Mansa develops a streaming platform featuring black culture. They are removing obstacles and integrating all formats. With tales from all over the world, they're displaying both fresh talent and seasoned pros. With their "Watch Out Loud Feature," they're linking viewers with one another, and with Web3 features, they'll be connecting creators with their audiences.
TBTM, powered by AMP Global Technologies, is a pioneering blockchain-based media fintech that transforms culture into currency by rewarding fans and compensating creators for their contributions to content communities. Founded by a team with backgrounds from prestigious institutions and accolades from the entertainment industry, TBTM offers a unique social-viewing platform that operates on a play-to-earn model. Users can earn brand rewards through engagement, which can be redeemed using the digital reward token, Kola. The company boasts production capabilities recognized with Emmy nominations and Academy Award submissions. TBTM's flagship format, The Mic, originated in Africa and is now expanding globally, including a launch in India. The format has achieved over 1.1 billion media impressions and received multiple Telly Awards, competing with major industry players. TBTM's innovative approach enables media companies to gain valuable insights into global youth audiences, fostering deeper connections between content and viewers.
Zigazoo
Seed Round in 2022
Zigazoo is a social media brand that focuses on providing a safe and creative environment for children, specifically targeting Generation Alpha. Launched in 2020, the Zigazoo app allows kids and families to engage with educational prompts through short videos, fostering healthy online relationships and promoting self-expression. The platform has rapidly gained popularity, becoming the largest social network for this demographic and attracting top-tier creator talent, celebrities, and major brands such as the NBA and Netflix. Zigazoo aims to make screen time healthier and more enriching, empowering millions of children to express their authentic selves while enjoying a positive social media experience. The company has received support from notable investors in the tech and entertainment sectors, further solidifying its position in the market.
Dance Church
Seed Round in 2021
Dance Church is a provider of high-energy dance-focused movement classes designed to create joyful and connective experiences. It operates both in-person and online, offering live classes and an extensive library of on-demand sessions led by professional dancers. Participants engage in a series of movement cues set to curated multi-genre pop music, allowing for a dynamic and enjoyable workout. The company is dedicated to empowering individuals by promoting the idea that everyone is a dancer and that dance is an inclusive activity meant for all. Its online subscription platform enables users to access fitness coaching and dance classes at their convenience, fostering a community of dancers regardless of experience level.
TBTM, powered by AMP Global Technologies, is a pioneering blockchain-based media fintech that transforms culture into currency by rewarding fans and compensating creators for their contributions to content communities. Founded by a team with backgrounds from prestigious institutions and accolades from the entertainment industry, TBTM offers a unique social-viewing platform that operates on a play-to-earn model. Users can earn brand rewards through engagement, which can be redeemed using the digital reward token, Kola. The company boasts production capabilities recognized with Emmy nominations and Academy Award submissions. TBTM's flagship format, The Mic, originated in Africa and is now expanding globally, including a launch in India. The format has achieved over 1.1 billion media impressions and received multiple Telly Awards, competing with major industry players. TBTM's innovative approach enables media companies to gain valuable insights into global youth audiences, fostering deeper connections between content and viewers.
Ryff
Venture Round in 2021
Ryff is a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in an artificial intelligence-driven video platform called Placer. The platform allows for real-time manipulation of products, individuals, backgrounds, and images in both live and pre-recorded videos. Led by CEO Roy Taylor, who previously held prominent roles at NVIDIA and AMD, Ryff aims to innovate the branded entertainment industry, which is valued at approximately $23 billion globally. The company addresses the challenges of traditional branded content, which is often a cumbersome and manual process, by leveraging video game technology and photorealistic 3D models. This technology enables seamless integration and alteration of branded content, offering creators and advertisers the flexibility to update or replace elements within a video frame. By providing consumers with premium content that incorporates dynamic digital brand integration, Ryff presents a compelling alternative to traditional subscription models and ad-supported content.
LIT Videobooks
Seed Round in 2021
LIT Videobooks is a New York-based company that has transformed the consumption of non-fiction literature by introducing a novel format known as "videobooks." Catering to the 65% of individuals who identify as visual learners, LIT allows users to engage with bestselling non-fiction titles in a dynamic and entertaining manner. The company collaborates with over 100 acclaimed authors across various genres, including business, finance, and self-help, to create immersive video adaptations of their works. With a production team that includes Emmy award-winning producers and animators, LIT brings these narratives to life, making them accessible and enjoyable for a modern audience. The platform exclusively distributes and monetizes its videobooks and is committed to releasing multiple new titles each month, with plans to introduce an all-access subscription model in the near future. Established in 2018 by Ronak Seth, LIT is a rapidly growing startup supported by venture capital.
Zigazoo
Seed Round in 2021
Zigazoo is a social media brand that focuses on providing a safe and creative environment for children, specifically targeting Generation Alpha. Launched in 2020, the Zigazoo app allows kids and families to engage with educational prompts through short videos, fostering healthy online relationships and promoting self-expression. The platform has rapidly gained popularity, becoming the largest social network for this demographic and attracting top-tier creator talent, celebrities, and major brands such as the NBA and Netflix. Zigazoo aims to make screen time healthier and more enriching, empowering millions of children to express their authentic selves while enjoying a positive social media experience. The company has received support from notable investors in the tech and entertainment sectors, further solidifying its position in the market.
Ryff
Venture Round in 2019
Ryff is a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in an artificial intelligence-driven video platform called Placer. The platform allows for real-time manipulation of products, individuals, backgrounds, and images in both live and pre-recorded videos. Led by CEO Roy Taylor, who previously held prominent roles at NVIDIA and AMD, Ryff aims to innovate the branded entertainment industry, which is valued at approximately $23 billion globally. The company addresses the challenges of traditional branded content, which is often a cumbersome and manual process, by leveraging video game technology and photorealistic 3D models. This technology enables seamless integration and alteration of branded content, offering creators and advertisers the flexibility to update or replace elements within a video frame. By providing consumers with premium content that incorporates dynamic digital brand integration, Ryff presents a compelling alternative to traditional subscription models and ad-supported content.
FaZe Clan
Seed Round in 2018
FaZe Clan Inc., established in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles, operates as an esports and entertainment company. Primarily known for its original content and highly engaged global fanbase of over 215 million across social platforms, FaZe Clan retails online apparel and accessories alongside its core business of competitive gaming tournaments, live streams, video blogs, lifestyle content, and branded partnerships.
Macro
Funding Round in 2018
Macro is a technology and media company that enhances virtual collaboration through its Zoom SDK-powered application. It transforms standard Zoom meetings into interactive sessions, offering two modes: a collaborative overlay with participant bubbles and an Arena/Stadium mode for presentations, featuring an Airtime feature tracking speaker time and a text-input system for capturing meeting insights and action items. Additionally, Macro operates a multimedia platform focused on the multicultural market, producing and financing film, television, and digital content that represents the perspectives of people of color, aiming to create universal content that resonates with diverse audiences.
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.
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in developing digital and robotic characters for social media platforms. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers by leveraging advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Brud aims to craft engaging character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences, utilizing technology to enhance storytelling in media. The studio's innovative approach has positioned it at the forefront of the intersection between technology and entertainment.
Alliance of American Football
Seed Round in 2018
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) is a professional football league that aims to provide engaging entertainment for fans. Comprising eight teams, each with a roster of fifty players, the league conducts ten regular-season matches. Games are streamed live through an application, allowing fans to enjoy real-time action. The AAF also focuses on supporting players in their post-football careers by offering comprehensive bonuses, ensuring a pathway for athletes beyond their time on the field. By prioritizing both the spectator experience and player welfare, the AAF seeks to carve out a distinctive niche in professional American football.
Stampede Ventures
Seed Round in 2018
Stampede Ventures operates as an entertainment studio focused on creating blockbuster franchises across multiple divisions, including film, television, alternative content, and international projects. The company aims to revolutionize the entertainment industry by leveraging both traditional and emerging systems to empower artists. By providing a global platform, Stampede Ventures facilitates access for creators to showcase their talents and expertise within the cinematic landscape. The studio fosters collaboration and support among its network of creators and industry partners, allowing for the development of innovative ideas and projects that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Players' Lounge
Seed Round in 2018
Players' Lounge Inc., operating as Players' Lounge Online, is a social gaming platform that allows casual gamers to compete for cash and prizes. Founded in 2016 and based in New Castle, Delaware, it provides an online environment where users can find opponents willing to engage in friendly wagers over popular video games or participate in organized tournaments. The platform caters to the vast majority of gamers who aspire to earn money through gaming, even if only a small fraction succeed in becoming professional players. By facilitating instant e-sports competitions, Players' Lounge aims to democratize the opportunity for all gamers to monetize their skills and enjoy competitive play.
Alliance of American Football
Seed Round in 2018
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) is a professional football league that aims to provide engaging entertainment for fans. Comprising eight teams, each with a roster of fifty players, the league conducts ten regular-season matches. Games are streamed live through an application, allowing fans to enjoy real-time action. The AAF also focuses on supporting players in their post-football careers by offering comprehensive bonuses, ensuring a pathway for athletes beyond their time on the field. By prioritizing both the spectator experience and player welfare, the AAF seeks to carve out a distinctive niche in professional American football.
Blavity
Seed Round in 2017
Blavity, Inc. is a media-tech company founded in 2014 that focuses on creating an online community for multicultural creators and influencers, primarily serving Black millennials. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Blavity operates a network of brands that produce original content, videos, and unique experiences aimed at amplifying the voices of Black creators. The company's platform features curated multimedia content designed to enhance representation and awareness of issues affecting the African diaspora, particularly systemic racism. By partnering with content creators, Blavity helps them reach broader audiences and supports their endeavors, thereby fostering a vibrant community centered on cultural expression and social justice.
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.
Omnislash
Seed Round in 2017
Omnislash, Inc. is a production studio based in San Diego, California, that specializes in creating diverse gaming content, including live game streams, news, talk shows, highlight videos, and guides. Founded in 2016, the company is also developing a data-driven platform designed to enhance the gaming experience by allowing users to share their achievements and experiences while providing gameplay analytics. This platform aims to amplify the narratives crafted by content creators and foster discussions among gamers, ultimately transforming how individuals engage with both gameplay and esports. Through meaningful statistics and metrics, Omnislash seeks to inspire gamers and ignite debates within the gaming community.
Vaunt Inc. is a subscription video-on-demand and real-time streaming network that allows influencers to self-distribute and monetize lifestyle content. Established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, the company provides a platform that connects brands, athletes, and entertainers with their audiences. Vaunt's service features shareable subscription channels that offer exclusive original programming and live events, creating interactive fan experiences. By integrating elements of entertainment, technology, social engagement, sports betting, and merchandise, Vaunt enables influencers to enhance their relationships with fans while generating revenue through their content.
Remezcla, LLC is a digital publisher, creative agency, and entertainment company founded in 2006 and based in Brooklyn, New York, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Mexico City. The company operates Remezcla.com, a media platform that delivers music and lifestyle content tailored for Latino millennials in the United States, Latin America, and Spain. Remezcla is recognized as a leading authority on emerging Latin culture and music, providing valuable insights and strategies for brands aiming to engage effectively with the Hispanic millennial demographic. As a creative agency, it specializes in strategic rebranding, digital content creation, and experiential marketing projects, collaborating with major brands such as ESPN, HBO, and Netflix. Remezcla's work has garnered national recognition from various prestigious awards, highlighting its impact in the cultural and advertising sectors.
Vaunt Inc. is a subscription video-on-demand and real-time streaming network that allows influencers to self-distribute and monetize lifestyle content. Established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, the company provides a platform that connects brands, athletes, and entertainers with their audiences. Vaunt's service features shareable subscription channels that offer exclusive original programming and live events, creating interactive fan experiences. By integrating elements of entertainment, technology, social engagement, sports betting, and merchandise, Vaunt enables influencers to enhance their relationships with fans while generating revenue through their content.
Within (VR/AR)
Series B in 2017
Within is the premier destination for innovative, entertaining, and informative story-based virtual reality and augmented reality. We bring together the best immersive experiences from the world's finest VR/AR creators—from gripping tales set in worlds of pure imagination to documentaries taking you further inside the news than ever before. Within supports all major headsets, including Oculus Quest, Rift, HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, and Samsung Gear VR. To get started experiencing our ever-growing roster of content, just download our app for iPhone or Android today.
Hooked, formerly known as Telepathic, is a mobile media company that has pioneered the chat fiction format, appealing primarily to the Snapchat generation. With a readership of 50 million, Hooked has reached the top of the App Store in 25 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The company utilizes proprietary technology and artificial intelligence to analyze billions of data points in order to predict content trends and develop popular media. This innovative approach positions Hooked as a potential leader in the evolving entertainment landscape, akin to future giants like Netflix and Disney. The company has attracted significant venture funding from notable investors in both Silicon Valley and Hollywood, further solidifying its growth and impact in the industry.
Caffeine Inc. operates a live social broadcasting and streaming platform that focuses on gaming and entertainment. Founded in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, Caffeine allows users to create and broadcast interactive content, including esports and various forms of entertainment. The platform emphasizes real-time engagement, enabling viewers to watch, chat, and share experiences without delays. Caffeine collaborates with major partners like FOX Sports, ESPN, and Riot Games to offer diverse content that appeals to a wide audience. Additionally, the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, hate speech, and racism, fostering a positive environment for its users. Through its platform, Caffeine aims to simplify the creation and distribution of live content while enabling users to monetize their streams and engage with a community of fans across culture, sports, and music.
Afrostream
Venture Round in 2015
Afrostream Inc operates a video-on-demand platform that specializes in African and African-American content. Founded in 2014 and based in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, Afrostream offers subscribers unlimited access to a diverse library of movies, TV series, and stand-up comedies that celebrate black culture. The service caters to a growing global audience, particularly in Africa, where there is significant demand for both local and international content, with millions of people gaining access to broadband internet. Afrostream aims to fill the gap in the market for quality black entertainment, providing users the flexibility to stream content on multiple devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
Sidestep
Seed Round in 2015
Sidestep is a mobile commerce application designed to streamline the purchasing of merchandise for fans attending live events. The platform allows users to order items before, during, or after an event, facilitating a hassle-free experience by enabling pickup at a designated Sidestep table or shipping directly to their homes. By integrating with live shows, Sidestep enhances the buying experience and captures sales when fan interest is at its highest. The company has collaborated with various artists, including Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, to create a more interactive retail environment. This approach not only increases sales but also collects valuable data on fan preferences, ultimately benefiting both the consumers and merchandise suppliers.