HeyGen
Venture Round in 2024
HeyGen operates an artificial intelligence video platform that converts text into realistic spokesperson videos using digital avatars. The browser-based solution enables users to create videos without actors, cameras, or traditional editing, simply by inputting a narrative. The platform supports voice replication, avatar customization, and multilingual output, allowing content to be produced efficiently for diverse audiences. By removing production complexity, HeyGen helps organizations generate engaging video content at scale for marketing, training, and communications purposes.
Ideogram is an artificial intelligence startup focused on generative text-to-image technology. The company develops innovative media tools designed to enhance creative expression and accessibility for users. Its platform incorporates advanced functionalities, allowing individuals to explore and experiment with creative projects using generative artificial intelligence. Through its unique approach, Ideogram aims to empower users to unleash their creativity by simplifying the process of generating visual content from textual input.
Tavus is an AI research company that specializes in creating immersive digital experiences that parallel face-to-face interactions. The company develops a video personalization platform that leverages advanced artificial intelligence to generate realistic video content featuring digital avatars. These avatars can mimic customers' gestures and voices, allowing for the creation of personalized videos that enhance outreach efforts for sales teams. Tavus's technology enables clients to record once and subsequently generate customized videos with a single click, streamlining communication and engagement in both asynchronous and real-time settings.
PROOF Collective
Series A in 2022
PROOF is an NFT platform that provides access to private Discord, early access to the PROOF podcast, and in-person events.
Limit Break
Venture Round in 2022
Limit Break is a blockchain gaming company focused on transforming the free-to-play gaming experience through Web3 technology. Founded by seasoned professionals in the mobile gaming sector, Limit Break aims to shift traditional fundraising methods by introducing free mint games, allowing game developers to monetize their creations and engage players in new ways. The company’s platform empowers game creators to sell assets and earn titles using blockchain technologies, enabling players to participate in immersive gaming experiences while collecting tokens and generating income.
Tavus is an AI research company that specializes in creating immersive digital experiences that parallel face-to-face interactions. The company develops a video personalization platform that leverages advanced artificial intelligence to generate realistic video content featuring digital avatars. These avatars can mimic customers' gestures and voices, allowing for the creation of personalized videos that enhance outreach efforts for sales teams. Tavus's technology enables clients to record once and subsequently generate customized videos with a single click, streamlining communication and engagement in both asynchronous and real-time settings.
Yuga Labs
Seed Round in 2022
Yuga Labs is a blockchain technology company founded in 2021 by Wylie Aronow and Greg Solano, headquartered in Miami, Florida. The firm develops non‑fungible tokens and digital collectibles, focusing on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital media. It offers web3-based digital assets that enhance community engagement and ownership, leveraging decentralized intellectual property rights and interactive experiences generated programmatically from diverse traits. Users can create, trade, and participate in immersive storytelling and events within a vibrant digital ecosystem.
Clothia
Seed Round in 2019
Clothia, Inc. is an innovative online fashion platform that allows users to explore and express their style through interactive features. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, the platform enables users to create virtual closets where they can mix and match outfits, try on clothing virtually via augmented reality, and share their looks with friends and fellow fashion enthusiasts. Users can browse and purchase items from a curated collection of wearable statements from emerging international designers, stay informed about global fashion trends, and engage with a community by sharing outfits and creating look boards. Additionally, Clothia offers video content featuring interviews with designers, models, and trendsetters, enriching the user experience in the world of fashion.
Recount Media
Seed Round in 2019
Recount Media, Inc. is a media company based in New York that focuses on delivering political news through high-quality journalism and short-form video content. Founded in 2018, Recount Media publishes The Daily Recount, a flagship show that summarizes significant political events and distills television news into concise, engaging narratives. The company's approach emphasizes clarity and accessibility, aiming to inform viewers in under five minutes without compromising on substance. In addition to The Daily Recount, Recount Media also features curated content such as interviews and Recap 2020, which creatively remixes political news stories. By leveraging mobile apps and web platforms, Recount Media seeks to transform the way audiences consume news, prioritizing straightforward, honest reporting.
Summari
Seed Round in 2019
Summari is a technology company that specializes in developing a summarization engine designed to enhance content readability. The engine not only creates concise summaries but also identifies and corrects errors in the output, ensuring accuracy and clarity. In addition to its summarization capabilities, Summari offers bookmarking software that allows users to save, discover, and organize various forms of content, including articles, newsletters, tweets, podcasts, and videos. This software enables users to compile their saved data into shareable playlists, complete with easy-to-digest summaries, thereby facilitating efficient content management and discovery. Through its innovative tools, Summari aims to help users save time and access valuable information more effectively.
Drum is a gig economy platform that aims to enhance the lives of millions by facilitating the creation and management of sales forces for businesses. Launched in 2019, it allows companies to establish a sales presence more efficiently than traditional advertising methods. In addition to supporting businesses, Drum provides a comprehensive platform for creators, enabling them to engage with their followers and monetize their content. The platform offers in-app analytics that help creators sell both digital and physical products directly through their profiles, allowing them to focus on their creative endeavors while managing their sales effectively.
Highlighter
Seed Round in 2019
Highlighter is a company focused on enhancing the reading experience for students and educators by providing an innovative HTML5 reader. This platform enables teachers and professors to publish PDF and ePUB documents at no cost, making them accessible on any device. Highlighter significantly reduces the cost of textbooks while promoting student engagement through features that allow users to highlight, annotate, comment, share, and save snippets of text. Additionally, the company's tools facilitate the automatic highlighting and sharing of engaging content from articles and blogs, fostering a dynamic interaction between publishers and readers.
Powder is a startup that provides a video editing platform specifically designed for gamers and content creators. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to automatically identify and clip highlight moments from video streams, streamlining the editing process. By enabling users to share their favorite game clips and connect with others who share similar interests, Powder fosters a community for interaction and engagement. This innovative approach allows creators to save time on editing, thereby allowing them to concentrate more on content creation and enhancing their gaming experiences.
POPARAZZI
Seed Round in 2018
Poparazzi is a photo-sharing application that enables users to create social profiles for their friends and share photos of them, fostering authentic connections and empathy among users. Currently available only on iOS, the app allows individuals to assume the role of the "paparazzi" for their friends, capturing and sharing moments that promote engagement and interaction within their social circles. Through its innovative design, Poparazzi aims to bring people closer together by offering a platform that emphasizes genuine connections and shared experiences.
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles that specializes in the development of digital and robotic characters which are designed to engage audiences across various social platforms. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers and character-driven story worlds. Brud combines expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance media experiences, enabling the creation of innovative and popular digital personalities. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in creative ways to redefine storytelling in the digital age.
Brat TV is a digital production company focused on creating content for a teenage audience. It operates a media production platform designed to foster youth culture by enabling individuals with social followings to produce videos on a budget. The platform encourages daily engagement by providing viewers with new episodes, stories, and songs, thereby attracting a substantial audience. Through its innovative approach, Brat TV aims to redefine entertainment for young people, capitalizing on the dynamics of digital media and social connectivity.
SelfMade operates a technology platform that transforms and shares images on social media. It offers professional photo editing services and social media support to help members grow their online following. The company's app provides access to its follower growth technology, allowing users to determine their brand aesthetic, growth strategy, and posting schedule.
Brat TV
Seed Round in 2017
Brat TV is a digital production company focused on creating content for a teenage audience. It operates a media production platform designed to foster youth culture by enabling individuals with social followings to produce videos on a budget. The platform encourages daily engagement by providing viewers with new episodes, stories, and songs, thereby attracting a substantial audience. Through its innovative approach, Brat TV aims to redefine entertainment for young people, capitalizing on the dynamics of digital media and social connectivity.
Catch+Release
Seed Round in 2017
Catch&Release, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates the searching and licensing of web content for videos and commercials. Founded in 2008 and based in San Francisco, the company streamlines the licensing process through its Content Exchange, allowing users to organize and acquire content from various online sources. Catch&Release tracks down copyright owners, negotiates rights, and provides essential clearances for brands and advertisers. The platform offers features such as Clearance Ratings to help users identify licensable content, and it manages all documentation and transactions related to the licensing process. By curating a portfolio of story-driven content from a diverse range of creators, including artists and cinematographers, Catch&Release enables clients to efficiently promote their brands while ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles that specializes in the development of digital and robotic characters which are designed to engage audiences across various social platforms. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers and character-driven story worlds. Brud combines expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance media experiences, enabling the creation of innovative and popular digital personalities. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in creative ways to redefine storytelling in the digital age.
Brat TV
Seed Round in 2017
Brat TV is a digital production company focused on creating content for a teenage audience. It operates a media production platform designed to foster youth culture by enabling individuals with social followings to produce videos on a budget. The platform encourages daily engagement by providing viewers with new episodes, stories, and songs, thereby attracting a substantial audience. Through its innovative approach, Brat TV aims to redefine entertainment for young people, capitalizing on the dynamics of digital media and social connectivity.
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Launchkit
Venture Round in 2016
Launch Kit is an online platform designed to empower creators by providing them with essential resources, technology, and community support. Focused on serving streamers, user-generated content creators, influencers, and other digital creators, Launch Kit aims to be the go-to destination for individuals seeking to establish and grow their online presence. In addition to its community-driven approach, the company develops mobile applications and offers a suite of developer tools that assist app creators in building, launching, and monitoring their applications effectively. Through its comprehensive offerings, Launch Kit seeks to facilitate sustainable online livelihoods for a diverse range of creators.
Projector
Seed Round in 2016
Projector, established in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing collaborative visual storytelling tools for developers and product teams. Their platform enables professionals to create engaging content such as videos, GIFs, social media posts, and presentations outside the confines of their app, enhancing overall product experiences.
SelfMade
Seed Round in 2016
SelfMade operates a technology platform that transforms and shares images on social media. It offers professional photo editing services and social media support to help members grow their online following. The company's app provides access to its follower growth technology, allowing users to determine their brand aesthetic, growth strategy, and posting schedule.
Hooked
Pre Seed Round in 2015
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2015
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Pinterest
Series G in 2015
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform headquartered in San Francisco that enables users to find inspiration and ideas across categories such as recipes, home and fashion, travel, and more. The service presents visual recommendations based on user interests and allows saving images on thematic boards, following others, and sharing ideas. It operates as a social media platform focused on product and idea discovery, with a global user base of more than 500 million monthly active users, two-thirds of whom are female. It was founded in 2008 and generates revenue primarily through digital advertising.
LotusFlare
Seed Round in 2014
LotusFlare, Inc. is a technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in digital commerce and monetization solutions for communications and media service providers. Founded in 2013, the company develops a cloud-native business support system known as LotusFlare Digital Network Operator (DNO) Cloud, which enhances customer experience and streamlines technological processes. This platform enables telecommunications operators and application developers to create data packages and services without disrupting existing networks, facilitating easier access to mobile data for users, especially in rural areas. Additionally, LotusFlare's DataEye app helps users manage their mobile data and battery usage effectively. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including major telecommunications providers such as T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, and Globe Telecom, assisting them in launching new digital brands and monetizing their network assets.
Niche is a provider of a social media management platform aimed at engaging and monetizing social media accounts, particularly for the younger generation. The company operates a community of influential social media creators active on emerging platforms such as Vine, Instagram, and Tumblr. Niche offers both software and services that help these creators thrive and interact with their audiences effectively. By collaborating with leading brands, studios, start-ups, and agencies, Niche enhances their partners' social media presence, facilitating user acquisition, audience development, and engagement. Through its comprehensive approach, Niche supports creators in building strong online communities while providing valuable resources for brands looking to generate buzz and foster meaningful connections with their target audiences.
Pinterest
Series F in 2014
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform headquartered in San Francisco that enables users to find inspiration and ideas across categories such as recipes, home and fashion, travel, and more. The service presents visual recommendations based on user interests and allows saving images on thematic boards, following others, and sharing ideas. It operates as a social media platform focused on product and idea discovery, with a global user base of more than 500 million monthly active users, two-thirds of whom are female. It was founded in 2008 and generates revenue primarily through digital advertising.
LotusFlare
Seed Round in 2014
LotusFlare, Inc. is a technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in digital commerce and monetization solutions for communications and media service providers. Founded in 2013, the company develops a cloud-native business support system known as LotusFlare Digital Network Operator (DNO) Cloud, which enhances customer experience and streamlines technological processes. This platform enables telecommunications operators and application developers to create data packages and services without disrupting existing networks, facilitating easier access to mobile data for users, especially in rural areas. Additionally, LotusFlare's DataEye app helps users manage their mobile data and battery usage effectively. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including major telecommunications providers such as T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, and Globe Telecom, assisting them in launching new digital brands and monetizing their network assets.
Electric Objects
Seed Round in 2014
Electric Objects is a startup that specializes in creating digital picture frames designed to display high-resolution artwork from the internet. Their flagship product, the EO1, is a 23-inch, high-definition screen with an integrated computer and Android operating system. The device allows users to select and change images instantly via a simple web app or mobile application. Founded by Jake Levine, Electric Objects was born out of his desire to display art on his walls in a more dynamic way. The EO1 is not intended for direct interaction like a tablet or television; instead, it serves as a digital canvas that brings the beauty of the internet into users' homes through high-quality artwork.
Knowable
Seed Round in 2014
Knowable Universe, Inc., operating as Knowable, is an e-learning provider based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2013. The company specializes in developing an online platform that offers audio courses designed to help users acquire new skills. Its offerings feature long-form audio instruction complemented by detailed lesson summaries, curated learning tools, and downloadable e-textbooks. Additionally, Knowable provides access to private student communities, enhancing the learning experience through engagement and interaction. The team behind Knowable comprises editors, producers, and journalists from well-known institutions, all committed to creating engaging and effective audio courses.
Clique Brands Inc. is a media and marketing company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2006. It operates a variety of consumer brands, including Who What Wear, MyDomaine, Byrdie, CollegeFashionista, and Obsessee, focusing on content and products that appeal to millennial women and Gen Z girls. The company integrates data science with its editorial expertise to produce engaging content and marketing strategies. Clique's offerings include CMG Studios, an in-house creative agency, and INF Network, which represents over 55 prominent bloggers and influencers, providing integrated advertising solutions. In 2016, Clique launched its first clothing and accessories line in collaboration with Target, which has since become a leading performer for the retailer.
SeeMe
Venture Round in 2014
SeeMe is an online platform that connects contemporary emerging artists with a global audience, facilitating the sale of limited edition prints and original artwork. The platform allows artists to showcase a diverse range of images, appealing to various tastes and interests. Through its website and mobile app, users can engage with creators by leaving comments and likes, and they can also purchase eco-friendly postcards and unique apparel featuring the artwork. SeeMe employs intuitive discovery tools and predictive algorithms to help collectors find and support top artists, fostering a community where hundreds of thousands of creators are connected with millions of art enthusiasts worldwide.
Hullabalu
Convertible Note in 2014
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
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.
Mindie is an online entertainment platform based in San Francisco, California, that allows users to enhance their personal videos by integrating music. The service enables individuals to select their preferred music tracks and record videos simultaneously, creating engaging content that combines visual and auditory experiences. By providing a new way to share life moments, Mindie aims to elevate the quality of user-generated videos through the power of music.
Aura Frames
Venture Round in 2013
Aura Frames is a company specializing in smart digital picture frames that allow users to display and share photographs of family and friends. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, the company offers a user-friendly app that enables instant photo sharing to its Wi-Fi-enabled frames, effectively bridging distances between loved ones. Aura Frames aims to enhance the experience of memory sharing by transforming how people interact with their photos, moving them off phones and into their daily lives. The company's innovative approach combines technology and design to create a platform that fosters connections through visual storytelling.
Hey Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2012 that develops Heyday, an automatic journaling application designed for mobile devices. The application allows users to effortlessly document their experiences, including the places they visit and the activities they engage in. Heyday organizes photos into attractive collages, which can be customized with various layouts and filters, enabling users to easily share their memories. The platform aims to help individuals remember and reflect on their life stories by providing a private and beautiful way to track moments—both significant and mundane. With its focus on enhancing personal memory through technology, Heyday seeks to transform how people capture and rediscover their meaningful experiences.
Memoir
Convertible Note in 2013
Memoir transforms your photos, the places you go, and your social media into memories that can be relived when they’re most interesting to you. As soon as you request them, the photos your friends choose to share with you become part of your Memoir seamlessly. You can find memories and photos by people, places, dates, context, and more - no tagging or organization required. Memoir discovers photos and memories wherever they were created - iPhone cameras, DSLR's, Instagram, Facebook, Foursquare - even on your computer. With Memoir, all of your photos and memories are backed up securely to the cloud.
Wildcard offers a mobile Internet technology designed to enhance the browsing experience on smartphones. By providing a vast library of cards, Wildcard enables users to access web content faster than traditional browsers and with greater efficiency than downloading native apps. Its innovative approach serves as a seamless replacement for conventional Internet browsing, allowing users to find the information they need quickly and effectively.
FiftyThree
Series A in 2013
FiftyThree, Inc. is a company that develops innovative applications aimed at enhancing creativity and collaboration. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, FiftyThree offers a drawing application called Paper, which enables users to create, capture, and transform ideas on their iPads, functioning as a sketchpad, notebook, and journal. Additionally, the company provides Pencil, a stylus designed for use with iPads and iPhones, enhancing the user experience for digital drawing and note-taking. FiftyThree also specializes in collaborative tools that facilitate idea organization and sharing among teams, ultimately helping creators refine and improve their concepts. As of August 2018, FiftyThree operates as a subsidiary of WeTransfer BV.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2013
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
PandoDaily
Seed Round in 2013
PandoDaily is an online publication based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in technology news, analysis, and commentary, with a particular emphasis on Silicon Valley and startup companies. Founded in 2011, the company provides a range of content, including published articles, monthly events, live video streams, and an extensive video archive. Additionally, PandoDaily features PandoTicker, a service that delivers daily news updates related to the startup ecosystem. Through its various offerings, PandoDaily aims to inform and engage its audience on developments within the technology sector.
Imgix is an online platform that specializes in image management, processing, rendering, optimization, and delivery. It allows businesses to connect their existing image stores, enabling them to easily transform and optimize images and videos in real time through powerful APIs and user interfaces. The platform addresses the complex demands of modern web images, ensuring that content is perfectly sized for various devices, served in multiple formats, and optimized for both quality and performance. Imgix also helps businesses navigate critical issues such as copyright, licensing, and content moderation, minimizing risks that could lead to revenue loss or liability. By leveraging Imgix's capabilities, organizations can focus on their core activities without the need to build or maintain in-house imaging solutions. The company, which was launched through the Y Combinator accelerator program, counts notable clients like Lyft, Airbnb, and Spotify among its customer base.
Sift Limited, established in 1996, is a digital media solutions provider headquartered in Bristol, UK, with offices in Dublin, Ireland, and the United States. The company offers online business consultancy and services to various organizations, including member bodies, not-for-profits, publishers, and corporates. Sift's portfolio comprises nine online business communities, such as AccountingWEB and BusinessCloud9, and it organizes related face-to-face business events. Additionally, Sift provides PracticeWEB, a SaaS platform for UK accounting firms, and SiftGroups, which offers hosted online community solutions to publishers, corporates, and public sector bodies. Since 2011, Sift has expanded its services to include digital trust and safety solutions, helping over 34,000 sites and apps prevent fraud and build customer trust.
Violet Grey
Seed Round in 2013
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.
NewHive
Seed Round in 2013
NewHive is an online platform that serves as a do-it-yourself self-publishing tool, enabling users to express their creativity through customizable web pages. It fosters a social environment where individuals can create and share their unique content, encouraging artistic exploration and personal expression. By providing a user-friendly interface, NewHive empowers creators to develop and showcase their work, enhancing the interaction between users and their audiences.
Svbtle is an online publishing platform founded in 2012, based in the United States. It combines elements of traditional publishing with modern web capabilities to facilitate the discovery and sharing of new ideas. The platform is designed to enhance the writing experience by focusing on the quality of content, aiming to empower users to express their thoughts clearly and effectively. Svbtle prioritizes the needs of writers, offering services such as copyediting and fact-checking at no cost, which are typically not associated with standard blogging platforms. Through this approach, the company seeks to cultivate a community of thoughtful writers and improve overall writing standards.
Tubular Labs
Series A in 2012
Tubular Labs is a leading video measurement and analytics platform that serves broadcasters, publishers, and brands by providing insights into video consumption patterns. The platform tracks over 4 billion videos and 1 trillion views, analyzing a vast array of data that includes 10 million influencers and 90,000 brands. It offers a comprehensive view of the social video ecosystem, allowing businesses to create effective content and scale their audiences more rapidly. Tubular Labs delivers valuable ratings and context for digital video, helping companies refine their content strategies, enhance distribution, and optimize paid media campaigns. The platform is trusted by several top global media companies, who rely on its analytics to make informed strategic decisions in the dynamic landscape of video content.
Lift is a virtual web design and development company with a focus on user experience design, second screen apps, and WordPress development. Co-founded by designer Chris Wallace and entrepreneur Brad Miller, Lift works primarily with large television networks building second-screen applications for tv shows Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Bridezillas, and others.
Founded in 2009, Lift originally focused on building WordPress websites for small businesses and blog networks. In 2010, Lift redesigned and developed TheNextWeb.com, releasing the new website live at The Next Web conference, showcasing a tight integration with the newly-released Facebook API and a unique widget-driven homepage, allowing readers to customize their news page with a drag-and-drog interface.
In 2011, Lift developed The Walking Dead StorySync® for AMC tv, helping draw millions of viewers and winning two Social TV Award for Best Mobile Phone, iPad or Tablet Social TV Application.
Also in 2011, Lift led the redesign of IFC.com, bring responsive design to the world of television networks.
Ozy Media, Inc. is a media and entertainment company based in Mountain View, California, that focuses on delivering a diverse array of news and information to a curious audience. Founded in 2012, Ozy operates a daily news, magazine, and video streaming platform that features various programs designed to inform and engage its users. The content encompasses a wide range of topics, including emerging trends, influential figures, and innovative ideas, aiming to provide narratives that challenge conventional perspectives. With an audience of approximately 50 million, Ozy seeks to inspire and broaden viewpoints by presenting fresh narratives across multiple formats, including television, podcasts, and live events.
NewHive
Seed Round in 2012
NewHive is an online platform that serves as a do-it-yourself self-publishing tool, enabling users to express their creativity through customizable web pages. It fosters a social environment where individuals can create and share their unique content, encouraging artistic exploration and personal expression. By providing a user-friendly interface, NewHive empowers creators to develop and showcase their work, enhancing the interaction between users and their audiences.
Open Air Publishing
Angel Round in 2012
Open Air Publishing Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in the creation of digital how-to books designed for touchscreen devices such as iPads and iPhones. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on enhancing the learning experience by integrating multimedia elements that allow readers to touch, watch, listen, read, and learn new skills. Open Air Publishing's titles include notable works such as "The Better Bacon Book," "Master Your DSLR Camera," "Holiday Recipe and Survival Guide," and "Speakeasy Cocktails." Each book is carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience, leveraging the expertise of a diverse network of contributors to guide readers through various subjects.
MNTN
Venture Round in 2012
MNTN is a technology company specializing in Connected TV advertising. It offers advanced targeting, measurement, and automated optimization tools to deliver effective performance-driven campaigns for businesses.
OmniVirt
Seed Round in 2012
OmniVirt is a technology company based in Millbrae, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in creating an advertising platform that enables the creation and distribution of immersive ads using virtual reality (VR), 360° video, 3D rendering, and augmented reality (AR). The platform allows brands to upload, promote, and analyze their content across a network of publishers and platforms, delivering significantly higher performance than traditional advertising. OmniVirt's technology is compatible with most browsers and trusted by major publishers such as The New York Times, WSJ, Washington Post, and Forbes.
Creative Market
Venture Round in 2012
Creative Market is an online marketplace that offers a wide array of ready-to-use design assets sourced from independent creators globally. Its extensive collection includes fonts, graphics, templates, add-ons, photos, and themes, allowing designers to seamlessly bring their creative projects to fruition. By connecting creators with consumers, Creative Market fosters an environment where artistic talent can thrive, enabling individuals to buy and sell high-quality design content. This platform not only supports the creative community but also provides designers with the opportunity to monetize their work, making it a valuable resource for both buyers and sellers in the design industry.
Clique Brands Inc. is a media and marketing company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2006. It operates a variety of consumer brands, including Who What Wear, MyDomaine, Byrdie, CollegeFashionista, and Obsessee, focusing on content and products that appeal to millennial women and Gen Z girls. The company integrates data science with its editorial expertise to produce engaging content and marketing strategies. Clique's offerings include CMG Studios, an in-house creative agency, and INF Network, which represents over 55 prominent bloggers and influencers, providing integrated advertising solutions. In 2016, Clique launched its first clothing and accessories line in collaboration with Target, which has since become a leading performer for the retailer.
Moat, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in developing software-as-a-service analytics solutions for brand advertisers and publishers. Founded in 2007 and now a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, Moat offers a range of tools designed to enhance advertising effectiveness. Its Moat Analytics platform provides insights into ad campaigns and website inventory, while Moat Pro delivers real-time ad intelligence, enabling users to visualize relationships between brands, publishers, and programmatic platforms. Additionally, Moat offers a search engine dedicated to display ads, allowing users to discover and explore advertisements from various brands. This comprehensive approach positions Moat as a key player in measuring and driving customer attention across digital marketing channels.
Wander is a platform that enables users to share and experience the world through curated visual content. Founded by Jeremy Fisher and Keenan Cummings, the company emerged from the TechStars NYC Summer 2012 program. Wander allows individuals to create and package a collection of photographs and GIFs, facilitating an engaging way to showcase experiences and memories. The platform focuses on enhancing the sharing experience, making it accessible and visually appealing for users.
FiftyThree
Seed Round in 2012
FiftyThree, Inc. is a company that develops innovative applications aimed at enhancing creativity and collaboration. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, FiftyThree offers a drawing application called Paper, which enables users to create, capture, and transform ideas on their iPads, functioning as a sketchpad, notebook, and journal. Additionally, the company provides Pencil, a stylus designed for use with iPads and iPhones, enhancing the user experience for digital drawing and note-taking. FiftyThree also specializes in collaborative tools that facilitate idea organization and sharing among teams, ultimately helping creators refine and improve their concepts. As of August 2018, FiftyThree operates as a subsidiary of WeTransfer BV.
Newsle is a web application founded in 2011 and based in Mountain View, California. It specializes in aggregating news related to users' social connections, such as Facebook friends, LinkedIn contacts, and notable public figures. The platform employs a news discovery engine that allows users to track and receive updates on publicly available news articles concerning individuals in their social networks. By focusing solely on indexed public content, Newsle provides a tailored news experience that helps users stay informed about the activities and achievements of people they are connected with.
SeeMe is an online platform that connects contemporary emerging artists with a global audience, facilitating the sale of limited edition prints and original artwork. The platform allows artists to showcase a diverse range of images, appealing to various tastes and interests. Through its website and mobile app, users can engage with creators by leaving comments and likes, and they can also purchase eco-friendly postcards and unique apparel featuring the artwork. SeeMe employs intuitive discovery tools and predictive algorithms to help collectors find and support top artists, fostering a community where hundreds of thousands of creators are connected with millions of art enthusiasts worldwide.
Findery is a social discovery platform that enhances the exploration of places through user-generated content. It allows individuals to share stories, histories, and unique insights about various locations, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that can be accessed via smartphone. The platform serves as a crowdsourced travel guide, enabling users to document their travels and memories while inviting others to contribute their own narratives. By fostering a community of travelers, adventure-seekers, and storytellers, Findery aims to make the world more engaging and informative, allowing users to discover both local and global destinations through the perspectives of others.
Gumroad
Seed Round in 2012
Founded in 2011, Gumroad operates an online platform enabling creators to buy and sell digital goods such as music albums, movies, design templates, source codes, and merchandise directly to their audiences.
Spool
Venture Round in 2012
Spool is a technology company that specializes in saving articles and videos for offline viewing on computers, tablets, and phones. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision, Spool's platform captures and stores content, allowing users to access their favorite articles and videos without the need for an internet connection. By enabling users to enjoy their saved content at their convenience, Spool enhances the digital consumption experience.
MNTN is a technology company specializing in Connected TV advertising. It offers advanced targeting, measurement, and automated optimization tools to deliver effective performance-driven campaigns for businesses.
Vidyard
Seed Round in 2011
Vidyard is a business-focused video platform that enhances engagement and converts views into action. It offers video hosting, management, and analytics features, helping global companies like Honeywell and Lenovo drive revenue through online video strategies.
Fullscreen
Seed Round in 2011
Fullscreen Media is a media company based in Culver City, California, that specializes in social-first entertainment experiences. Founded in 2011, Fullscreen provides technology and services that facilitate the creation and sharing of video content, catering to a connected generation. Its offerings include marketing services designed to help companies engage and monetize their social audiences, as well as creative strategies that enhance brand awareness. Additionally, Fullscreen provides merchandise for men, women, and children, along with various accessories available online. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otter Media, focusing on empowering artists, creators, brands, and agencies to effectively connect with and entertain their audiences.
Incident
Seed Round in 2011
Incident Technologies Inc. is a software and hardware company based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 2009 by Idan Beck. The company specializes in developing music applications for iPhones, with its flagship product being gTar, a digital guitar that utilizes LEDs to guide users in playing music alongside a docked iPhone. This innovative device not only facilitates music playing but also allows users to create and share their musical experiences. Incident Technologies caters to customers both in the United States and internationally, focusing on enhancing the way individuals engage with music through connected musical devices.
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.
Sincerely
Series A in 2011
Sincerely Inc, founded in 2011, is a company dedicated to simplifying the process of sending printed photos and gifts directly from mobile devices. The firm operates a suite of mobile gifting applications that enable users to browse, select, and send curated gifts, greeting cards, and postcards. By focusing on making gifting more accessible and enjoyable, Sincerely aims to enhance the experience of sharing meaningful moments through thoughtful and personalized items.
Stitcher, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007, that specializes in the development of a mobile application designed for news and entertainment. The Stitcher app allows users to discover a diverse array of radio shows, live radio stations, and podcasts, enabling them to stream content across various devices, including iPhones, iPads, iPods, Android devices, and desktops. The application features a broad network of original content covering numerous topics and offers a premium subscription service. This platform empowers listeners to easily discover, listen to, distribute, and create podcasts, enhancing their audio entertainment experience. As of 2016, Stitcher operates as a subsidiary of Midroll Media, LLC.
Genius
Convertible Note in 2011
Genius Media Group, Inc. operates an online platform that focuses on music intelligence, originally starting as a site for annotating rap lyrics. Founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Genius has evolved to serve a broader audience, providing insights into various music genres beyond hip-hop. The platform attracts over 100 million users monthly, enabling contributors, editors, and musicians to engage in discussions about songs and share their interpretations with a global fan base. In addition to lyrics, Genius features charts and videos, offering a comprehensive view of music and its cultural significance. Renowned artists, including Frank Ocean and Lin-Manuel Miranda, also participate in the platform, contributing their perspectives and enhancing the storytelling aspect of music.
Sift Limited, established in 1996, is a digital media solutions provider headquartered in Bristol, UK, with offices in Dublin, Ireland, and the United States. The company offers online business consultancy and services to various organizations, including member bodies, not-for-profits, publishers, and corporates. Sift's portfolio comprises nine online business communities, such as AccountingWEB and BusinessCloud9, and it organizes related face-to-face business events. Additionally, Sift provides PracticeWEB, a SaaS platform for UK accounting firms, and SiftGroups, which offers hosted online community solutions to publishers, corporates, and public sector bodies. Since 2011, Sift has expanded its services to include digital trust and safety solutions, helping over 34,000 sites and apps prevent fraud and build customer trust.
Moat, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in developing software-as-a-service analytics solutions for brand advertisers and publishers. Founded in 2007 and now a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, Moat offers a range of tools designed to enhance advertising effectiveness. Its Moat Analytics platform provides insights into ad campaigns and website inventory, while Moat Pro delivers real-time ad intelligence, enabling users to visualize relationships between brands, publishers, and programmatic platforms. Additionally, Moat offers a search engine dedicated to display ads, allowing users to discover and explore advertisements from various brands. This comprehensive approach positions Moat as a key player in measuring and driving customer attention across digital marketing channels.
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.
Livestar
Seed Round in 2011
Livestar is a mobile application designed to provide users with quick and easy recommendations from critics, friends, and individuals with similar tastes. The platform currently focuses on recommendations for restaurants, movies, music, and apps, with plans to expand into additional categories in the future. Founded by Fritz Lanman, a former Microsoft executive and investor, Livestar's engineering team consists mainly of former Amazon engineers. The company has garnered support from a range of prominent investors across Silicon Valley, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, reflecting its appeal in the technology and entertainment sectors. Through its user-friendly interface, Livestar facilitates the discovery of content and experiences tailored to individual preferences, enhancing the decision-making process for its users.
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.
Canvas Networks
Series A in 2011
Canvas Networks operates as an online community platform that facilitates image sharing and collaboration among users. The platform allows individuals to submit, edit, and share images, fostering a creative environment for users to engage with visual content. Through its software application, Canvas Networks enhances the user experience by enabling easy interaction with various images, promoting a community-driven approach to digital creativity.
AddThis operates a social sharing and analytics platform that enables users to distribute and track digital content across various networks. It serves publishers, brands, consumers, and advertisers worldwide.
Pinterest
Series A in 2011
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform headquartered in San Francisco that enables users to find inspiration and ideas across categories such as recipes, home and fashion, travel, and more. The service presents visual recommendations based on user interests and allows saving images on thematic boards, following others, and sharing ideas. It operates as a social media platform focused on product and idea discovery, with a global user base of more than 500 million monthly active users, two-thirds of whom are female. It was founded in 2008 and generates revenue primarily through digital advertising.
Imgix is an online platform that specializes in image management, processing, rendering, optimization, and delivery. It allows businesses to connect their existing image stores, enabling them to easily transform and optimize images and videos in real time through powerful APIs and user interfaces. The platform addresses the complex demands of modern web images, ensuring that content is perfectly sized for various devices, served in multiple formats, and optimized for both quality and performance. Imgix also helps businesses navigate critical issues such as copyright, licensing, and content moderation, minimizing risks that could lead to revenue loss or liability. By leveraging Imgix's capabilities, organizations can focus on their core activities without the need to build or maintain in-house imaging solutions. The company, which was launched through the Y Combinator accelerator program, counts notable clients like Lyft, Airbnb, and Spotify among its customer base.
Humble Bundle
Venture Round in 2011
Humble Bundle, Inc. is an online distribution platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in March 2010 by Jeffrey Rosen and John Graham. The company specializes in selling video games, ebooks, software, and other digital content through a unique pay-what-you-want model, allowing customers to determine their purchase price and allocate funds among content creators, charity, and the platform itself. This innovative approach has attracted over 7 million customers and facilitated the raising of more than $75 million for charitable causes. Humble Bundle’s offerings are compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems, enabling users to download, back up, and install content for offline play. As of October 2017, Humble Bundle operates as a subsidiary of j2 Global, Inc.
Aereo is a New York City-based technology company that enables consumers to access live broadcast television through Internet-connected devices using its cloud-based antenna and DVR technology. This service allows users to pause and rewind live programs or save them for later viewing, eliminating the need for a cable or satellite subscription. Aereo supports various platforms, including iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, and streaming devices like AppleTV and Roku. Membership options start at $8 per month, which includes access to the cloud-based technology and 20 hours of DVR storage, with an upgrade available for $12 per month for 60 hours of storage. New members can try the service free for the first month. Founded in February 2012 by Chet Kanoja and backed by IAC, Aereo aims to provide an alternative way for consumers to enjoy television content.
Friend.ly
Series A in 2011
Friend.ly is a social Q&A platform designed to facilitate self-expression in a fun and meaningful way. It allows users to engage with a community by answering a variety of site-generated questions that are personally relevant to them. Upon logging in, users can explore questions, respond to others, and provide compliments on answers, fostering a positive environment for sharing thoughts and experiences. The platform aims to help individuals create a more accurate online profile while encouraging deeper connections with friends and acquaintances. Through its engaging approach, Friend.ly serves as a tool for users to better understand themselves and the people around them.
Flipboard
Series B in 2011
Flipboard develops a mobile application that curates news articles, videos, and photos from various sources into personalized digital magazines. It offers custom branded layout solutions for publishers and native/display advertising services for advertisers.
Milk is a mobile development lab established by Kevin Rose, Jeff Hodsdon, and Daniel Burka. The company focuses on fostering creativity and collaboration with innovative brands and industry talent. It operates through a diverse ecosystem comprising seven divisions, including an agency, studio spaces, production services, and a makeup line. Milk gained prominence with the launch of its first mobile app, Oink, which debuted in the fall prior to its acquisition by Google. This acquisition has further positioned Milk as a key player in the mobile development landscape.
Bloom Studio
Seed Round in 2011
Bloom Studio Inc., established in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, develops a visual discovery application platform. The company creates applications for iOS, Android, and web platforms that simplify exploration of social media and streaming datasets from sources like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more. Focusing on audio and video services, Bloom's apps combine data visualization with casual gameplay to offer users engaging ways to discover interesting content within their social networks, media libraries, and locations. Users can authenticate via popular web APIs such as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Dropbox, and Google Reader, then choose from a growing collection of 'instruments' to interact with data in novel, playful ways.
Findery
Angel Round in 2011
Findery is a social discovery platform that enhances the exploration of places through user-generated content. It allows individuals to share stories, histories, and unique insights about various locations, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that can be accessed via smartphone. The platform serves as a crowdsourced travel guide, enabling users to document their travels and memories while inviting others to contribute their own narratives. By fostering a community of travelers, adventure-seekers, and storytellers, Findery aims to make the world more engaging and informative, allowing users to discover both local and global destinations through the perspectives of others.
1000Memories
Series A in 2011
1000Memories is a digital platform designed to help individuals organize, share, and discover old photographs and cherished memories. By offering a user-friendly interface, the company facilitates the creation of family trees, allowing users to connect and reminisce with loved ones. In addition to personal memories, 1000Memories provides a social website where families and friends can create free memorial pages to honor and remember those who have passed away. This combination of photo organization and memorialization positions 1000Memories as a meaningful resource for preserving and celebrating personal and familial histories.
Memoir transforms your photos, the places you go, and your social media into memories that can be relived when they’re most interesting to you. As soon as you request them, the photos your friends choose to share with you become part of your Memoir seamlessly. You can find memories and photos by people, places, dates, context, and more - no tagging or organization required. Memoir discovers photos and memories wherever they were created - iPhone cameras, DSLR's, Instagram, Facebook, Foursquare - even on your computer. With Memoir, all of your photos and memories are backed up securely to the cloud.
OnSwipe
Seed 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.
Vox Media
Series C in 2010
Vox Media is a prominent media company that specializes in creating, publishing, and distributing online content tailored to young adults globally. Founded in 2012, it operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including SB Nation, which focuses on sports and fan communities; The Verge, a technology publication; Polygon, aimed at adult gamers; Vox.com, which covers news and interests; Eater, centered on food and dining; Racked, which focuses on shopping, beauty, and fashion; Curbed, dedicated to real estate and home; and Re/code, a tech business publication. Additionally, Vox Media encompasses Vox Creative, a division that develops marketing narratives for brands, and offers advertising services through Vox Advertising and the Concert advertising solution. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in New York City, Vox Media is committed to sustainable editorial practices and responsible industry leadership.
Flipboard
Series A in 2010
Flipboard develops a mobile application that curates news articles, videos, and photos from various sources into personalized digital magazines. It offers custom branded layout solutions for publishers and native/display advertising services for advertisers.
Wavii is an online platform that specializes in automatically generating status updates about celebrities, companies, politicians, and various trending topics. Utilizing proprietary Natural Language Processing technology, Wavii scans and analyzes news articles, blogs, and tweets across the internet to distill and de-duplicate information, effectively summarizing significant events such as political victories, relationship changes, acquisitions, or product launches. Users can follow specific topics of interest in a manner similar to how they follow friends on social media, making it easier to stay informed about the subjects that matter to them. Wavii is accessible through both web and smartphone applications, providing a streamlined way to consume news.