Vatom is a technology company founded in 2019 by Eric Pulier, focused on facilitating direct engagement between companies and individuals within the emerging Web3 landscape. The company has developed an enterprise-ready platform that helps businesses connect more effectively with their customers, employees, and stakeholders, while also streamlining processes and enhancing profitability. Vatom's platform includes a wallet service for sharing digital objects and a studio for gathering insights and managing campaigns, which has attracted notable clients such as Pepsico, P&G, Deloitte, Verizon, State Farm, and WPP to build ongoing Web3-based programs.
Health-Ade
Corporate Round in 2023
Health-Ade LLC is a beverage manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2012. The company specializes in producing Kombucha, a fermented tea rich in probiotics and healthy acids. Health-Ade offers its products in various flavors such as original, apple, ginger lemon, plum, grape, cayenne cleanse, beet, carrot, and pomegranate. These beverages are sold through retail stores and restaurants nationwide. Due to high demand, the company is planning to expand its production capacity by financing a new brewery.
Autio is a company that develops a mobile application focused on providing audio entertainment experiences for travelers. The Autio app utilizes geolocation technology to automatically play stories related to nearby landmarks, cities, and towns. These stories cover various aspects such as economic, geographical, artistic, political, historical, and mythological elements of different places across the United States. The app features narration from celebrities alongside local experts, offering users a personalized tour guide experience that can inspire detours, spark conversations, and uncover hidden knowledge along their journey.
Surf Air
Debt Financing in 2022
Surf Air Inc. operates a private air travel club that offers an All-You-Can-Fly membership model for frequent regional travelers, including entrepreneurs and leisure clients. Founded in 2011 and based in Hawthorne, California, the company provides private charter services with a fleet of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft configured for executive travel. Surf Air connects members to various destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Metro Area, Santa Barbara, and Truckee Lake Tahoe, with plans for additional locations. Membership options include Individual, Friends & Family, Group, and Business memberships, allowing flexibility and convenience for users. The service aims to deliver a sophisticated and hassle-free air travel experience that saves both time and money.
Sounder.fm
Series A in 2022
Sounder is the cutting-edge technology platform at the forefront of AI/ML-driven content classification and data extraction for the audio industry. By providing contextual intelligence and brand safety solutions to audio publishers, advertising marketplaces, and brands & agencies, Sounder enables significant monetization opportunities at scale
Gimme Radio
Corporate Round in 2022
Gimme Radio, Inc. is a digital music platform founded in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, that caters specifically to metal music enthusiasts. It offers a unique online radio station featuring a curated selection of tracks, hand-picked by musicians, music journalists, and industry tastemakers. The platform also includes Gimme Live, which allows listeners to interact with DJs through online chat. In addition to streaming, Gimme Radio sells music-related merchandise such as CDs, tapes, t-shirts, posters, and record players, creating a comprehensive community experience for passionate music fans. By focusing on underserved genres, Gimme Radio positions itself as a dedicated destination for fans who seek a more specialized music experience.
Songclip (Audiobyte)
Venture Round in 2021
Songclip™ is a new licensed music format built specifically for texting, social posts, and quick communication. Songclip’s multi-patented networked product solution, the Songclip API, integrates seamlessly into social platforms, mobile apps, and virtual marketplaces to drive expression, monetization, and music streaming. Songclip operates the world’s foremost searchable library of 5-30 second meta-tagged music clips, in partnership with the music industry. For more information, visit songclip.com
Triton Digital
Acquisition in 2021
Triton Digital, Inc. is a leading provider of technology solutions for the digital audio marketplace, serving clients such as broadcasters, podcasters, and online music services across more than 80 countries. Founded in 2006 and based in Sherman Oaks, California, the company offers a range of services designed to help its clients grow their audience and increase revenue. Its offerings include Webcast Metrics, which provides comprehensive audio measurement data; the Triton Advertising Platform, a customizable solution for monetizing live and on-demand content; and the Audience Management Platform, a suite of tools for audience engagement. Additionally, Triton Digital operates an audio advertising exchange, a supply-side platform, and various network solutions that aggregate audio inventory for streamlined media buying. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Triton Digital plays a crucial role in powering the global online audio industry.
Voxnest
Acquisition in 2020
Voxnest, Inc. is a technology company focused on delivering comprehensive solutions for podcasters and brands aiming to engage listeners through audio content. Established in January 2018 from the merger of Spreaker and BlogTalkRadio, Voxnest offers a range of tools for podcast creation, distribution, management, and monetization. Its key products include Spreaker for independent podcasters, Spreaker Enterprise for larger organizations, and Dynamo, which allows any podcaster to monetize their content using advanced ad injection technology. Additionally, Voxnest facilitates partnerships between podcasts and advertisers, enabling targeted advertising campaigns that enhance brand engagement. The company is led by co-founder and President Francesco Baschieri and operates under the umbrella of iHeartMedia, Inc.
Ozy Media, Inc. is a media and entertainment company based in Mountain View, California, that focuses on delivering a diverse array of news and information to a curious audience. Founded in 2012, Ozy operates a daily news, magazine, and video streaming platform that features various programs designed to inform and engage its users. The content encompasses a wide range of topics, including emerging trends, influential figures, and innovative ideas, aiming to provide narratives that challenge conventional perspectives. With an audience of approximately 50 million, Ozy seeks to inspire and broaden viewpoints by presenting fresh narratives across multiple formats, including television, podcasts, and live events.
Jelli, Inc. is a cloud-based advertising company specializing in the radio market in the United States, headquartered in San Mateo, California. Founded in 2008, Jelli provides innovative solutions for radio advertising through its proprietary platforms. SpotPlan is a web-based programmatic buying platform that facilitates the purchase of radio advertising, while RadioSpot serves as a cloud-based advertising server designed to automate terrestrial radio advertising. Additionally, RadioDash offers a campaign dashboard for managing radio advertising campaigns efficiently. By connecting publishers with radio listeners, Jelli aims to enhance the audio advertising ecosystem, ultimately improving the overall audio experience for consumers. As of December 31, 2018, Jelli operates as a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc.
HowStuffWorks
Acquisition in 2018
HowStuffWorks, LLC is an Atlanta-based company established in 1998 that specializes in creating informative and entertaining content across various media formats, including articles, podcasts, and videos. The company’s website features a broad range of topics such as adventure, animals, culture, health, technology, and more. A significant aspect of its business is its extensive podcast library, which includes over 6,000 episodes and has achieved more than 1 billion downloads, making it a leading publisher in the podcasting space. Notable brands under HowStuffWorks include Stuff You Should Know and Stuff You Missed in History Class. In addition to its content offerings, HowStuffWorks operates an online store that sells branded merchandise such as apparel and accessories. The company is a subsidiary of OpenMail, LLC.
Stuff Media
Acquisition in 2018
Stuff Media LLC is a prominent podcast publishing company based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 1998. It is recognized as one of the leading commercial podcast operators globally. As of October 2018, Stuff Media operates as a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc., enhancing its reach and capabilities within the podcasting industry. The company specializes in producing and distributing a diverse range of podcast content, catering to a wide audience and contributing significantly to the growth of the podcasting medium.
Artsy is the largest online art marketplace, offering access to over one million artworks from both iconic and emerging artists. The platform collaborates with leading museums, galleries, auction houses, and art fairs to create a comprehensive space for buying and selling art. By connecting users to a global audience, Artsy not only facilitates the discovery and collection of art but also supports artists and promotes art appreciation worldwide. Additionally, the company manages online art publications, further enhancing its role in the art community.
Fanpage
Funding Round in 2016
Fanpage is a boutique NFT platform that caters to music artists, athletes, brands, and influencers, with a mission to make NFTs accessible to a wider audience. The company collaborates closely with creators throughout the process, from design and creation to pricing and inventory management. Fanpage equips its creators with tools to sell NFTs directly to fans through straightforward credit card transactions. Additionally, the platform allows NFT enthusiasts to transfer and resell Fanpage NFTs on third-party marketplaces. Beyond NFTs, Fanpage also operates a blockchain-based rewards and engagement platform that incentivizes audience interaction by issuing rewards for content engagement. These rewards can unlock exclusive content, merchandise, or experiences. By collecting data on audience behavior, Fanpage helps content creators and brands enhance their monetization strategies and build a loyal fanbase.
BLADE is a technology-driven air mobility platform that provides on-demand air transportation services, including helicopters, jets, turboprops, and seaplanes. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York City, BLADE aims to simplify travel by offering cost-effective alternatives for short-distance flights. The company operates across several major locations, including New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington DC. BLADE's services cater not only to passengers seeking efficient travel options but also to the medical sector, where it plays a crucial role in transporting human organs for transplant and supporting medical teams. Additionally, BLADE operates dedicated lounges at heliports in Manhattan and provides BLADE MediMobility services, further enhancing its logistics capabilities.
Unified Enterprises, Corp. is a marketing and analytics technology company that specializes in connecting marketing data sets to optimize advertising investments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, Unified offers a range of services, including advertising strategy and execution, professional data solutions, and campaign automation. The company's proprietary business intelligence platform is designed specifically for social advertising, enabling marketers to make informed decisions by providing insights into their data and strategies. Unified has a proven track record of managing over one billion dollars in social investment data, serving Fortune 2000 brands and advertising agencies to enhance transparency and optimize marketing performance.
Jelli, Inc. is a cloud-based advertising company specializing in the radio market in the United States, headquartered in San Mateo, California. Founded in 2008, Jelli provides innovative solutions for radio advertising through its proprietary platforms. SpotPlan is a web-based programmatic buying platform that facilitates the purchase of radio advertising, while RadioSpot serves as a cloud-based advertising server designed to automate terrestrial radio advertising. Additionally, RadioDash offers a campaign dashboard for managing radio advertising campaigns efficiently. By connecting publishers with radio listeners, Jelli aims to enhance the audio advertising ecosystem, ultimately improving the overall audio experience for consumers. As of December 31, 2018, Jelli operates as a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc.
Team Whistle
Venture Round in 2014
Team Whistle, established in 2008 and headquartered in New York, is a global sports media and entertainment company. It creates, publishes, and distributes engaging content across various platforms, including sports entertainment networks, scripted and unscripted shows, podcasts, music, and merchandise. The company operates globally with offices in London and Los Angeles, serving brands, sports leagues, and media companies by helping them engage consumers across the content ecosystem.
Red Tricycle
Series A in 2012
Red Tricycle Inc. is a digital media company that operates an online community aimed at helping parents discover engaging activities for their children and family. Founded in 2006 and based in Sausalito, California, the platform provides a wealth of localized content, including recipes, crafts, book recommendations, party ideas, travel suggestions, and family-friendly entertainment options. It serves as a resource for parents to explore local businesses related to children's needs, such as gear, birthday parties, classes, and recreational activities. By offering aspirational and actionable ideas, Red Tricycle connects families with relevant points of interest, effectively acting as a virtual tour guide that caters to the diverse interests of busy urban moms and their children.
Group Commerce
Series C in 2012
Group Commerce is a leading platform tailored for publishers aiming to excel in e-commerce. Established in 2010, the company provides a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution that addresses the distinct needs of brands and media companies. Its platform functions as a command center for publishers' e-commerce initiatives, facilitating vital operations such as payment processing, customer service, merchant sourcing, and merchandising strategy. Group Commerce distinguishes itself by offering extensive professional services and expertise to ensure publishers can thrive in the e-commerce landscape. The company serves a diverse client base, which includes prominent names like Boston.com, CBS Local, Chegg.com, DailyCandy, Hearst Publications, Meredith Corporation, and the New York Times, among others.
Thumbplay
Acquisition in 2011
Thumbplay Ringtones, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in mobile entertainment in the United States. The company offers a variety of products, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and text-based services for mobile phones. Through its platform, Thumbplay.com, it provides licensed music, video, and games from major entertainment companies such as EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. In 2010, Thumbplay launched a cloud-based music service that allows users unlimited access to over 8 million songs from major record labels and independent artists. The service is accessible via mobile apps on BlackBerry and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs, with plans to expand to iPhone users.
iBiquity Digital
Private Equity Round in 2009
iBiquity Digital is a company that develops and licenses HD Radio technology for both AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, operating within the United States and internationally. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with additional offices in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and Pontiac, Michigan, iBiquity's technology enables digital radio signals to coexist on the same frequencies as traditional analog broadcasts. This innovation allows for enhanced audio quality and additional data services for listeners. The company also offers products such as the Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver accessory and a dedicated HD Radio application for iPhone and iPod touch users, facilitating access to HD Radio FM broadcasts.
HiWire is an internet software company specializing in the development and delivery of audio advertising technologies. The company focuses on creating innovative solutions for the radio industry, offering an advertisement insertion network that facilitates both audio and video ad placements. HiWire also operates an online marketplace designed to help media entities effectively manage, sell, and oversee inserted advertisements. Through its advanced technologies, HiWire aims to enhance the efficiency of audio advertising and improve the overall experience for both advertisers and media outlets.
Buyitnow.Com
Venture Round in 2000
Welcome to BuyItNow.com, the most incredible collection of stores available on the Internet. Their merchandising philosophy is to offer the great brand names you trust along with unique, hard-to-find items that today's online shopper is looking for. They offer wide assortments at great prices, prices they guarantee! BuyItNow.com not only provides great prices and easy, secure shopping, but also excellent customer service, which is easily accessible by e-mail at cservice@buyitnow.com, by phone at 1.888.55BUYIT, or by live chat. Their customer service specialists, e-RepsTM, are trained to help you place your order and can answer any questions you may have concerning their policies, procedures, security and customer guarantees. They also have highly trained product specialists to answer your questions about the products in their stores. Their goal is to provide you with the ultimate shopping experience, including easy navigation through their stores and secure checkout procedures. Shopping at BuyItNow.com is secure, fast and friendly -- and saves you time and money! It's like shopping at all of your favorite stores with one simple checkout.
Jacor Communications Company
Acquisition in 1999
A media holding company which offers radio broadcasting and related services to radio broadcasting companies in the United States.