Hearst Ventures

Hearst Ventures, established in 1995, is the corporate venture capital arm of The Hearst Corporation, a diversified American media and information company. Based in New York, the firm strategically invests in companies operating at the intersection of media, information, and technology. With a focus on the media, entertainment, and interactive technologies sectors, Hearst Ventures seeks to support innovative businesses that align with its parent company's extensive portfolio, which includes newspapers, magazines, television stations, cable networks, and digital media platforms.

Kenneth Bronfin

Senior Managing Director and Head of International Investments

Gil Canaani

Managing Director and General Manager, Israel

Scott English

Senior Managing Director and Head of US Investments

David Famolari

Managing Director

Darcy Frisch

Managing Director and Vice President

Richard Malloch

Executive Vice President

Past deals in Entertainment

Motor Trend

Acquisition in 2024
MotorTrend Group is the largest automotive media company in the world, incorporating a direct-to-consumer network, an extensive automotive digital operation, a massive social media presence, and a live event portfolio—all driven by industry-leading brands including MotorTrend, HOT ROD, and Roadkill. the group encompasses television’s No. 1 network for automotive superfans, a leading automotive YouTube Channel, and the MotorTrend App—our auto-dedicated subscription video-on-demand service.

Napster

Funding Round in 2024
Infinite Reality is a company focused on creating immersive digital experiences that enhance the relationship between audiences, creators, and brands. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and spatial computing, Infinite Reality offers platforms that allow businesses to build networks within digital ecosystems, ensuring they retain control over content distribution, audience engagement, and monetization strategies. The company specializes in developing world-class Metaverse experiences, supported by a robust entertainment division that produces original content and live events from its expansive Los Angeles studio. Additionally, its Agency services foster audience cultivation, while its portfolio of digital brands, including esports organizations and influencer management agencies, helps elevate awareness and adoption of emerging Web3 opportunities. Through these various initiatives, Infinite Reality aims to redefine the boundaries of connected digital environments.

Simply

Series D in 2021
Simply’s mission is to make the pursuit of creative hobbies simple and fun for all. Our top-grossing apps Simply Piano, Simply Guitar, and Simply Sing, put us on the fast track to building the world’s largest global consumer subscription business for creative hobbies in music & beyond. With over a million monthly downloads and hundreds of thousands of daily learners around the world, we're reinventing the way we spend our time at home together.

iflix

Corporate Round in 2019
iFlix Sdn Bhd is a digital entertainment service provider based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, founded in 2014. The company caters to consumers in various countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and several others across the Middle East and North Africa. iFlix offers a comprehensive library of content, including TV shows, movies, hyperlocal originals, live sports, and news, allowing users to stream or download their preferred entertainment. The service features a diverse range of genres, including comedy, drama, K-drama, Turkish drama, Bollywood, and Nollywood, sourced from Hollywood, the UK, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Subscribers benefit from unlimited access to this extensive content library for a low monthly fee, enabling them to watch on multiple devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions, thereby enhancing accessibility and convenience. As of June 2020, iFlix operates as a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited.

Caavo

Series B in 2017
Caavo, Inc. is a consumer electronics company founded in 2015 and based in Santa Clara, California. The company specializes in developing innovative hardware and software solutions aimed at enhancing the television viewing experience. Caavo's products integrate linear TV, streaming services, and web content into a unified platform that can be controlled via voice commands or a single remote, catering to the needs of modern audiences. In addition to its consumer-focused offerings, Caavo has also created a TV-connected platform designed specifically for senior living, which facilitates video calls, wellness checks, and assistance requests, enabling healthcare staff and families to manage care for seniors remotely, even when the television screen is off.

iflix

Series C in 2017
iFlix Sdn Bhd is a digital entertainment service provider based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, founded in 2014. The company caters to consumers in various countries including Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and several others across the Middle East and North Africa. iFlix offers a comprehensive library of content, including TV shows, movies, hyperlocal originals, live sports, and news, allowing users to stream or download their preferred entertainment. The service features a diverse range of genres, including comedy, drama, K-drama, Turkish drama, Bollywood, and Nollywood, sourced from Hollywood, the UK, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Subscribers benefit from unlimited access to this extensive content library for a low monthly fee, enabling them to watch on multiple devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions, thereby enhancing accessibility and convenience. As of June 2020, iFlix operates as a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings Limited.

The Register Citizen

Acquisition in 2017
The Register Citizen is a multimedia news organization that operates a daily newspaper service. It specializes in newspaper printing and offers a wide range of content, including news articles, investigative reporting, and features covering various topics such as sports, business, fashion, lifestyle, real estate, entertainment, and local news. In addition to print publications, The Register Citizen provides digital access through its website and mobile applications for iPhone and Android, ensuring that readers can stay informed about current affairs and local happenings.

Kobalt

Series D in 2017
Kobalt is an independent music services company that provides alternatives to traditional music business models. It focuses on music publishing, label services, and neighboring rights divisions, offering innovative technology solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in the music industry. By empowering artists, songwriters, publishers, and labels, Kobalt ensures that each stakeholder is compensated fairly and accurately, navigating the complexities of digital micropayments. The company serves over 8,000 artists and songwriters, managing approximately 600,000 songs and collaborating with more than 450 publishing companies. With a global workforce of over 275 employees, Kobalt delivers real-time reporting through its award-winning Kobalt Portal and offers a range of services, including global licensing management, royalty collection, creative services, and digital marketing. The company represents many prominent artists and songwriters, contributing significantly to the charts in both the US and UK.

Drone Racing League

Series B in 2017
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.

Caavo

Series A in 2017
Caavo, Inc. is a consumer electronics company founded in 2015 and based in Santa Clara, California. The company specializes in developing innovative hardware and software solutions aimed at enhancing the television viewing experience. Caavo's products integrate linear TV, streaming services, and web content into a unified platform that can be controlled via voice commands or a single remote, catering to the needs of modern audiences. In addition to its consumer-focused offerings, Caavo has also created a TV-connected platform designed specifically for senior living, which facilitates video calls, wellness checks, and assistance requests, enabling healthcare staff and families to manage care for seniors remotely, even when the television screen is off.

Work Loss Data Institute

Acquisition in 2017
Work Loss Data Institute is a media & entertainment company located in Austin.

Litton Entertainment

Acquisition in 2017
Litton Entertainment is a prominent television production and distribution company based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Founded in 1987, it specializes in creating and syndicating award-winning content that spans educational and family entertainment genres. Litton produces over 600 hours of Emmy Award-winning programming for major broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and The CW, including popular series like "Litton’s Weekend Adventure," "CBS Dream Team: It’s Epic," and "One Magnificent Morning." Additionally, the company provides original educational programming under the brand The More You Know for NBC stations. With a vast reach, Litton syndicates its diverse portfolio to over 1,000 television stations across the United States and its programs are enjoyed in 97 countries worldwide. The company’s extensive production capabilities are supported by team members and studios located throughout the United States, enabling it to leverage programming across multiple platforms.

BuzzFeed

Series G in 2016
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.

Roku

Series H in 2015
Roku, Inc. is a leading streaming platform that provides users with access to a wide range of movies, TV episodes, live sports, music, and news. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Roku operates in two primary segments: Platform and Player. The company has developed a proprietary operating system, Roku OS, which powers its streaming devices and co-branded televisions produced by various manufacturers. Roku offers a variety of streaming media players, accessories, and smart home products, and also operates the Roku Channel, a free, ad-supported service featuring both on-demand and live content. With a significant user base of over 80 million households, Roku generates revenue through device sales, advertising products, and licensing agreements, positioning itself as a prominent player in the streaming market.

Complex

Venture Round in 2015
Complex is a media platform that focuses on youth culture, encompassing music, style, sports, and sneakers. It delivers a diverse range of content, including articles, news, interviews, and features that resonate with its audience. The platform also integrates social media feeds to keep users updated on the latest trends and releases in music and sneakers. As part of a global youth entertainment company, Complex aims to engage a wide demographic by providing relevant and entertaining content across various facets of pop culture.

ScoreBig

Series D in 2014
ScoreBig, Inc. is an online platform that allows consumers to purchase tickets for various live events, including sports, concerts, and theater performances, often at significant discounts of up to 60%. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Hollywood, California, ScoreBig specializes in selling a limited number of tickets per event, thus maintaining an opaque sales channel that helps event organizers sell unsold seats without undercutting their pricing strategies. The company serves as a marketplace for venue operators, sports teams, and arts organizations, enabling them to move excess inventory while preserving the perceived value of their tickets. With a focus on providing savings for fans and facilitating ticket sales for event organizers, ScoreBig has established itself as a prominent player in the live event ticketing industry.

Roku

Series F in 2013
Roku, Inc. is a leading streaming platform that provides users with access to a wide range of movies, TV episodes, live sports, music, and news. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Roku operates in two primary segments: Platform and Player. The company has developed a proprietary operating system, Roku OS, which powers its streaming devices and co-branded televisions produced by various manufacturers. Roku offers a variety of streaming media players, accessories, and smart home products, and also operates the Roku Channel, a free, ad-supported service featuring both on-demand and live content. With a significant user base of over 80 million households, Roku generates revenue through device sales, advertising products, and licensing agreements, positioning itself as a prominent player in the streaming market.

Refinery29

Series B in 2013
Refinery29 Inc. is a digital media and entertainment company founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, with additional operations in Los Angeles, London, and Berlin. The company focuses on providing feminocentric content across various lifestyle categories, including fashion, beauty, health, entertainment, and finance. Through a combination of engaging articles, original video programming, and shareable content, Refinery29 aims to inspire and empower women to lead independent, stylish, and informed lives. The platform not only informs its audience about current trends but also offers apparel and accessories, making it a comprehensive resource for women seeking to navigate modern life.

BuzzFeed

Series C in 2012
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.

Miso

Series B in 2011
Miso operates a second screen application designed to enhance the television viewing experience by making it more interactive and social. Available on various platforms including iPhone, iPad, Android, and the web, Miso allows users to check in to their favorite shows and episodes, earning points and unlocking virtual badges as they engage with content. The app fosters community interaction by enabling users to compare their viewing habits with friends and see what others in the Miso community are watching. Additionally, Miso integrates with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to share their viewing activities instantly. The platform also offers features for personalizing profiles and content, making the overall TV watching experience more tailored to individual preferences.

Diversion

Series B in 2011
Diversion was formed in early 2010 with a clear goal to provide a necessary fusion between the entertainment industry and the current social gaming renaissance. The founders are all highly seasoned experts in gaming, web development, digital marketing and entertainment and are setting out in this space with two key differentiators: Provide users with real-world entertainment tie-in opportunities and experiences. Use of gaming expertise to create a more enjoyable and fulfilling social gaming experience. Diversion, Inc. is currently developing a game called FameTown, which is modeled after games like FarmVille and Mafia Wars and will be released Nov. 1, 2010.

Miso

Series A in 2010
Miso operates a second screen application designed to enhance the television viewing experience by making it more interactive and social. Available on various platforms including iPhone, iPad, Android, and the web, Miso allows users to check in to their favorite shows and episodes, earning points and unlocking virtual badges as they engage with content. The app fosters community interaction by enabling users to compare their viewing habits with friends and see what others in the Miso community are watching. Additionally, Miso integrates with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to share their viewing activities instantly. The platform also offers features for personalizing profiles and content, making the overall TV watching experience more tailored to individual preferences.

Gazillion

Venture Round in 2010
Gazillion Entertainment is a game development and publishing company based in Foster City, California. The company specializes in creating and operating multiplayer online (MMO) games, focusing on delivering innovative experiences that feature both well-known comic book characters and original franchises. Gazillion aims to provide superior production quality and engaging gameplay, fostering a vibrant community for gamers. Through its diverse portfolio of games, the company seeks to captivate players by blending high-quality content with dynamic online interactions.

BuzzFeed

Series B in 2010
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.

Pandora Media

Series F in 2009
Pandora Media, LLC is a music and podcast discovery platform based in Oakland, California, serving approximately 70 million users each month. Founded in 2000, Pandora utilizes its proprietary Music Genome Project and Podcast Genome Project technologies to deliver personalized music streaming services. Unlike traditional radio, which broadcasts the same content to all listeners, Pandora allows users to create customized stations and playlists, as well as search for and play songs on demand. The platform is accessible via mobile devices, web applications, and approximately 2,000 connected products in homes and vehicles. Pandora generates revenue through an ad-supported radio service, a subscription service called Pandora Plus, and an on-demand service known as Pandora Premium. By leveraging extensive listener data, Pandora enables targeted advertising for both local and national advertisers while providing artists with valuable insights to connect with their audience.

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.

Pandora Media

Series E in 2009
Pandora Media, LLC is a music and podcast discovery platform based in Oakland, California, serving approximately 70 million users each month. Founded in 2000, Pandora utilizes its proprietary Music Genome Project and Podcast Genome Project technologies to deliver personalized music streaming services. Unlike traditional radio, which broadcasts the same content to all listeners, Pandora allows users to create customized stations and playlists, as well as search for and play songs on demand. The platform is accessible via mobile devices, web applications, and approximately 2,000 connected products in homes and vehicles. Pandora generates revenue through an ad-supported radio service, a subscription service called Pandora Plus, and an on-demand service known as Pandora Premium. By leveraging extensive listener data, Pandora enables targeted advertising for both local and national advertisers while providing artists with valuable insights to connect with their audience.

BuzzFeed

Series A in 2008
BuzzFeed, Inc. is a tech-driven media company that specializes in delivering breaking news, original reporting, and entertainment content across various digital platforms. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in New York, BuzzFeed engages a global audience with its diverse offerings, which include articles, quizzes, videos, and lifestyle content through well-known brands such as Tasty. The company also emphasizes investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and produces original content for multiple formats via BuzzFeed Studios. Additionally, BuzzFeed Commerce focuses on social commerce products, licensing, and strategic partnerships. With a reach of over 200 million users, BuzzFeed aims to create shareable content that resonates across the social web.

UGO Entertainment

Acquisition in 2007
UGO Networks, a division of Hearst Corporation, specializes in creating engaging lifestyle content tailored for the 18-34 male demographic. Its primary platforms, UGO.com and 1UP.com, feature comprehensive daily coverage of gaming and entertainment, including game reviews, pop culture news, and lifestyle articles. Complemented by a network of affiliated properties, UGO provides additional resources such as game cheats, interactive content, and celebrity news. The company attracts a global audience of 42 million visitors, positioning itself as a trusted source for influential trendsetters who are keen on the latest developments in gaming and entertainment. UGO Networks also offers advertisers targeted opportunities to connect with this engaged audience through customized online advertising solutions. Headquartered in New York City, UGO maintains offices in San Francisco, Chicago, and Santa Monica.

Worldwide Biggies

Series A in 2007
Worldwide Biggies, Inc. is a digital entertainment studio based in New York, founded in 2005. The company specializes in creating a diverse array of entertainment content, including films, television shows, gametoons, games, and webisodes, specifically tailored for children, families, and young adults. By leveraging online platforms, Worldwide Biggies aims to engage its audience with high-quality, interactive entertainment options that cater to various age groups.

Pandora Media

Series D in 2006
Pandora Media, LLC is a music and podcast discovery platform based in Oakland, California, serving approximately 70 million users each month. Founded in 2000, Pandora utilizes its proprietary Music Genome Project and Podcast Genome Project technologies to deliver personalized music streaming services. Unlike traditional radio, which broadcasts the same content to all listeners, Pandora allows users to create customized stations and playlists, as well as search for and play songs on demand. The platform is accessible via mobile devices, web applications, and approximately 2,000 connected products in homes and vehicles. Pandora generates revenue through an ad-supported radio service, a subscription service called Pandora Plus, and an on-demand service known as Pandora Premium. By leveraging extensive listener data, Pandora enables targeted advertising for both local and national advertisers while providing artists with valuable insights to connect with their audience.

Pandora Media

Series C in 2006
Pandora Media, LLC is a music and podcast discovery platform based in Oakland, California, serving approximately 70 million users each month. Founded in 2000, Pandora utilizes its proprietary Music Genome Project and Podcast Genome Project technologies to deliver personalized music streaming services. Unlike traditional radio, which broadcasts the same content to all listeners, Pandora allows users to create customized stations and playlists, as well as search for and play songs on demand. The platform is accessible via mobile devices, web applications, and approximately 2,000 connected products in homes and vehicles. Pandora generates revenue through an ad-supported radio service, a subscription service called Pandora Plus, and an on-demand service known as Pandora Premium. By leveraging extensive listener data, Pandora enables targeted advertising for both local and national advertisers while providing artists with valuable insights to connect with their audience.

Sirius XM Radio

Debt Financing in 2002
Sirius XM Radio, established in 1990, is a leading provider of satellite radio services in the United States and Canada. It offers a wide range of commercial-free programming, including music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather, to subscribers via satellite radio and online platforms. Sirius XM's content spans various genres and interests, featuring prominent personalities and exclusive shows. The company broadcasts to subscribers through a vast network of car, boat, home, and mobile devices, with pre-installed radios in most new vehicles. Sirius XM is a subsidiary of Sirius XM Holdings Inc., which also owns the streaming music platform Pandora.

Broadcast.com

Venture Round in 1998
Broadcast.com was an Internet radio company established in 1995 that specialized in streaming media programming. The company provided live and on-demand audio and video content over the internet, catering to a diverse audience with a wide array of offerings, including sports, talk and music radio, television, business events, news, commentary, and full-length audio books. In 1999, at the peak of the Dot-com Bubble, Broadcast.com was acquired by Yahoo for over $5 billion, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of online media streaming.
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