Literally Media.
Popdust Inc. operates an online platform dedicated to pop music culture, connecting fans with artists across genres such as pop, R&B, hip-hop, country, and K-pop. Founded in 2011 by Craig Marks and others, the platform features engaging content including voting competitions, interviews, and multimedia franchises that highlight popular artists. It offers episodic video content and keeps audiences informed with music news, reviews, and gossip about mainstream artists. The website serves as a hub for music lovers, delivering real-time updates and information from various sources, including social media. Based in New York, Popdust aims to provide a critical and entertaining perspective on the Top 40 music genre.
Aldebaran Robotics
Acquisition in 2012
Aldebaran Robotics, founded in 2005 and based in Paris, France, specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of autonomous humanoid robots primarily for entertainment and assistance purposes. The company's notable products include NAO, a 58-cm tall humanoid robot designed to be a friendly companion capable of movement, recognition, auditory engagement, and conversation. Another key product, Pepper, is a social robot that interacts with humans, recognizes their emotions, and operates autonomously. Additionally, Romeo, a larger humanoid robot at 140 cm, is developed for research focused on assisting the elderly and individuals with reduced autonomy, featuring functionalities such as opening doors, climbing stairs, and grasping objects. Aldebaran Robotics aims to advance the field of humanoid robotics through innovative solutions that enhance human-robot interaction and support various applications in care and therapy.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.
Ustream
Funding Round in 2011
Ustream is a provider of a live interactive broadcast platform that allows users to view and stream a variety of content, including sporting events, political gatherings, concerts, conferences, and personal milestones. Founded in 2007 by John Ham, Brad Hunstable, and Gyula Feher, the company caters to diverse audiences by offering solutions for mobile devices, streaming players, and connected TVs. Ustream's services extend beyond broadcasting, including event production, program development, account management, tech support, and performance analytics. The company has established partnerships with notable organizations such as Cisco, Sony, Discovery Communications, Georgetown University, and Samsung. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Ustream also maintains offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Budapest.
Jump Ramp
Series A in 2011
Jump Ramp Games, Inc., established in 2011 and headquartered in New York, specializes in developing mobile gaming applications. Its flagship product, Lucktastic, offers free mobile casual games with real-world rewards, including gift cards from major brands. The company generates revenue through online advertising, lead generation, and mobile video services within the Lucktastic app. As of 2019, Jump Ramp operates as a subsidiary of MobilityWare, Inc.
Boxee is a media player software platform that combines locally stored personal media with internet streaming content and social networking features. The platform allows users to share their viewing habits with friends and other Boxee users on various social networks. It is partially open-source, enabling users to develop their own applications, plug-ins, and skins. The foundation of Boxee is derived from the Xbox Media Center project, originally created by home theater PC enthusiasts. In addition to software, Boxee has also developed an electronic device that connects smartphones to televisions, allowing users to discover and watch shows and movies from the internet directly on their TVs. This integration of personal media, streaming services, and social interaction positions Boxee as a versatile solution for media consumption.
PPTV is a Chinese online video network technology platform that specializes in providing a comprehensive array of video content, including TV shows, news, and entertainment. The company offers a robust online video distribution platform that supports live streaming and video-on-demand services. In addition to its core offerings, PPTV provides features such as online live broadcasting, community engagement tools, a video accelerator, and a video search service, catering to a diverse audience and enhancing the viewing experience.
Popdust Inc. operates an online platform dedicated to pop music culture, connecting fans with artists across genres such as pop, R&B, hip-hop, country, and K-pop. Founded in 2011 by Craig Marks and others, the platform features engaging content including voting competitions, interviews, and multimedia franchises that highlight popular artists. It offers episodic video content and keeps audiences informed with music news, reviews, and gossip about mainstream artists. The website serves as a hub for music lovers, delivering real-time updates and information from various sources, including social media. Based in New York, Popdust aims to provide a critical and entertaining perspective on the Top 40 music genre.
Cheezburger
Venture Round in 2011
Cheezburger, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a network of social humor websites, including popular platforms such as I Can Has Cheezburger, FAIL Blog, Know Your Meme, and Memebase. Founded in September 2007 by Ben Huh and Eric Nakagawa, the company specializes in providing social humor and entertainment content, allowing users to view, create, and remix memes, images, and videos. In addition to its extensive digital humor offerings, Cheezburger also provides advertising services to generate revenue. The company has published several books that compile humorous content from its platforms, further extending its brand into print media. Cheezburger operates as a subsidiary of Literally Media.
Wandoujia
Series A in 2011
Wandoujia is a prominent mobile entertainment search engine based in Beijing, China, that significantly influences the mobile internet landscape. Established in 2010, the platform has been installed over 350 million times, with daily new installations surpassing 800,000. Wandoujia's extensive search index encompasses over one million options across various content categories, including apps, videos, ebooks, wallpapers, music, and themes, sourced from more than 130 content providers. The company has pioneered mobile search products that enhance user discovery and consumption of content. Additionally, Wandoujia has formed successful international partnerships that facilitate the entry of foreign applications into the Chinese market, collaborating with well-known developers such as Flipboard and Evernote. The company also publishes a monthly report titled "The Mobile Search Index," which highlights trends in mobile search within China. With a dedicated team of over 250 employees, Wandoujia continues to innovate in the realm of mobile applications and distribution.
YouAre.TV
Series A in 2010
YouAre.TV offers a participatory broadcast platform that enables users to engage with live video streaming services directly through their webcams. The platform allows audiences to not only watch live shows but also to actively participate by making video calls, enhancing the viewing experience. Users can join in on the interactive content from their phones or desktops. One of the highlights of YouAre.TV's programming is a weekly show featuring Merton, an improv piano player known from Chatroulette, which airs every Wednesday at 10 PM Eastern. This combination of live interaction and entertainment positions YouAre.TV as a unique player in the interactive media landscape.
RockYou Media
Venture Round in 2010
RockYou, Inc. is an interactive media and entertainment company that specializes in in-game video advertising and the development of social games. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company operates a video advertising platform that connects premium brands with users across various digital environments, including Facebook, the web, and mobile devices. RockYou's advertising network reaches approximately 68 million monthly viewers, providing brands and publishers with engaging content tailored for a multicultural audience. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of free-to-play games spanning multiple genres and platforms, aimed at entertaining users while facilitating connections in an online networking space. However, in February 2019, RockYou, Inc. filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.
Thumbplay
Series F in 2010
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
Ustream is a provider of a live interactive broadcast platform that allows users to view and stream a variety of content, including sporting events, political gatherings, concerts, conferences, and personal milestones. Founded in 2007 by John Ham, Brad Hunstable, and Gyula Feher, the company caters to diverse audiences by offering solutions for mobile devices, streaming players, and connected TVs. Ustream's services extend beyond broadcasting, including event production, program development, account management, tech support, and performance analytics. The company has established partnerships with notable organizations such as Cisco, Sony, Discovery Communications, Georgetown University, and Samsung. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Ustream also maintains offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Budapest.
RockYou Media
Series D in 2009
RockYou, Inc. is an interactive media and entertainment company that specializes in in-game video advertising and the development of social games. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company operates a video advertising platform that connects premium brands with users across various digital environments, including Facebook, the web, and mobile devices. RockYou's advertising network reaches approximately 68 million monthly viewers, providing brands and publishers with engaging content tailored for a multicultural audience. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of free-to-play games spanning multiple genres and platforms, aimed at entertaining users while facilitating connections in an online networking space. However, in February 2019, RockYou, Inc. filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Thumbplay
Series F in 2009
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
RockYou Media
Series C in 2008
RockYou, Inc. is an interactive media and entertainment company that specializes in in-game video advertising and the development of social games. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company operates a video advertising platform that connects premium brands with users across various digital environments, including Facebook, the web, and mobile devices. RockYou's advertising network reaches approximately 68 million monthly viewers, providing brands and publishers with engaging content tailored for a multicultural audience. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of free-to-play games spanning multiple genres and platforms, aimed at entertaining users while facilitating connections in an online networking space. However, in February 2019, RockYou, Inc. filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.
PureVideo Networks
Series B in 2007
PureVideo Networks operates an online video portal that allows users to upload and browse videos organized by various categories. This platform provides a space for users to share their content while also enabling viewers to discover a diverse range of videos tailored to their interests. By focusing on user-generated content, PureVideo aims to create an engaging environment for both content creators and consumers within the video-sharing landscape.
HuffPost is an online news provider and blog that delivers comprehensive coverage of U.S. politics, entertainment, style, world news, technology, and comedy. Launched in 2005 and based in New York, it has grown to include a network of 80,000 bloggers and attracts approximately 126 million monthly visitors. HuffPost is recognized for its commitment to journalistic excellence, becoming the first commercially operated digital media outlet in the United States to win a Pulitzer Prize in 2012. The platform offers both localized and international information, enhanced with multimedia elements like photos and videos, to inform its audience about a wide range of socio-economic and cultural issues.
Thumbplay
Series D in 2007
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
Thumbplay
Series C in 2006
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
HuffPost is an online news provider and blog that delivers comprehensive coverage of U.S. politics, entertainment, style, world news, technology, and comedy. Launched in 2005 and based in New York, it has grown to include a network of 80,000 bloggers and attracts approximately 126 million monthly visitors. HuffPost is recognized for its commitment to journalistic excellence, becoming the first commercially operated digital media outlet in the United States to win a Pulitzer Prize in 2012. The platform offers both localized and international information, enhanced with multimedia elements like photos and videos, to inform its audience about a wide range of socio-economic and cultural issues.
Sulake
Funding Round in 2006
Sulake Oy is a social entertainment company established in 2000 and based in Helsinki, Finland, with additional operations in Madrid, Spain, and London, United Kingdom. The company specializes in creating online social games and communities, most notably through its flagship product, Habbo Hotel. This platform allows users to create personalized avatars, socialize, play games, and engage in user-generated content, making it one of the largest social hangouts globally. In 2018, Sulake expanded its offerings with the launch of Hotel Hideaway, a 3D virtual world accessible on iOS and Android devices. The company aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for users to meet new people and express themselves creatively.
Thumbplay
Series B in 2005
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
PureVideo Networks
Series A in 2005
PureVideo Networks operates an online video portal that allows users to upload and browse videos organized by various categories. This platform provides a space for users to share their content while also enabling viewers to discover a diverse range of videos tailored to their interests. By focusing on user-generated content, PureVideo aims to create an engaging environment for both content creators and consumers within the video-sharing landscape.
Tonos Entertainment
Series B in 2000
The company operates an online community and music network geared towards the music industry and entertainment enthusiasts. The firm was founded in 1999 and is based in Culver City, California.
Beenos Partners
Venture Round in 2000
Beenos Partners is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, originally established as NetPrice.com, an eCommerce service provider. The company transitioned from its initial focus to a broader role in the startup ecosystem, offering incubation and support through its in-house team of experienced entrepreneurs and specialists. Beenos Partners aims to assist startups in various sectors, including information technology, online marketplaces, online payment, inbound tourism, entertainment, manufacturing, mobile, and enterprise software. The firm leverages its expertise in engineering, design, data science, and business management to help entrepreneurs develop and expand their businesses in a rapidly evolving market.
Picofun
Venture Round in 2000
Picofun AB is an Internet company based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in mobile entertainment technology. The company develops a comprehensive platform that transforms mobile devices, including WAP phones, into a hub for games and entertainment. Picofun's services include a mobile playground that provides innovative and engaging mobile games, as well as a technical platform and hosting for online gaming. This allows users to easily access and enjoy a variety of entertaining mobile games, promoting social interaction through shared gaming experiences.