HeyGen
Venture Round in 2024
HeyGen operates an artificial intelligence video platform that converts text into realistic spokesperson videos using digital avatars. The browser-based solution enables users to create videos without actors, cameras, or traditional editing, simply by inputting a narrative. The platform supports voice replication, avatar customization, and multilingual output, allowing content to be produced efficiently for diverse audiences. By removing production complexity, HeyGen helps organizations generate engaging video content at scale for marketing, training, and communications purposes.
PROOF is a podcast dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The program features interviews with both emerging and established NFT artists, delving into various aspects of the NFT ecosystem, including generative art, NFT gaming, and the metaverse. Additionally, PROOF highlights entrepreneurs who are developing innovative tools for creators and collectors in the digital art space. The podcast is hosted by Kevin Rose, a recognized figure in the technology and investment sectors, known for his influence in the tech community and contributions to angel investing. PROOF also offers subscribers exclusive access to free NFT drops, special events, and other benefits, enhancing their engagement with the NFT community.
Highlight
Seed Round in 2021
Highlight is a platform facilitating the creation, collection, and trading of digital artifacts.
BigBrain Games
Seed Round in 2020
BigBrain Games develops interactive games that host live, multiplayer quizzes with real-money prizes. Users can participate in topical trivia while learning and winning cash.
Whatifi develops an interactive video-streaming platform that enables users to watch movies together on their phones, making decisions that shape the story's outcome. It combines elements of user-generated filmmaking with high-quality production values.
Pearl is an all-in-one platform for fan communities and monetization.
It leverages exclusive content, paid interactions, and audio chatrooms to build community and recurring revenue.
Superplastic
Seed Round in 2018
Founded in 2017, Superplastic is a Vermont-based company that creates character-based products and entertainment. It designs limited edition art toys, apparel, games, and animation, collaborating with renowned artists to bring unique characters to life.
Founded in 2013, Volley specializes in developing AI-powered conversational games optimized for messaging apps and voice interfaces. Its popular titles include Song Quiz, Yes Sire, World Detective, Trivia Showdown, Math Showdown, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, and 20 Questions.
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles that specializes in the development of digital and robotic characters which are designed to engage audiences across various social platforms. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers and character-driven story worlds. Brud combines expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance media experiences, enabling the creation of innovative and popular digital personalities. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in creative ways to redefine storytelling in the digital age.
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.
Brat TV
Seed Round in 2017
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.
Catch+Release
Seed Round in 2017
Catch&Release, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates the searching and licensing of web content for videos and commercials. Founded in 2008 and based in San Francisco, the company streamlines the licensing process through its Content Exchange, allowing users to organize and acquire content from various online sources. Catch&Release tracks down copyright owners, negotiates rights, and provides essential clearances for brands and advertisers. The platform offers features such as Clearance Ratings to help users identify licensable content, and it manages all documentation and transactions related to the licensing process. By curating a portfolio of story-driven content from a diverse range of creators, including artists and cinematographers, Catch&Release enables clients to efficiently promote their brands while ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
Brud Inc. is a transmedia studio based in Los Angeles that specializes in the development of digital and robotic characters which are designed to engage audiences across various social platforms. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Miquela Media, the company focuses on creating virtual influencers and character-driven story worlds. Brud combines expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance media experiences, enabling the creation of innovative and popular digital personalities. The company is dedicated to leveraging technology in creative ways to redefine storytelling in the digital age.
Bigscreen
Seed Round in 2017
Founded in 2014 by Darshan Shankar, Bigscreen develops a social virtual reality platform that enables users to work, play, and collaborate in immersive virtual environments. The company's application allows users to use their computers in VR on virtual screens, with popular uses including watching movies, playing games, browsing the web, and collaborating remotely. Since its beta launch in 2016, Bigscreen has become one of the most highly rated and widely used non-gaming VR applications globally.
Brat TV
Seed Round in 2017
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.
Cue puts you, your interests, and your friends at the heart of the experience. Cue works with other apps and services to help you find fun things to do, and gives you the tools to easily share ideas and create events with friends.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Revlo Inc. is a Toronto-based company that operates a fan engagement platform tailored for broadcasters, particularly on Twitch. Founded in 2015, Revlo provides a suite of tools that enable broadcasters to enhance viewer interactions and monetize their audiences. The platform incorporates a custom virtual currency that allows viewers to earn rewards for watching streams, which can be redeemed for various incentives such as merchandise discounts, exclusive content, and participation in viewer games. Additionally, viewers can compete on leaderboards, engage in mini-games like quizzes and betting, and interact with broadcasters through chat commands. Revlo aims to enhance the overall viewing experience by gamifying audience engagement and fostering a sense of community among fans.
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, the company allows users to broadcast a variety of content, including esports, video gaming, and creative shows, while facilitating real-time interaction through chat and sharing features. Caffeine's platform is designed to enhance viewer engagement with a social-driven recommendation system, making it easier to navigate and discover new content. The company partners with notable entities like FOX Sports, ESPN, and Riot Games to provide a diverse range of interactive programming. Caffeine is committed to maintaining a safe environment, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, hate speech, and racism.
Bigscreen
Pre Seed Round in 2016
Founded in 2014 by Darshan Shankar, Bigscreen develops a social virtual reality platform that enables users to work, play, and collaborate in immersive virtual environments. The company's application allows users to use their computers in VR on virtual screens, with popular uses including watching movies, playing games, browsing the web, and collaborating remotely. Since its beta launch in 2016, Bigscreen has become one of the most highly rated and widely used non-gaming VR applications globally.
Hooked
Pre Seed Round in 2015
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2015
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
Hooked is a pioneering entertainment platform that specializes in chat fiction, a novel storytelling format popular among teens and millennials. With over 50 million readers worldwide and top rankings in the App Store across multiple countries, Hooked is transforming digital entertainment. Backed by prominent investors from Silicon Valley and Hollywood, including Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Foxx, the company aims to become the next major player in media.
Vidme is a startup video lab that operates a video-sharing platform aimed at fostering a community for expressing and sharing ideas. The platform allows users to upload videos across various categories, including gaming, animation, movies, and entertainment. Users can share their content within relevant community sections, and notably, Vidme enables uploads without requiring users to create an account. This accessibility encourages broader participation and engagement within its community, making it a versatile space for video content creators.
Niche is a provider of a social media management platform aimed at engaging and monetizing social media accounts, particularly for the younger generation. The company operates a community of influential social media creators active on emerging platforms such as Vine, Instagram, and Tumblr. Niche offers both software and services that help these creators thrive and interact with their audiences effectively. By collaborating with leading brands, studios, start-ups, and agencies, Niche enhances their partners' social media presence, facilitating user acquisition, audience development, and engagement. Through its comprehensive approach, Niche supports creators in building strong online communities while providing valuable resources for brands looking to generate buzz and foster meaningful connections with their target audiences.
Hullabalu
Convertible Note in 2014
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
Mindie is an online entertainment platform based in San Francisco, California, that allows users to enhance their personal videos by integrating music. The service enables individuals to select their preferred music tracks and record videos simultaneously, creating engaging content that combines visual and auditory experiences. By providing a new way to share life moments, Mindie aims to elevate the quality of user-generated videos through the power of music.
Vertical Mass
Seed Round in 2014
Vertical Mass, Inc. is an online data management platform based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in serving celebrities and businesses in the music, entertainment, and sports industries by enabling them to collect, manage, and store data on their fans across various digital channels, including social media, websites, mobile applications, ecommerce, and content streaming services. By leveraging this proprietary audience data, clients can gain insights into fan affinities, allowing for more effective advertising and content distribution. Vertical Mass empowers its users to enhance engagement with their audience, optimize marketing strategies, and ultimately drive revenue through data monetization options such as aggregation, sales, or licensing. The platform is tailored to meet the unique needs of a diverse clientele, from emerging influencers to established industry leaders.
Zeega is a cloud-based platform to create and share interactive videos. It curates music, pictures, GIFs, and more from a range of websites to help its users create their own interactive and engaging stories.
The platform allows its users to express themselves by combining personal moments with popular culture.
Zeega was launched in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2013
Hullabalu is a New York City-based company dedicated to creating original stories aimed at the new generation. Drawing inspiration from a love of fantastical worlds and timeless classics, Hullabalu develops engaging narratives that promote strong values and positive character development. The company features a series of stories centered around a diverse group of characters, complemented by illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Through its innovative approach, Hullabalu seeks to provide children with entertaining and meaningful experiences that foster imagination and encourage positive growth.
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.
Fullscreen
Seed Round in 2011
Fullscreen Media is a media company based in Culver City, California, that specializes in social-first entertainment experiences. Founded in 2011, Fullscreen provides technology and services that facilitate the creation and sharing of video content, catering to a connected generation. Its offerings include marketing services designed to help companies engage and monetize their social audiences, as well as creative strategies that enhance brand awareness. Additionally, Fullscreen provides merchandise for men, women, and children, along with various accessories available online. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otter Media, focusing on empowering artists, creators, brands, and agencies to effectively connect with and entertain their audiences.
Genius
Convertible Note in 2011
Genius Media Group, Inc. operates an online platform that focuses on music intelligence, originally starting as a site for annotating rap lyrics. Founded in 2009 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Genius has evolved to serve a broader audience, providing insights into various music genres beyond hip-hop. The platform attracts over 100 million users monthly, enabling contributors, editors, and musicians to engage in discussions about songs and share their interpretations with a global fan base. In addition to lyrics, Genius features charts and videos, offering a comprehensive view of music and its cultural significance. Renowned artists, including Frank Ocean and Lin-Manuel Miranda, also participate in the platform, contributing their perspectives and enhancing the storytelling aspect of music.
TinyCo, founded in 2009 by Suli Ali, is a mobile game development company that focuses on creating engaging gaming experiences based on popular entertainment franchises. The company has developed over a dozen successful games, including titles like Marvel Avengers Academy and Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff, available on major platforms such as the App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon App Store. TinyCo aims to deliver enjoyable mobile entertainment that brings happiness to users in short increments of time. The company’s portfolio consists of high-quality free-to-play games designed to enhance social gaming experiences. TinyCo was acquired by Jam City, a leading global mobile entertainment company known for its innovative and narrative-rich games that feature iconic brands.
Vox Media
Series C in 2010
Vox Media is a prominent media company that specializes in creating, publishing, and distributing online content tailored to young adults globally. Founded in 2012, it operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including SB Nation, which focuses on sports and fan communities; The Verge, a technology publication; Polygon, aimed at adult gamers; Vox.com, which covers news and interests; Eater, centered on food and dining; Racked, which focuses on shopping, beauty, and fashion; Curbed, dedicated to real estate and home; and Re/code, a tech business publication. Additionally, Vox Media encompasses Vox Creative, a division that develops marketing narratives for brands, and offers advertising services through Vox Advertising and the Concert advertising solution. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in New York City, Vox Media is committed to sustainable editorial practices and responsible industry leadership.
Star.me
Seed Round in 2010
Star.me is a platform that facilitates rich and deep engagement for brands and celebrities, including Imogen Heap, iJustine, Michael Buckley, and many more. Star.me provides fans with opportunities for participation in the form of missions, games, custom rewards, and fun.
Airtime
Seed Round in 2010
Airtime is a social platform designed to foster genuine online interactions, aiming to create a welcoming environment for users. Founded by Sean Parker, the platform offers various virtual "rooms" where individuals can engage in live conversations about diverse interests, from music to art and comedy. Unlike traditional social networks that often promote isolation, Airtime encourages community building and real-time engagement. The company is supported by prominent investors, including Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, and Google Ventures, and operates with a dedicated team of over 100 employees across three locations. Airtime focuses on enhancing the quality of online social experiences through its innovative video conversation features.
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.
NOWBOX
Angel Round in 2010
Nowmov is an endless stream of videos recommended to users based on their interests, friends and what's trending around the world.
UberMedia
Series A in 2010
UberMedia is a technology company headquartered in Pasadena, California, that specializes in targeted mobile advertising. It processes billions of social, demographic, and location signals daily to provide businesses with insights that enhance decision-making and consumer engagement. By delivering dynamic advertising solutions, UberMedia helps Fortune 500 companies across various sectors, including retail, automotive, entertainment, and consumer markets, achieve specific business goals such as increasing customer visits and boosting sales. The company is recognized as a pioneer in its field and has received accolades for its innovative approach.
JustSpotted
Seed Round in 2009
JustSpotted is a celebrity-tracking tool that aggregates and organizes real-time information about celebrities from various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare. Originally known as Scoopler, the service has evolved to focus specifically on celebrity sightings, providing fans with a way to see what their favorite stars are doing at any given moment. JustSpotted collects data from users who report spontaneous encounters with celebrities, thereby enhancing the platform's offerings with real-life sightings. By mapping these occurrences, JustSpotted enables users to easily access and enjoy a curated collection of celebrity activities, transforming the way fans engage with celebrity culture in the age of social media. The service was launched in October 2010 and was developed by AJ Asver, Dilan Jarawardane, and Benjamin Tauber.
Funny or Die
Series B in 2007
Funny or Die, Inc. is a comedy video website that launched in 2007 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Japan, Madagascar, and Bahn. The platform allows a diverse array of users, including celebrities, established and emerging comedians, as well as regular individuals, to upload humorous content such as videos, articles, and images. It aims to provide a curated experience by enabling users to vote on the content, distinguishing what is considered funny from what should be disregarded. The website utilizes a proprietary player that can be embedded on other sites, enhancing its reach and accessibility.
Yardbarker
Seed Round in 2007
Yardbarker Media is a leading sports and entertainment media platform in the United States, attracting over 12 million user sessions monthly. Established in 2006, it offers a comprehensive online publishing platform that features articles, news, and information pertinent to sports. Yardbarker provides a space for sports fans, bloggers, and professional athletes to read, discuss, and engage with a variety of sports content, including articles, photos, and videos. The company also operates an online store that sells clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, alongside gift cards. Additionally, Yardbarker curates and sends out popular email newsletters, such as 'The Morning Bark' and 'Quiz of the Day,' to more than 370,000 daily subscribers, further enhancing its reach and engagement within the sports community.
Twitch is a pioneering social video platform that specializes in live streaming and discussion of video games. It serves as a central hub for the entire gaming ecosystem, connecting game developers, publishers, media outlets, event organizers, and esports enthusiasts. With a user base that spans the globe, Twitch facilitates real-time interaction among gamers, fostering a vibrant community around shared interests. Its significant traffic and influence have solidified its status as a leading entertainment platform and the go-to destination for gaming-related content.
Flixster, Inc. is an online platform that caters to movie enthusiasts in the United States and Australia by enabling them to discover, collect, watch, and store films across web, mobile, and television platforms. Launched in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company combines social networking features with movie-related content, allowing users to create profiles, invite friends, rate films and actors, and post reviews. Additionally, Flixster provides access to critical opinions, editorial insights, movie showtimes, celebrity news, and video clips. With a user base exceeding 50 million and over 1.5 billion movie ratings, Flixster has established itself as a comprehensive community for film fans, facilitating engagement and interaction among its users. Since April 2016, Flixster has operated as a subsidiary of Fandango Media, LLC.
RockYou Media
Seed Round in 2006
RockYou, Inc. is an interactive media and entertainment company that specializes in in-game video advertising and the development of social games. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, the company operates a video advertising platform that connects premium brands with users across various digital environments, including Facebook, the web, and mobile devices. RockYou's advertising network reaches approximately 68 million monthly viewers, providing brands and publishers with engaging content tailored for a multicultural audience. The company's portfolio includes a diverse range of free-to-play games spanning multiple genres and platforms, aimed at entertaining users while facilitating connections in an online networking space. However, in February 2019, RockYou, Inc. filed for voluntary liquidation under Chapter 7 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Wikia is the developer of Fandom, a global entertainment media platform that serves as a hub for fans to explore and celebrate various aspects of pop culture. The platform enables users to engage with content related to games, movies, television, and anime, as well as contribute to fandom wikis. Fandom provides a centralized space for pop culture news, discussions, and discovery, fostering a strong community among enthusiasts. Additionally, it hosts D&D Beyond, a direct-to-consumer service that supports the community of Dungeons & Dragons players and fans.
Blip is an online media platform that offers users access to a variety of video clips and programs focused on media and entertainment. The platform features content across multiple categories, including general entertainment, comedy, music, drama, television, food, and video games. It organizes its offerings into segments such as editors' picks, current trends, and new episodes. Additionally, Blip provides producers with tools to host, distribute, and monetize their web series. Founded in 2005 by Charles Hope and Jared Klett, Blip is headquartered in New York City.