A daily newsletter summarizing recent activity & interesting start-ups globally
RECENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY – ONLINE VIDEO
- iQiyi, the Netflix-like video streaming arm of Chinese online search engine giant Baidu, raised $1.53 billion from the sale of convertible notes to investors. Investors include Hillhouse Capital, Boyu Capital, Run Liang Tai Fund, IDG Capital, Everbright-IDG Industrial Fund and Sequoia Capital. Baidu itself invested $300 million into the service.Link
- Dejero, offers cloud based solutions for the transport of live video and real-time data across remote or mobile IP networks, raised $14M in a funding round from Wellington Financial. LinkHOOQ, a subscription based video streaming platform, raised $25M in funding from existing investors Singtel, Sony Pictures and Warner Brothers.Link
- WebTVAsia, a YouTube based multi channel network, got acquired by Vietnam-based online video and talent network METUB Network. Link
- Huzza, an interactive live-streaming for creators and professionals, got acquired by Kicjstarter.
- Dextro, a computer vsion and deep learning company, got acquired by Taser International, a military hardware company. Link
- Streaming service Viu launches original video content in Telugu. Link
- fuboTV, a subscription based video on demand platform, launched the beta version of a new OTT offering. Link
- Dekkho, a video streaming platform, partners with Zee Music Company for premium music videos. Link
- Sling TV, Dish Network’s OTT TV service, is planning to expand cloud DVR trial to more OTT platforms. Link
- Hulu VR adds Oculus Rooms support. Link
- Netflix plans new toys, merchandise based on hit TV shows. Link
- HBO NOW’s streaming service surpasses 2 million subscribers. Link
- Haivision, which provides enterprise video and streaming solutions, launches first end-to-end enterprise video platform for corporate live event streaming and team collaboration. Link
- FilmStruck, Turner Classic Movies’ new streaming movie service, launches on Google Chromecast. LInk
- Netflix signs exclusive music publishing deal with BMG. LInk
- YouTube expands live mobile streaming, adds monetization feature. Link
- Facebook is reportedly making an app for set-top TV boxes. Link
- Netflix to soon support HDR technology on mobiles. Link
- Watcha Play VoD platform to go live in Japan this year. Link
- New Zealand’s Spark partners with Netflix. Link
- PCCW-backed Vuclip expands OTT VoD service to the Middle East. Link
- Video streaming service Viu inks licensing deal with Shemaroo. Link
- Leading Polish VOD service from Onet.pl launched O!Dokument, a new platform offering high quality Polish documentaries awarded at international film festivals. Link
SOME INTERESTING STARTUPS FOUND
vvdio (2016, Brighton) – App to make interactive videos. Allows users to create clickable ‘HotSpots’ in the video. When an user clicks on these links, creators earn a commission.
Kastr (2015, London) – Provides live interactive broadcasting platform. Used by professional broadcasters. Also enables the production of original, formatted interactive content.
LEADER BOARD – ONLINE VIDEO
Content Creation
Animoto (2006, NYC, $30M) – Cloud based video creation app. Runs a freemium service that lets users create short video slideshows from collections of pictures and videos. Backed by Amazon, SoftTech VC, Madrona Venture Group, Spectrum Equity.
StudioNow (2007, Nashville, $20M) – Global marketplace of services and technology tools designed to match video content producers with enterprises. Backed by Claritas Capital, FCA Venture Partners, Clayton Associates, Launch Tennessee.
Video Content Management
Brightcove (2004, Boston, IPO) – Online video platform suites. Offers product to distribute and publish digital media. Went IPO in 2012.
Qumu (2002, San Bruno, IPO, Acq.) – Enterprise video platform. Provides tools to create, manage, secure, deliver and measure the success of videos. Acquired by Rimage Corporation in October 2011. Went public in 2011.
Video distribution- On demand
Netflix (1997, Los Gatos, IPO) – Subscription based online and offline video rental portal. Went public in 2002.
Hulu (2007, LA, $100M) – Subscription based online movies and TV streaming. Backed by Time Warner, 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company and Providence Equity Partners.
iQIYI (2010, Beijing, $350M) – Ad-supported television and movie portal. Provides fully-licensed, high-definition, professionally produced content. Part of Baidu. Backed by Baidu, Providence Equity Partners, Xiaomi, Shunwei.
Video distribution- Infrastructure
Ustream (2007, SF, $49M, Acq.) – Provider of live and on demand video solutions. Backed by DCM, Band of Angels, Western Technology Investment, SoftBank, Fenwick & West, KT Corp. Acquired by IBM in 2016.
Elemental Technologies (2006, Portland, $43M, Acq.) – Provider of software-based video solutions for content delivery to any device. Acquired by Amazon in 2015.
Multi Channel Networks
Tastemade (2012. Santa Monica, $80M) – YouTube Multi Channel Food Network. Backed by Goldman Sachs, Comcast Ventures, Redpoint Vnetures, Liberty Media, Raine Ventures, Scripps Network Interactive and Third Wave Digital.Provides gamer content across multiple video platforms. Backed by MK Capital, Google, Redpoint Ventures, Warner Bros.
Machinima (2000, West Hollywood $75M, Acq.) – Provides gamer content across multiple video platforms. Backed by MK Capital, Google, Redpoint Ventures, Warner Bros. Acquired by Warner Bros. in 2016.
Social Videos – Live Streaming
Azubu (2011, Sherman Oaks, $94M) – Offers live streaming eSports videos, news and analysis from tournaments, teams and players across multiple devices. Backed by Sapinda, Sallfort Privatbank AG.
Twitch (2011, SF, $35M, Acq. ) – Live and On-demand eSports streaming website. Website for gamers to stream and watch live and recorded video games. Acquired by Amazon in 2014.
Periscope (2014, SF, Acq.) – Live video streaming and broadcasting mobile app. Acquired by Twitter in 2015.
Social Platforms – Social Sharing
YouTube (2005, San Bruno, $11.5M, Acq.) – Video sharing website. Acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65B.
Keek (2011, Toronto, IPO) – Web and mobile short video sharing platform. Allows users to create 36-second videos (“keeks”) using webcam, iPhone or Android devices and share them with others around the world. Went IPO in 2014.
Miaopai (2011, Beijing, $275M) – Chinese Online Video sharing company. Allows users to shoot up to ten seconds of video, and then edit or add frames to the video clips before sharing them to friends. Owned by Yixia Technology. Backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Redpoint Ventures, Sina Weibo and StarVC.
Vine (2012, NYC, Acq.) – Video taking and sharing platform. Lets users record and edit up to six-second-long looping video clips and revine, (share other’s posts) with followers. Acquired by Twitter in 2012.
Video Marketing and Syndication
SundaySky (2007, Tel Aviv, $67M) – Offers personalized video marketing platform. Helps to create, manage and optimize real-time personalized video programs throughout the customer lifecycle. Backed by Norwest Venture Partners, Viola Group, Globespan Capital Partners, Carmel Ventures, Comcast Ventures, Vintage Investment Partners, NTT Docomo Ventures and Liberty Global.
Vidyard (2011, Kitchener, $61M) -Video marketing and analytics platform. Backed by Y Combinator, SV Angel, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, SoftTech VC, Battery Ventures, Salesforce, Inovia Capital and OMERS Ventures.
Video Advertising – DSP
TubeMogul (2006, Emeryville, IPO, Acq.) – Video Demand Side Platform. Programmatic (desktop only) video advertising platform used by brands and agencies. Went IPO in 2014. Acquired by Adobe in 2016.
Extreme Reach (2007, Needham, $196M) – Enables advertisers and agencies to manage, execute, and track advertising campaigns across all video mediums (broadcast, cable, website, mobile, VOD). Backed by Village Ventures, Long River Ventures, Greycroft Partners, Spectrum Equity, TD Bank.
Video Advertising – SSP
Liverail (2008, SF, $12.5M, Acq.) – Supply-side video advertising platform. Provides premium publishers with RTB based video ad targeting technology to serve better ads in the videos that appear on their websites and apps. Acquired by Facebook in 2014.
Altitude Digital (2009, Denver, $54M) – Independent video Supply-side platform. Backed by Cypress Growth Capital, Mercato Partners, Silicon Valley Bank, FastPay.
Video Advertising – Ad Networks
YuMe (2004, Redwood City, IPO) – Develops video advertising technology for both the supply side and the demand side of the digital video ecosystem. Went IPO in 2013.
SpotX (2006, Denver, $12M, Acq.) – Programmatic video advertising platform. Connects thousands of publishers with trusted demand sources, running top brand campaigns through its marketplace. Acquired by RTL Group in 2014.
Video Advertising – Ad Exchanges
Tremor Video (2005, NYC, IPO) – Provides online video advertising services for advertisers, agencies, and publisher partners. Went IPO in 2013.
Brightroll (2006, SF, $46M, Acq.) – Delivers, manages and measures the performance of digital video ad campaigns across web, mobile, and connected TV. Acquired by Yahoo in 2014.
Video Advertising – Interactive Video
Innovid (2007, NYC, $53M) – Interactive Video Ad delivery platform. Provides advertisers with the tools to create, deliver, and measure video campaigns in any format on any screen, publisher, and ad network. Backed by Sequoia Capital, Cisco Investments, NewSpring Capital, Silicon Valley Bank.
Interlude (2010, NYC, $37M) – Designs, develops and markets interactive video technology. Backed by MGM, Warner Music, Samsung, Sequoia Capital and Intel Capital and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Video Analytics
Visible Measures (2005, Boston, $80M) – Analyzes the performance of video advertising for publishers and advertisers. Backed by Advance Publication, Commonfund, Northgate Capital, DAG Ventures, Mohr Davidow Ventures, General Catalyst Partners.
iSpot.tv (2012, Seattle, $27M) – Analytics for TV ads. Backed by Insight Venture Partners, Madrona Venture Group, TL Ventures.
Leaderboard includes all the top funded, IPO and successfully running bootstrapped companies along with their location, founding year and funding amount.
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