True Ventures

Founded in 2005, True Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology startups. With over $3 billion under management, they focus on seed and Series A financing across sectors like commerce, consumer, hardware, health, and infrastructure technologies.

Puneet Agarwal

Partner

Zina Bash

Partner

Phil Black

Co-Founder

Jon Callaghan

Managing Partner

Caroline Ciaramitaro

Associate

Past deals in Publishing

Smashing

Seed Round in 2024
Smashing is a content discovery platform that tackles content overload and social media burnout. It combines human curation with AI to generate personalized daily compilations of articles and information, allowing readers to discover relevant content efficiently.

Submittable

Series C in 2022
Submittable develops cloud-based software for managing digital submissions, applications, and content. Its platform enables clients to collect, review, and make decisions on various types of submissions, including job applicants (Talentd), academic applications, grants, and creative content. Submittable serves publishers, competitions, awards, academic institutions, and other organizations seeking efficient submission management.

Academia.edu

Series D in 2022
Academia.edu is the largest and fastest-growing platform in the world for sharing academic research. Its mission is to accelerate and democratize academic research. Over 150 million academics have signed up to Academia.edu, adding 25 million papers. Over 100,000 people join Academia.edu each day. Academia.edu attracts over 52 million unique visitors a month. 40% of the world's faculty log in to Academia.edu every month. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Recount Media

Series B in 2021
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.

Hodinkee

Series B in 2020
Founded in 2008, Hodinkee is a leading online platform dedicated to the world of watches. It offers comprehensive reviews, news, and historical insights on timepieces, along with an e-boutique selling vintage watches, straps, menswear accessories, and other watch-related products. Hodinkee also operates pop-up shops in the United States.

Recount Media

Series A in 2020
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.

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.

Automattic

Series D in 2019
Automattic develops and provides web-based solutions, including WordPress.com for website creation and management, WooCommerce for e-commerce, Jetpack for site performance and security. It serves individuals, creators, businesses, and organizations globally.

Submittable

Series B in 2019
Submittable develops cloud-based software for managing digital submissions, applications, and content. Its platform enables clients to collect, review, and make decisions on various types of submissions, including job applicants (Talentd), academic applications, grants, and creative content. Submittable serves publishers, competitions, awards, academic institutions, and other organizations seeking efficient submission management.

Submittable

Series A in 2017
Submittable develops cloud-based software for managing digital submissions, applications, and content. Its platform enables clients to collect, review, and make decisions on various types of submissions, including job applicants (Talentd), academic applications, grants, and creative content. Submittable serves publishers, competitions, awards, academic institutions, and other organizations seeking efficient submission management.

Madefire

Series B in 2016
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.

NewCo

Seed Round in 2016
NewCo specializes in hosting forums and conferences designed to connect individuals with businesses pursuing specific missions. Its events are city-specific festivals that foster unique partnerships, offering a cross-platform publication platform for clients to engage with audiences and influence business, politics, and culture.

Hodinkee

Seed Round in 2015
Founded in 2008, Hodinkee is a leading online platform dedicated to the world of watches. It offers comprehensive reviews, news, and historical insights on timepieces, along with an e-boutique selling vintage watches, straps, menswear accessories, and other watch-related products. Hodinkee also operates pop-up shops in the United States.

Storehouse

Series A in 2014
Storehouse is a developer of an online multimedia story-sharing platform that enables users to create and share their narratives through a combination of photos, videos, and text. The company's application provides a user-friendly interface for storytelling, allowing individuals to express their experiences visually and engage with a broader audience. Storehouse has received recognition for its innovative approach, winning the TechCrunch 2015 Crunchie for Best Mobile App and the 2014 Apple Design Award.

Teachers Pay Teachers

Venture Round in 2014
Teachers Pay Teachers is a global online marketplace for educators to share, buy, and sell original educational resources. With over 2 million resources available for PreK-12 education, it serves as an inspiration hub for teachers worldwide.

Automattic

Series C in 2014
Automattic develops and provides web-based solutions, including WordPress.com for website creation and management, WooCommerce for e-commerce, Jetpack for site performance and security. It serves individuals, creators, businesses, and organizations globally.

Trippy

Series A in 2014
Trippy, Inc. is a travel information platform based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011. It serves as a community-driven resource where travelers can ask questions and share experiences about various destinations. The platform encourages users to seek advice on accommodations, attractions, and activities, fostering a supportive environment aimed at enhancing travel experiences. Trippy was founded by J.R. Johnson, who previously led the successful growth of VirtualTourist.com and OneTime.com before their acquisition by Expedia. The company aims to inspire users by promoting a sense of community and the joy of helping others through shared travel insights.

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.

Madefire

Series A in 2013
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.

Academia.edu

Series B in 2013
Academia.edu is the largest and fastest-growing platform in the world for sharing academic research. Its mission is to accelerate and democratize academic research. Over 150 million academics have signed up to Academia.edu, adding 25 million papers. Over 100,000 people join Academia.edu each day. Academia.edu attracts over 52 million unique visitors a month. 40% of the world's faculty log in to Academia.edu every month. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Madefire

Venture Round in 2013
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.

Academia.edu

Series A in 2011
Academia.edu is the largest and fastest-growing platform in the world for sharing academic research. Its mission is to accelerate and democratize academic research. Over 150 million academics have signed up to Academia.edu, adding 25 million papers. Over 100,000 people join Academia.edu each day. Academia.edu attracts over 52 million unique visitors a month. 40% of the world's faculty log in to Academia.edu every month. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Trippy

Venture Round in 2011
Trippy, Inc. is a travel information platform based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011. It serves as a community-driven resource where travelers can ask questions and share experiences about various destinations. The platform encourages users to seek advice on accommodations, attractions, and activities, fostering a supportive environment aimed at enhancing travel experiences. Trippy was founded by J.R. Johnson, who previously led the successful growth of VirtualTourist.com and OneTime.com before their acquisition by Expedia. The company aims to inspire users by promoting a sense of community and the joy of helping others through shared travel insights.

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.

Bandcamp

Series A in 2010
Bandcamp is a music publishing platform that enables musicians to host their homepages and distribute their music. The platform allows artists to stream full tracks and albums, interact with their fanbase, and manage their music sales. It offers features such as fanbase management, digital distribution, and access to real-time statistics, which help artists understand their audience better. Users can discover, purchase, and stream music, as well as follow their favorite artists and build wish lists. Bandcamp fosters a community where music enthusiasts can explore collections and connect with like-minded fans, thereby enhancing the overall experience of music discovery and appreciation.

Adobe Fonts

Venture Round in 2010
Adobe Fonts allows subscribers to embed fonts into online documents and websites, as well as activate fonts on their desktop computers. It's a subscription-based service for linking to high-quality Open Type fonts from some of the worlds best type foundries. Their fonts are served from a global network on redundant servers, offering bulletproof service and incredible speed. Adobe Fonts is formerly Typekit, which was acquired by Adobe in 2011.

Sponge

Seed Round in 2010
POWERING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES THAT ANSWER THE WORLDS QUESTIONS....Sponge powers question and answer communities for brands, media outlets, and topical sites. Sponge's Q&A platform enables online communities to ask questions and share answers in a structured manner. Sponge's technology unites traditional social features with question-and-answer functionality to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and customer engagement.

Goodreads

Series A in 2009
Goodreads is the world's largest platform for readers and book recommendations, founded in 2007. It serves as a community where users can find and share books they enjoy, with features that allow them to track their reading, see what friends are reading, and access personalized book recommendations through its recommendation engine. With a membership of 19 million, Goodreads hosts over 600 million books and more than 25 million reviews, catering to both avid and casual readers. The platform also facilitates connections between readers and over 77,000 authors, providing a space for discussions and interactions about literature. Through its emphasis on sharing and discovery, Goodreads enhances the reading experience and fosters a global community of book enthusiasts.

Adobe Fonts

Seed Round in 2009
Adobe Fonts allows subscribers to embed fonts into online documents and websites, as well as activate fonts on their desktop computers. It's a subscription-based service for linking to high-quality Open Type fonts from some of the worlds best type foundries. Their fonts are served from a global network on redundant servers, offering bulletproof service and incredible speed. Adobe Fonts is formerly Typekit, which was acquired by Adobe in 2011.

VoxPop Network

Series B in 2009
VoxPop Network Corporation is a gaming network that specializes in creating a platform for online publishers to develop and distribute games centered around current events and trending topics. The company enables publishers to transform their existing content into engaging and contextually relevant online games, thereby enhancing audience interaction and providing an innovative way to connect with users. Through its unique offerings, VoxPop Network aims to bridge the gap between pop culture and gaming, allowing for a dynamic and immersive experience in the digital landscape.

appssavvy

Series A in 2008
appssavvy is a technology company that specializes in activity advertising, aiming to transform the way web and mobile advertising is delivered and received. By focusing on consumer engagement, appssavvy redefines how brands connect with their audience and creates native advertising experiences for publishers. The company emphasizes the use of data and insights to enhance advertising effectiveness, particularly by analyzing real-time consumer behavior. Through its innovative approach, appssavvy seeks to improve the overall advertising landscape for both brands and publishers.

MindBites

Series A in 2008
MindBites is an end-to-end video publishing and commerce platform that enables content creators to sell their video content online, on-demand, and via mobile devices. The platform allows partners to upload, manage, and price their own video content, making it available for sale through the MindBites marketplace or custom video-on-demand stores that can be integrated into their own websites. MindBites accommodates a wide range of video content, including educational lessons, seminars, and instructional guides. Content partners can create and sell courses or bundles of their videos, encouraging users to make larger purchases through discounted series options. The company serves a diverse clientele, from established video production houses to individuals and small businesses, offering various platform features tailored to their needs. MindBites supports video content across numerous categories, including arts and crafts, fitness, health and wellness, and more, thus providing a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge and skills.

Automattic

Series B in 2008
Automattic develops and provides web-based solutions, including WordPress.com for website creation and management, WooCommerce for e-commerce, Jetpack for site performance and security. It serves individuals, creators, businesses, and organizations globally.

VoxPop Network

Series A in 2007
VoxPop Network Corporation is a gaming network that specializes in creating a platform for online publishers to develop and distribute games centered around current events and trending topics. The company enables publishers to transform their existing content into engaging and contextually relevant online games, thereby enhancing audience interaction and providing an innovative way to connect with users. Through its unique offerings, VoxPop Network aims to bridge the gap between pop culture and gaming, allowing for a dynamic and immersive experience in the digital landscape.

Maya's Mom

Angel Round in 2006
Maya's Mom is a social networking platform designed for parents, particularly mothers. It facilitates the sharing of experiences and advice through journals, group discussions, and photo-sharing features. The site encourages engagement through weekly journal topics and popular groups like 'Expecting Moms' and 'Stay at Home Moms'.

Surphace

Series A in 2005
Surphace is a technology company specializing in contextual content tools for online publishers. It offers a patent-pending process called Content Genome™, which delivers automated related content delivery without requiring taxonomies or training. Surphace's tools enhance reader engagement by connecting text, video, photos, and ads, leading to increased time spent on sites and page views per visit. Additionally, these tools generate new revenue streams for publishers. With over 150,000 integrations across 1.2 billion monthly article pages worldwide, Surphace serves a diverse range of partners, from A-list publishers to micro-publishers and independent blogs.
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