Tremor Media raises $40 million in funding

April 30, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Video advertising network, Tremor Media, has raised $40 million in funding led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson Growth Fund with participation from DFJ and Triangle Peak Partners. Existing investors including Canaan Partners, Meritech Capital Partners, and SAP Ventures also participated significantly in this financing.

The capital will primarily be used to invest in R&D to bolster Acudeo®, its leading technology platform, with new solutions for both advertisers and publishers, and to drive expansion into other media channels where digital video advertising will grow significantly.

Tremor Media has more than doubled the size of its network from 2009 to 2010. The company became profitable in 2009, demonstrating revenue gains that exceeded more than twice the rate of growth of the overall online video market.

“Tremor Media is at the epicenter of video advertising. We have created the preferred technology and media platform for video advertisers, publishers and consumers and we are continuing to build long-term solutions that will meet the demand of the rapidly evolving digital video landscape,” said Jason Glickman, CEO, Tremor Media. “The next 12-18 months are critical for online video’s growth as massive advertising budgets shift to online video and consumption of online video rises. This infusion of capital will allow us to accelerate our lead in the marketplace and fuel our continued innovation. It is a validation of our company’s success and indicative of the enormous opportunity for the digital video space.”

Location: USA, New York, NY
Sector: Internet
Ref: F231109-408

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Attensity Group acquires social media monitoring firm Biz360

April 30, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Attensity Group, a business that provides user applications for businesses to analyse unstructured data, is acquiring social media monitoring firm Biz360.

“Our acquisition of Biz360 further underscores Attensity’s commitment to open the enterprise to the world’s unstructured data, bringing a wealth of internal and external information to key business processes,” said Ian Bonner, president and CEO of Attensity Group. “By adding the massively growing Internet data source securely to core enterprise applications, we can help enterprises enhance both customer intimacy and transparency. Biz360’s technology and strong team enables us to gather, analyze and deliver social and traditional media securely to the enterprise, supporting new capabilities in Voice of the Customer analytics, customer service, and research processes.”

Biz360 was founded in 2000 and has headquarters in Redwood City, Calif. Biz360 has a strong business with many respected brands including Allstate Insurance, Astra Zeneca, Burson-Marsteller, Dell, HP, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and many others. These relationships should provide a strong revenue base for Biz360 to add to Attensity’s global business. While Biz360 was primarily sold in North America, Attensity will immediately begin to market and sell the products globally.

Upon close of the acquisition, the Biz360 team will be integrated into the organization with Biz360’s president and CEO, Brad Brodigan, joining Attensity as its senior vice president and general manager.

Location: USA, Palo Alto, CA
Sector: Internet
Ref: F231109-407

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Klout has closed a round of series A funding, totaling $1.5 Million

April 29, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Klout has closed a round of series A funding, totaling $1.5 Million. Investors include ff Asset Management, Bobby Yazdani, Allen Morgan, Nova Spivack, Zelkova Ventures, Grape Arbor,Paige Craig, Tom McInerney, Michael Yavonditte, Shervin Pishevar, Ofer Ronen.

Klout measures influence across the social web. The Klout Blog (28th April) says, “Companies like CoTweet, Hootsuite and Tap 11 are using Klout to improve the effectiveness of companies trying to leverage social media.  Live Intent and TweetUp leverage Klout data to surface the most relevant people associated to any search term. Rapportive and Flowtown are utilizing Klout data to help understand the influence of customers and leads. These companies have found that influence is a critical input to any targeting, customer service, incentive or filtering decision.  These are just seven of the over 300 companies using Klout. ”

Location: USA, San Francisco, CA
Sector: Internet
Ref: F231109-406

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Delivery Agent acquires Billion Dollar Babes

April 29, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Delivery Agent, a business that provides shopping-enabled programming and content monetization, has acquired Billion Dollar Babes, an online fashion designer sample sales business .

Delivery Agent currently powers multi-channel interactive commerce and marketing initiatives for more than 90% of the Nielsen Primetime Top 50 through exclusive contracts with the major television networks ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW and cable networks and studios including Discovery Communications, A&E Television Networks, HBO and The Weinstein Company. Delivery Agent also owns and operates SeenON.com.

“We know that entertainment sells. The combination of Delivery Agent’s partnerships with top entertainment companies and Billion Dollar Babes’ deep roots in Hollywood and expertise in private sales gives us a unique advantage to create a new type of private sale that’s sure to drive tremendous growth in the category,” said Mike Fitzsimmons, Delivery Agent CEO. “With our entertainment-based private sales, consumers will get below-retail prices on fashions and other high-end goods they see featured in their favorite entertainment, and our clients will get to reach and interact in a new way with a big and growing bigger audience. Equally important, they’ll get to tap into a new marketing channel and revenue stream.”

Location: USA, San Francisco & Los Angeles, CA
Sector: Internet, eRetail
Ref: F231109-405

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Internet Brands acquires DoDTracker.com and PursePage.com

April 28, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Internet Brands has acquired two websites in its Shopping vertical. DoDTracker.com (“”Deal of the Day”” Tracker) aggregates “one-a-day” deals from major retailers, while PursePage.com provides reviews of designer handbags and lists designer sales events.

“We continue to see ery strong growth in the social shopping arena,” said Bob Brisco, CEO of Internet Brands. “There is a very active convergence of consumer interest, advertising migration, and innovation of social shopping tools in which we are participating.”

Location: USA, Los Angeles, CA
Sector: Internet, Publishing, eRetail
Related article: Internet Brands acquires online professional directory network ExpertHub Posted on 28, 2010
Ref: F231109-404

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Internet Brands acquires online professional directory network ExpertHub

April 28, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Internet Brands has acquired ExpertHub, a network of websites that connects consumers with atorneys and other professionals. The network joins the company’s rapidly growing Money and Business vertical.

The ExpertHub network of websites helps consumers find the right match by providing targeted content and listings of qualified local professionals. It is described as an efficient way for professionals to attract clients.

“SMB Internet advertising is growing very rapidly, especially amongst professionals,” said Bob Brisco, CEO of Internet Brands. “ExpertHub features targeted articles written by the experts that are attracting highly qualified audiences the professionals are seeking.”

The ExpertHub network includes dozens of websites that are leaders in their specific niches, such as www.CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, www.BankruptcyLawFirms.com, and www.LawFirms.com.

“ExpertHub has developed a leading platform for the professional services market, and the platform is compatible and complementary with Internet Brands’ strategy and technology infrastructure,”” said Steve Lombardi, President of ExpertHub. “Our team is looking forward to working with Internet Brands to further build out the ExpertHub network.”

Internet Brands owns and operates more than 100 websites including www.ApartmentRatings.com, www.CarsDirect.com, www.CruiseReviews.com, www.DavesGarden.com, www.DoItYourself.com, www.FitDay.com, www.FlyerTalk.com, www.HealthNews.org, www.Loan.com, www.Wikitravel.org, and many more. In total, these sites attract approximately 58 million unique visitors per month.

Location: USA, Los Angeles, CA
Sector: Internet, Publishing
Related article: Internet Brands acquires DoDTracker.com and PursePage.com Posted on April 28, 2010
Ref: F231109-403

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MXP4 raises €3 million

April 27, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Paris based MXP4, a business that develops, publishes and marketa innovative tools and applications for musicians and record has raised €3 million. The round was led by Orkos Capital and included existing investors Sofinnova and Ventech.

Location: France, Paris
Sector: Internet
Ref: F231109-401

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Iconix Brand Group acquires “Peanuts”

April 27, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Iconix Brand Group has signed a definitive agreement with United Features Syndicate and The E.W. Scripps Company to acquire the Peanuts brand and related assets in partnership with the Schulz family. As part of the transaction, Iconix will also acquire the licensing and character representation business of United Media Licensing, a division of UFS, which, in addition to Peanuts, represents a number of character brands, including Dilbert and Fancy Nancy.  The Peanuts brand and other acquired assets will be purchased through a newly formed subsidiary, which will be owned 80% by Iconix and 20% by the Schulz family.

The cast of Peanuts, includes, among others, iconic and well known characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock. Peanuts has a strong diversified global licensing platform with over 1,200 licensing agreements including relationships with MetLife, Hallmark, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Cedar Fair, H&M, Benetton, Old Navy, CVS and Walgreens. The Peanuts brand is licensed in over 40 countries and generates annual retail sales of over $2 billion.

The total purchase price for this acquisition is approximately $175 million of which Iconix will pay for its 80% share and the Schulz family will pay for its 20% share. Iconix portion will be funded from the Company’s existing cash balance.  

On a pro-forma basis the Company expects Peanuts to generate approximately $75 million in annual royalty revenue and add approximately $0.12-$0.15 in annual EPS. Different from a typical Iconix acquisition, the costs associated with the Peanuts business will be higher than the Company’s existing brands as there is an existing contractual revenue share with the Schulz heirs, which is separate from the family’s 20% interest in the new partnership. There are also agent commissions and additional administrative costs associated with managing over 1,200 contracts around the world.  Initially, EBITDA margins for this business are expected to be in a range of approximately 20%-25%.  In 2010, the accretion will be impacted by deal costs and will depend on the timing of the close.

Location: USA, New York, NY
Sector: Publishing
Ref: F231109-400

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Mail.com acquires Boy Genius Report

April 27, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

Mail.com Media Corporation (MMC), the digital media company that owns and operates the Mail.com portal and email service as well as lifestyle brands including, Deadline.com, HollywoodLife.com, Movieline.com and OnCars.com, announced today its acquisition of BGR, or Boy Genius Report as it was formally known. At around one million user, BGR is one of the most visited mobile/gadget blogs in the world.

Launched in October 2006, BGR.com has grown quickly to become one of the top three sites in the mobile category. Demonstrating its appeal to a broad audience that extends beyond mobile, Technorati also lists BGR.com as one of the Top 50 most influential content destinations in the world, across all categories.

BGR was founded by Jonathan Geller who started off writing for Engadget as an anonymous blogger

Commenting on the move to MMC, Geller said “I’m excited to be able to partner with Jay Penske and MMC on the BGR property. I look forward to continuing to grow BGR globally with the support of MMC’s talented team and extended network. Our new platform will allow us to deliver the same high quality exclusive breaking news that we’re known for, but to an even larger audience. I’m also excited to have the opportunity to expand BGR beyond just the mobile category to reach a new core of ferociously dedicated readers”.

“We’re thrilled to announce our acquisition of BGR, and partnership with Jonathan. Very much in the mold of Nikki Finke of Deadline.com, Jonathan has singlehandedly built an influential site with original content that appeals to an extremely engaged and loyal following in one of the largest and most exciting categories online–and he’s done it all before his 23rd birthday” said Jay Penske, the founder, Chairman and CEO of MMC. “I believe MMC is a perfect fit for Geller and BGR.com–because we provide the most original and conversational content on the web, and have the skill-set, infrastructure and reach to accelerate the scale of the BGR brand”.

Link: Read Geller’s comments about the deal on the BGR blog
Location: USA, Los Angeles, CA
Sector: Internet, Publishing
Ref: F231109-399

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FUND RAISING ROUND-UP

April 26, 2010 — Fusion DigiNet

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1.       Chinese online classifieds site 58.com has raised $15 million

Chinese online classifieds site 58.com has raised $15 million in its second-round funding according to news service Sina. The funds come mainly from Doll Capital Management (DCM) and SAIF Partners. CEO Yao Jinbo said that 58.com has retained control over the company, and that the funds raised will be mainly used towards expansion in second- and third-tier cities nationwide.

2.       Daily Grommet raises $3.4 million

Daily Grommet the curated online marketplace and video review site, has closed its Series A financing at $3.4 million. Investors participating in the round include Jean Hammond (investor and member of Hub Angels and Launchpad Venture Group), John Landry (angel investor at Lead Dog Ventures), Nancy Peretsman, and Jill Preotle (co-founder of the Boston Golden Seeds forum and private equity investor). The round also includes existing investors Launch Capital and Gerry Laybourne, founder of Nickelodeon and Oxygen Media.

  • Contact: Jules Pieri, CEO and founder of DailyGrommet.com
  • Location: USA, Lexington, MA

3.       News Corp. invests in Beyond Oblivion

News Corp. has made an investment in music start-up Beyond Oblivion as part of a $10 million series B funding round. The story was first reported on cnet. Allen & Co., a boutique bank that focuses onmedia, new media, communications & technology also took part. They are listed on the Beyond Oblivion website as their financial advisers.

  • Location: USA, New York, NY

Other News Corp. articles

4.       Networked Insights raises $5 million

Networked Insights, the social media analytics company, has closed $5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Kegonsa Capital Partners. The company will use the funds to continue to expand the powerful capabilities of its SocialSense social media listening platform, launch new product offerings based on the SocialSense architecture and accelerate the growth of its sales and marketing programs.

  • Contact: Dan Neely, founder and CEO of Networked Insights
  • Location: USA, Madison, WI

5.       OpenSky raises $6M Series B Financing

OpenSky has closed a $6 million Series B financing led by Highland Capital Partners and Canaan Partners. This investment brings the total raised to $11 million by the year old New York startup that is re-imaging retail in today’s distributed media environment. The new investment will allow OpenSky to continue to move aggressively to scale its proprietary relationship commerce platform. OpenSky enables consumers to conveniently purchase goods directly from the people they follow and trust. OpenSky further supports these relationships by providing the consumer with a 365-day return guarantee and the ability to provide ongoing feedback to all parties.

  • Contact: John Caplan, Founder and CEO of OpenSky
  • Location: USA, New York, NY

6.       TheWrap Secures $2 Million in Series B Funding

TheWrap.com, the news organization covering the business of entertainment and media, has raised a $2 million B round capital investment from parties including Maveron, a venture capital firm co-founded by Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, and a majority of the Company’s A round investors.. The B round investment will be used to accelerate the continued expansion of TheWrap.com and to provide flexibility to take advantage of new market opportunities. This latest investment follows TheWrap.com’s Series A funding in January 2009 from Maveron and a group of private investors.

  • Contacts: Sharon Waxman, TheWrap.com,Founder and Editor-in-Chief: Ben Choi, Maveron Principal and TheWrap.com board member
  • Location: USA, Los Angeles, CA

7.       Tumblr raises another $5 million

Spark Capital and Union Square Ventures have invested $5 million into micro blogging site Tumblr. Spark and Union Square were also the only investors in Tumblr’s B round in 2008. Tumblr has now raised $10.2 million. The story was first reported on Media Memo.

  • Contacts: Founder David Karp
  • Location:  USA, New York, NY

8.       UK investment website Stockopedia raises $700K

UK investment website Stockopedia has secured over $700,000 in Seed Funding from a consortium of private City individuals. The site reaches close to 50,000 investors monthly and around 8,000 followers across all its Twitter feeds.

  • Contacts:  Dave Brickell and Edward Croft – Stockopedia Founders

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