Skybound Entertainment
Venture Round in 2020
Skybound, LLC is a media and entertainment company that develops, produces, and distributes a diverse array of content, including television shows, films, merchandise, and games. Established in 2010 by Robert Kirkman, the company is known for its popular comic book titles, including The Walking Dead and Invincible, and it serves as an imprint of Image Comics, allowing creators to publish their work. In addition to comic books, Skybound engages in online and virtual reality gaming, as well as tabletop gaming. The company also organizes entertainment events and sells its merchandise through online platforms. Based in Culver City, California, Skybound has established itself as a significant player in the entertainment industry, offering a wide range of interactive and engaging experiences for its audience.
Drone Racing League
Series C in 2019
Drone Racing League Inc., established in New York in 2015, specializes in staging professional drone races for top-tier pilots. The company hosts thrilling tournaments featuring first-person perspective drone racing, where elite pilots navigate custom-built drones through intricate, themed 3D courses. DRL generates revenue by selling tickets to these events and offering media services related to its high-octane competitions.
Girlboss
Seed Round in 2017
Girlboss, founded by entrepreneur and author Sophia Amoruso, is an online community aimed at empowering millennial women to redefine success on their own terms. The organization is built around a team of editors, creatives, and digital media professionals dedicated to providing tools, resources, and connections that inspire and support women in their personal and professional pursuits. Through a blend of informative and entertaining content, Girlboss fosters a space where ambitious women can chase their dreams without fear of judgment, promoting a culture of empowerment and ambition. The community serves as a platform for women to engage, share experiences, and navigate the complexities of modern life, ultimately encouraging them to take action in shaping their futures.
Salted
Angel Round in 2017
Salted is a platform focused on developing and scaling healthier quick-service restaurant brands. The company operates an online cooking tutorial platform that offers subscription-based virtual cooking classes. Subscribers can access a variety of cooking video tutorials via the Internet, allowing aspiring chefs and individuals to learn cooking in an engaging and convenient manner. By providing this digital learning experience, Salted aims to promote better culinary practices without the traditional overhead costs associated with physical restaurant operations.
PocketWatch
Series A in 2017
PocketWatch, Inc. is a media entertainment company based in Culver City, California, that specializes in producing content for children. Incorporated in 2016, PocketWatch creates and curates a variety of entertainment, including small-screen videos and large-scale productions, and aims to develop global franchises based on popular YouTube stars and characters appealing to Generation Alpha. In addition to digital content, the company offers a diverse range of lifestyle products, including toys, apparel, plush items, and games, designed to entertain and inspire kids and families. Through its innovative approach, PocketWatch strives to spark children's imaginations while delivering high-quality media experiences.
Gunslinger Studios
Seed Round in 2016
Gunslinger Studios, Inc. is a game development company based in Pasadena, California, established in 2016. The studio focuses on creating mobile multiplayer games that cater to competitive gamers, offering engaging, one-handed experiences designed for quick play sessions. Gunslinger Studios specializes in building adventure-based narrative games and leverages its technology platform to support competitive eSports, live game operations, and community-driven content. By emphasizing accessibility and excitement in mobile gaming, the company aims to attract a generation of players familiar with genres such as collectible card games and massively multiplayer online games.
ObEN, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Pasadena, California, specializing in advanced speech technology and the development of intelligent avatars. Founded in 2014, ObEN's innovative platform allows users to create personalized 3D avatars that replicate their appearance, voice, and behavior, facilitating unique social and virtual interactions. The company’s voice synthesis technology captures individual voiceprints to generate customized voice models, enabling users to apply their distinctive voices across various digital content in multiple languages. Additionally, ObEN's Personal AI technology operates on a secure, decentralized platform, empowering users to manage their avatars and virtual identities. The company has established strategic partnerships with notable organizations, including SM Entertainment and Tsinghua University, enhancing its capabilities in the digital landscape.
Pluto TV is a free streaming television service based in Los Angeles, offering an extensive array of over 100 live channels and thousands of on-demand movies. It partners with major television networks, movie studios, and digital media companies to provide a diverse content library that includes news, TV shows, sports, lifestyle programming, and original digital series. The platform attracts millions of viewers each month and is accessible across various devices, including mobile, web browsers, and connected TVs, allowing audiences to enjoy premium content without subscription fees.
All Day
Seed Round in 2016
All Day is a digital media company focused on creating an editorial brand and publishing technology tailored for mobile-first Millennial audiences. The company operates a network of owned and partner social media properties to distribute content and engage with its audience, emphasizing content sharing and virality. All Day's platform includes a content management system and social distribution dashboard that enables writers and editors to manage posts, track analytics, and enhance audience engagement. With a growing presence on social media, All Day's content brands boast over 28 million followers, while its distribution network reaches more than 200 million across various platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Notable accounts such as HistoryinPics and EarthPix contribute to its strategy of delivering highly visual and shareable editorial content, which is prominently featured on its main site, AllDay.com.
Wonder is a technology company that specializes in gaming and food delivery services. It offers an all-in-one gaming platform for Android mobile devices, enabling users to play, stream, and share games across various devices. Additionally, Wonder operates a food delivery service using trucks that function as mobile restaurants. Customers order food through a mobile app, and the Wonder trucks drive to a location near the user's home to prepare and deliver fresh meals on-site.
All Def Digital, Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is a multi-platform media company specializing in the curation, development, and distribution of content centered around hip-hop culture and related art forms. It manages and supports a diverse range of talent, including social video stars, writers, actors, and hip-hop artists, providing them with platforms for expression and growth. All Def produces and distributes original content across various media, including its own properties, social channels, television, movies, live events, and brand partnerships. As of December 19, 2019, the company operates as a subsidiary of Culture Genesis Inc.
Canvas Media Studios
Seed Round in 2016
Canvas Media Studios is a creative digital studio specializing in the financing, production, and distribution of scripted entertainment across various platforms, including film, television, and social media. The company operates a digital media platform tailored for episodic series and feature films, employing cost-efficient production models to enhance the quality of its content. Canvas Media Studios focuses on building viewership and awareness through social media, offering expertise in video strategy and storytelling. Additionally, it supports businesses in developing new financial and distribution models for episodic series franchises, ensuring high-quality digital media content while optimizing production processes.
Naritiv Inc. is a marketing and analytics company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in connecting brands with influencers on Snapchat. Founded in 2012, Naritiv leverages its mobile media platform to create engaging content and build large audiences for brands, generating over 20 billion views per month through its owned channels. The company offers a customized social content network and provides technology solutions that facilitate the development and management of Snapchat campaigns. Additionally, Naritiv equips its partners with analytics and reporting tools to enhance audience growth and measure campaign effectiveness across multiple platforms, including Twitter and Instagram.
VideoAmp is a software and data company that develops an integrated platform aimed at transforming the advertising landscape by unifying traditional TV, streaming video, and digital media. Its innovative platform provides measurement and optimization tools that connect media exposures directly to an advertiser's sales, allowing for a more cohesive understanding of audience engagement. By facilitating transactions based on independent measurement as a multi-platform media currency, VideoAmp enables advertisers, agencies, and media sellers to align their strategies effectively. This approach not only optimizes brand marketing investments but also drives real business outcomes, creating efficiencies across various advertising channels.
EverSport Media
Series A in 2015
EverSport Media, Inc. is a digital media network based in Los Gatos, California, that specializes in the online broadcasting of live and recorded sports content. Founded in 2013, the company provides a diverse range of sports coverage, including professional, college, and national leagues in areas such as basketball, football, baseball, and action sports, among others. EverSport Media aims to connect sports fans with a wide array of sporting events through its platform, which not only features live broadcasts but also recorded content and interactive features. The company monetizes its services primarily through online subscriptions and Pay-Per-View options, supplemented by advertising. By focusing on delivering premium sports content to fans around the globe, EverSport Media aspires to create a significant network for live sports broadcasts, similar to how Hulu transformed entertainment television.
ToneDen
Seed Round in 2015
ToneDen, Inc. is a platform designed to assist musicians and creators in building and engaging their audiences online. Founded in 2014 and based in Berkeley, California, ToneDen provides tools that allow artists to personalize their brand, promote their music, grow their fan base, and track their growth effectively. The platform serves over 500,000 creators, businesses, and brands, facilitating the process of reaching potential customers and enhancing sales through automated social marketing solutions. As of November 2020, ToneDen operates as a subsidiary of Eventbrite, Inc.
Bubl Technology Inc. specializes in developing hardware and software technologies, primarily through its flagship product, the Bublcam. This compact spherical camera captures panoramic photos and videos, providing users with a comprehensive 360-degree view of their surroundings. With its innovative design featuring four 190-degree overlapping lenses, the Bublcam allows for immersive content creation that can be controlled via mobile applications on iOS and Android devices. Users can also upload, edit, and share their spherical media through Bubl's web and mobile platforms. The company's services cater to a diverse range of sectors, including electric utilities, transit operators, entertainment media, sports media, real estate, and education. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Bubl Technology Inc. continues to push the boundaries of immersive media technology.
CreatorIQ
Seed Round in 2015
CreatorIQ is an enterprise marketing platform that specializes in influencer marketing, designed to help brands manage and optimize their campaigns effectively. The platform facilitates data-driven creator discovery, allowing companies to identify the right talent for their campaigns. It also streamlines workflows by managing creator relationships and automatically monitoring key performance metrics for each post. CreatorIQ's solutions are utilized by prominent brands such as ABInbev, Airbnb, Calvin Klein, CVS, Disney, H&M, Sephora, and Unilever, enabling them to achieve significant business results through enhanced influencer marketing strategies while ensuring brand safety and delivering meaningful measurement.
Overdog
Venture Round in 2015
Overdog operates a social matchmaking platform designed to enhance online multiplayer gaming experiences. It connects users based on shared interests such as sports, music, movies, and gaming, aiming to foster better teamwork and competition among players. The company facilitates these connections through its user-friendly mobile application.
Insurrection Media
Seed Round in 2015
Insurrection Media, Inc. is an independent digital television studio based in Beverly Hills, California, with an additional office in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in developing and producing both scripted and non-scripted shows for over-the-top video platforms, as well as broadcast and cable networks. Insurrection Media has established a strategic partnership with HarperCollins, allowing it to option and adapt books into digital video and linear television series. The studio aims to enhance viewer experiences by delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences globally.
Jebbit
Venture Round in 2015
Jebbit, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing interactive mobile solutions for marketers and digital sales teams. Founded in 2011, Jebbit operates a declared data platform that allows brands to create personalized mobile experiences aimed at capturing essential consumer data. By enabling the development of engaging content such as quizzes, lookbooks, and virtual tours, Jebbit helps enterprises gather insights into consumer intentions, motivations, and preferences, moving away from reliance on inaccurate third-party data. The company serves various industries, including travel, e-commerce, and sports, with notable clients like Cathay Pacific Airways and LifeLock. Jebbit's innovative approach to mobile marketing has earned it recognition, including being named one of the Top 25 Most Promising Companies by CNBC and receiving accolades for its tech culture.
Foodstirs
Seed Round in 2015
Foodstirs, LLC is a consumer packaged goods company based in Santa Monica, California, specializing in healthier baked goods and food crafting kits. Founded by Galit Laibow, Greg Fleishman, and Sarah Michelle Gellar, the company focuses on creating better-for-you sweet treats that are lower in sugar and made with USDA organic ingredients. Foodstirs offers a variety of products, including baking kits, baking mixes, and ready-made items such as donuts, muffins, and brownies. The kits are designed to teach children and families basic cooking skills while encouraging creativity in the kitchen. By providing both direct-to-consumer treat baking kits and ready-to-eat options, Foodstirs aims to foster connections through enjoyable and healthier baking experiences.
IRIS.TV, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based company that specializes in developing a cloud-based personalized video programming system designed to enhance user engagement and increase video views across multiple devices. Founded in 2009, the company offers a suite of products that include Adaptive Stream, which allows for real-time personalized streaming tailored to specific business and editorial guidelines, and Asset IQ, which automates data structuring and asset optimization. Additionally, IRIS Vision provides business intelligence and programming management tools. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, IRIS.TV automates the delivery of personalized content based on audience preferences and behaviors, thereby improving the viewing experience and operational efficiency for web, mobile, and over-the-top video distribution. The company's platform also facilitates video data connectivity for enhanced advertising outcomes and audience insights, making it a vital resource for publishers, advertisers, and content owners.
Love Goodly
Pre Seed Round in 2015
Love Goodly, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based e-commerce company founded in 2015 that specializes in offering beauty and wellness products for women. The company operates on a subscription model, providing curated boxes that feature eco-friendly, nontoxic, and cruelty-free personal care items, skincare, wellness food, and accessories. In addition to subscription services, Love Goodly also allows customers to shop for individual products through its online platform and mobile application. Committed to social responsibility, each purchase from Love Goodly supports various causes, including raising awareness and funds for animal cruelty issues.
The Mighty
Seed Round in 2015
The Mighty is a digital health community designed to empower and connect individuals who are facing health challenges and disabilities. The platform provides a space for users to share stories and videos of their personal experiences with disability, disease, and mental illness. This sharing enables users to connect with others who have similar experiences, fostering a supportive environment that promotes positive energy and mutual understanding.
TopFan is a cloud-based mobile platform designed to help influencers and organizations create and manage their own communities. By providing white-labeled technology, TopFan allows users to establish social content distribution networks that they own and control. The platform enables the customization of content based on individual fan interests and locations, fostering direct one-to-one relationships between creators and their audiences. Additionally, TopFan facilitates the distribution of multimedia, including video and audio, and supports ticket sales for events, games, and shows. By monetizing fan engagement, TopFan empowers celebrities and organizations to generate revenue streams while enhancing their connection with fans.
Tubular Labs
Series B in 2015
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.
Wheel is the place where creative personalities start a video, and anyone can join in. Check out hilarious, inspiring or intriguing videos- and then jump in to add your own take to the story. This is your chance to shine. Once the Wheel starts moving, it can really go anywhere, resulting in surprising twists and turns. Wheelers from all over the world are collaborating right now to make videos that could use your quirks, smile and perspective, so get rolling!
Vytmn is a mobile application designed to help users build comprehensive growth systems for their businesses. The platform provides a range of services including social media traffic generation, custom landing page creation, email capture optimization, and email marketing campaign management. By utilizing data mining techniques to analyze competitors and industry trends, Vytmn enables clients to enhance their online presence, capture leads, and increase conversions effectively. Founded by Justin Wu and Omri Cohen, the company is headquartered in Venice, California.
Vrideo, founded in 2014 by Alex Rosenfeld and Kuangwei Hwang, is a provider of a discovery platform specifically designed for virtual reality videos. The company aims to cater to both producers and consumers within the burgeoning market for immersive video. Vrideo is developing a centralized, streaming, and hardware-agnostic platform that facilitates the distribution and discovery of immersive video content, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of entertainment. By focusing on this innovative media format, Vrideo seeks to enhance the experience of virtual reality, making it more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
Boomio
Debt Financing in 2015
Boomio is dedicated to transforming the customer loyalty sector, which has been hindered by outdated and inaccessible programs. The company aims to enhance the way music is shared and discovered, addressing the frustrations of music fans who struggle with broken links when sending full-length tracks to friends. Boomio provides a platform where users can choose from millions of licensed songs to share with others, facilitating real-time chat and unlimited messaging. Users can follow their favorite artists to receive new music updates directly and share songs effortlessly. This innovative approach not only simplifies music sharing but also fosters a community where listeners can engage with music and each other.
Fabric, Inc. is a mobile application company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The company provides a platform that enables users to create "want-to" lists for various entertainment and lifestyle activities. Users can explore and curate their preferences in categories such as movies, television shows, music, and travel, connecting with others who share similar interests. Fabric's app features a community-driven approach, allowing users to browse through numerous curated packs to discover new experiences and activities. The company is actively expanding its offerings to include additional lifestyle categories, enhancing its utility for users seeking to organize their entertainment and travel desires.
StarMaker Interactive
Series B in 2015
StarMaker Interactive Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company develops a mobile application that allows users to sing, record, and share music videos, facilitating content creation and talent discovery in the digital space. Its flagship applications, StarMaker and The Voice, provide users with access to music catalogs, as well as information on contests, auditions, music video releases, and artist interviews. By combining advanced recording studio technology with a wide-reaching online network, StarMaker empowers artists to manage their careers independently while integrating major media brands and recording artists into its platform. This approach supports the sharing and promotion of user-generated content, moving away from traditional entertainment models.
MiTu Network
Series B in 2015
MiTú is a Latino lifestyle network that specializes in health, beauty, food, family, home, and pop culture. It aggregates content from over 1,200 partners, attracting an audience that generates approximately 400 million views monthly. The platform is designed to connect brands, buyers, and creators with Latino youth in America, offering lifestyle programming tailored for a bilingual audience. As a division of Latido Networks, which targets Hispanic audiences under GoDigital Media Group, MiTú aims to enhance the video experience for Latino users while fostering engagement with diverse content.
The League
Seed Round in 2015
The League is a dating application launched in June 2014 by Amanda Bradford, based in San Francisco, California. It caters to ambitious individuals seeking long-term relationships, emphasizing equality in both the workplace and personal connections. The app provides users with enhanced screening tools that allow them to create detailed profiles, ensuring that matches align with their specific preferences while maintaining privacy from friends and colleagues. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals, The League promotes self-awareness and meaningful connections among its users.
IROCKE.COM is the #1 source for live digital concerts worldwide. For music fans, IROCKE offers the quickest and simplest way to discover and attend live digital concerts with friends. For artists and brands, IROCKE provides a powerful and customizable platform for distributing and promoting live digital performances and appearances worldwide.
88rising
Seed Round in 2015
88rising is a multi-platform digital media company dedicated to showcasing Asian culture through various forms of content. It has produced over 500 hours of original programming, achieving more than 80 million total views across platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The company serves a predominantly young audience, with a significant portion of its viewers aged 16 to 34 located in the Asia Pacific region. In addition to content creation, 88rising operates as a music label and provides fashion-related services, collaborating with brands to produce music videos and promotional clips that highlight diverse musical expressions and Asian cultural themes. This approach facilitates a broader representation of Asian culture in the media landscape.
MobLabs
Seed Round in 2015
Developing interactive mobile experiences that people love.
Naritiv
Seed Round in 2015
Naritiv Inc. is a marketing and analytics company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in connecting brands with influencers on Snapchat. Founded in 2012, Naritiv leverages its mobile media platform to create engaging content and build large audiences for brands, generating over 20 billion views per month through its owned channels. The company offers a customized social content network and provides technology solutions that facilitate the development and management of Snapchat campaigns. Additionally, Naritiv equips its partners with analytics and reporting tools to enhance audience growth and measure campaign effectiveness across multiple platforms, including Twitter and Instagram.
VideoInk
Seed Round in 2015
VideoInk, Inc. is an online publication established in 2013 and located in New York, New York. It specializes in delivering news, reviews, tips, and content related to the online video industry. The company offers a reporting platform that provides comprehensive coverage of breaking news, industry analysis, and detailed information about deals, deal makers, and critical reviews within the sector. By focusing on the nuances of the online video landscape, VideoInk enables its audience to stay informed about the latest developments and key players in the industry. As of September 2018, VideoInk operates as a subsidiary of The Wrap News, Inc.
Battlefy
Convertible Note in 2014
Battlefy, Inc. is an eSports management platform that facilitates the organization and management of tournaments and leagues for various stakeholders, including college clubs, eSports organizations, and brands supporting gamers. Founded in 2011 and based in Delta, Canada, Battlefy provides a comprehensive solution that allows users to create signup forms, seed teams, draw brackets, and design sponsorship pages, as well as manage livestream content. The platform is designed to accommodate events at all levels, from amateur to professional, making it easier for organizers to run eSports competitions effectively. Originally established as 7777833 Canada Inc., the company rebranded to Battlefy, Inc. in July 2013, reflecting its focus on the growing eSports industry.
VideoAmp
Seed Round in 2014
VideoAmp is a software and data company that develops an integrated platform aimed at transforming the advertising landscape by unifying traditional TV, streaming video, and digital media. Its innovative platform provides measurement and optimization tools that connect media exposures directly to an advertiser's sales, allowing for a more cohesive understanding of audience engagement. By facilitating transactions based on independent measurement as a multi-platform media currency, VideoAmp enables advertisers, agencies, and media sellers to align their strategies effectively. This approach not only optimizes brand marketing investments but also drives real business outcomes, creating efficiencies across various advertising channels.
Pop.in
Convertible Note in 2014
Pop.in is an innovative app developed by Smiletime, Inc., designed to facilitate spontaneous and ephemeral live connections among users. It fosters an environment where civility and inclusivity underpin dynamic conversations, allowing unlimited participants to engage through video, audio, text, and images. Each pop.in session is temporary, lasting only as long as participants remain engaged, ensuring that discussions are lively and never solitary. Hosts can establish unique ground rules for their sessions, enabling them to set the tone and intention for conversations. Founded in 2014 by Alex Kruglov, Sharon Chang, and Jace Hall, Smiletime, Inc. is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and is committed to using technology to promote honest dialogue and empathetic connections among users.
AIR.TV
Venture Round in 2014
AIR.TV is a video platform based in Los Angeles that facilitates the licensing, distribution, and monetization of viral videos for publishers and content owners. By allowing publishers to embed videos onto their websites with a simple line of code, AIR.TV enables them to automatically generate earnings from their content. The platform offers extensive video coverage, including local news and entertainment, and provides tools for content owners to search, edit, and publish fair-use clips from various news broadcasts. This streamlined approach helps maximize the value of video content while ensuring that creators can benefit from their work.
Pluto TV
Seed Round in 2014
Pluto TV is a free streaming television service based in Los Angeles, offering an extensive array of over 100 live channels and thousands of on-demand movies. It partners with major television networks, movie studios, and digital media companies to provide a diverse content library that includes news, TV shows, sports, lifestyle programming, and original digital series. The platform attracts millions of viewers each month and is accessible across various devices, including mobile, web browsers, and connected TVs, allowing audiences to enjoy premium content without subscription fees.
Jukin Media
Venture Round in 2014
Jukin Media is a leading global entertainment company specializing in user-generated video content. Founded over a decade ago, it facilitates monetization for amateur video creators by marketing their content to media companies and advertisers seeking authentic, engaging material. With a library of over 50,000 curated UGC videos, Jukin Media offers licensing starting at $49 per clip, serving prominent clients such as Disney, Paramount, CBS, and others. Its content has collectively amassed over 110 billion lifetime views and is continually updated with trending topics daily. The company also produces long-form content and operates popular brands like FailArmy and People Are Awesome, reaching over 200 million fans worldwide. Jukin Media's expertise lies in efficiently sourcing, packaging, and delivering high-quality UGC while handling licensing and payment requirements, saving partners time and resources.
Beautycon
Seed Round in 2014
Beautycon is a Los Angeles-based company established in 2013, operating as a global community for content creators, celebrities, fans, and brands in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. It challenges traditional beauty standards and promotes self-expression through makeup. Beautycon connects these communities through various platforms: Beautycon Festivals, which are marquis events where fans meet online influencers and learn about trends; Beautycon Box, a subscription service delivering beauty and lifestyle products; and Beautycon Digital, an online content portal. Additionally, Beautycon sells accessories and apparel.
Hello Giggles
Seed Round in 2014
Hello Giggles is an entertainment and lifestyle brand established in May 2011 by actress and musician Zooey Deschanel, producer Sophia Rossi, and writer Molly McAleer. Targeting an audience of smart women while remaining inclusive to all, the platform provides a positive online community that emphasizes female empowerment and covers a broad range of topics, including pop culture, love, friendship, careers, style, food, and significant daily news. With a strict "no gossip" policy, Hello Giggles fosters a supportive environment where reader contributions are actively encouraged and published regularly. The platform serves as a resource for timely advice and engaging content, appealing to those interested in crafting, beauty, and entertainment.
ObEN, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Pasadena, California, specializing in advanced speech technology and the development of intelligent avatars. Founded in 2014, ObEN's innovative platform allows users to create personalized 3D avatars that replicate their appearance, voice, and behavior, facilitating unique social and virtual interactions. The company’s voice synthesis technology captures individual voiceprints to generate customized voice models, enabling users to apply their distinctive voices across various digital content in multiple languages. Additionally, ObEN's Personal AI technology operates on a secure, decentralized platform, empowering users to manage their avatars and virtual identities. The company has established strategic partnerships with notable organizations, including SM Entertainment and Tsinghua University, enhancing its capabilities in the digital landscape.
Gbox by OnCircle
Convertible Note in 2014
Gbox is a Direct-to-consumer multimedia monetization to empower YouTubers, MCNs, and any other video creators. Its patented technology “wraps” anything of value and controls decentralized content access on the web. Unique transaction engine allows a variety of business models (subscriptions, PPV, advertising, eCommerce, social currency, and more). It is the best way to sell and distribute videos on the web. It was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.
Tastemade
Series C in 2014
Tastemade, Inc. is a media company that specializes in producing and delivering content for a global community of food enthusiasts. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Tastemade offers a variety of themed shows, including video recipes and cooking programs, accessible through its YouTube channel and food channels across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company also features a mobile application for iPhone users, allowing them to discover, create, and share food-related videos. In addition, Tastemade provides online tutorials covering topics such as food photography, food styling, and video production techniques. With a focus on connecting people through food and travel, Tastemade aims to create engaging stories that resonate with audiences on digital and streaming platforms.
Vessel Group, Inc., established in 2013 and led by CEO Jason Kilar (ex-Hulu, Amazon), operates an online video platform. The platform offers a wide range of video content, categorized into over 20 genres such as comedy, gaming, music, and news. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Vessel is backed by prominent investors including Benchmark, Greylock Partners, and Bezos Expeditions.
FameBit
Seed Round in 2014
FameBit is a marketing platform that facilitates collaboration between brands and YouTube influencers to produce engaging video content. The company serves as a marketplace where businesses can easily find and hire influencers for product endorsements, including reviews, tutorials, and promotional videos. By offering self-serve tools, FameBit streamlines the process from initial connection to video delivery, enabling brands to efficiently execute YouTube marketing campaigns that enhance their visibility and reach millions of viewers. This approach fosters brand awareness through original content tailored to the influencer's audience.
DoneBy
Convertible Note in 2014
DoneBy is a digital-first media database designed to connect content creators, agencies, brands, and distributors through a comprehensive attribution platform. It utilizes machine learning and intelligent automation to facilitate the organization and display of credits for creative professionals, allowing them to showcase their contributions effectively. The platform enables users to access valuable insights and analytics across various digital channels, enhancing their ability to curate and promote their portfolios in video and audio formats. By fostering collaboration within the creator community, DoneBy empowers individuals to highlight their work and achievements in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content.
BrightSky Labs
Seed Round in 2014
BrightSky Labs, Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in San Jose, California, specializes in the manufacture and sale of portable video cameras. The company focuses on providing durable video recording solutions that empower users to capture high-quality footage and seamlessly share their experiences across social media platforms. BrightSky Labs aims to enhance the video sharing experience by offering a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to easily organize and disseminate their captured content.
Ninja Metrics
Venture Round in 2014
Ninja Metrics, Inc. is a technology company specializing in social analytics, founded in 2010 and based in Redondo Beach, California. The company offers the Katana Social Analytics Engine, a cloud-based platform that employs predictive analytics and automated social graph analysis. This platform assists businesses in various sectors, including gaming, retail, e-commerce, and entertainment, by measuring social influence, identifying key customer influencers, and providing insights to enhance customer retention and monetization strategies. Through its advanced analytics tools, Ninja Metrics enables clients to understand the value of social interactions within their applications and games, facilitating informed decision-making to improve engagement and revenue outcomes.
DigiTour Media
Seed Round in 2014
DigiTour Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2010. It specializes in producing live events and social media festival experiences, including concerts known as DigiTours and festivals called DigiFests. The company features prominent social media influencers alongside traditional artists across various genres such as pop, alternative rock, hip-hop, and comedy. With a focus on engaging millennial audiences, DigiTour has successfully organized multiple sold-out events in major cities across the United States as well as in London and Toronto. The company's innovative approach has transformed the traditional concert experience, bridging the gap between online and mainstream entertainment. DigiTour's events have garnered significant media attention and critical acclaim, with many of its participants recognized in various awards related to social media and entertainment.
Tubular Labs
Series B in 2014
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.
DanceOn
Venture Round in 2013
DanceOn, Inc. is a digital media company based in Encino, California, established in 2010. It operates as a dance video entertainment network that caters to both dancers and non-dancers, offering a range of programming that includes news, entertainment, and community content related to dance. The company connects music and pop culture through its engaging content, primarily targeting millennials who seek on-demand entertainment. DanceOn produces its own branded video content and provides a platform for users to watch dance shows and share dance-related news, fostering a vibrant online community centered around dance.
Madefire, Inc. is a company based in Berkeley, California, that specializes in redefining storytelling through its innovative mobile application. Launched in 2011, the application allows users to read, share, and interact with stories that blend words, images, motion, and sound, creating a dynamic narrative experience. Madefire has developed a proprietary Motion Book Tool that enables creators to move beyond traditional comic formats, allowing for a fluid integration of multimedia elements. The platform features a diverse catalog of digital comics and graphic novels, including original titles from renowned storytellers. By leveraging the interactive capabilities of mobile devices, Madefire aims to transform the way stories are created, experienced, and shared, offering a new category of entertainment known as Motion Books.
EverSport Media
Seed Round in 2013
EverSport Media, Inc. is a digital media network based in Los Gatos, California, that specializes in the online broadcasting of live and recorded sports content. Founded in 2013, the company provides a diverse range of sports coverage, including professional, college, and national leagues in areas such as basketball, football, baseball, and action sports, among others. EverSport Media aims to connect sports fans with a wide array of sporting events through its platform, which not only features live broadcasts but also recorded content and interactive features. The company monetizes its services primarily through online subscriptions and Pay-Per-View options, supplemented by advertising. By focusing on delivering premium sports content to fans around the globe, EverSport Media aspires to create a significant network for live sports broadcasts, similar to how Hulu transformed entertainment television.
Panna is a digital platform that offers online cooking classes and video recipes, enabling users to learn culinary skills from some of the world's most accomplished chefs, many of whom have received prestigious accolades such as Michelin stars or James Beard Foundation nominations. The platform recognizes that traditional written recipes may not suffice for all learners, and thus it combines high-quality video content with text to provide a comprehensive cooking experience. Each video features step-by-step instructions, allowing users to cook alongside expert chefs as they prepare their most cherished dishes from scratch. Panna's innovative approach to cooking education makes it an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their culinary abilities.
IROCKE.COM is the #1 source for live digital concerts worldwide. For music fans, IROCKE offers the quickest and simplest way to discover and attend live digital concerts with friends. For artists and brands, IROCKE provides a powerful and customizable platform for distributing and promoting live digital performances and appearances worldwide.
InDMusic
Debt Financing in 2011
InDMusic is a company dedicated to supporting unsigned and independent music artists by providing a platform for monetization of their content on YouTube and other platforms. It operates a global rights administration network that allows creators to earn revenue from their views while retaining full creative control and ownership of their work. By compensating artists and labels for their content, InDMusic aims to empower musicians to focus on their craft without financial constraints, fostering an environment where they can freely express their creativity.