Enrollment open to founders from anywhere in the world to participate in our next Media cohort

Apply Now
FeaturedVenture Capital

The Notable Angel Investors in Media Technology

Before considering who they are, appreciate what angel investment means by asking how one might define “angel investor.”  Raising money, be that for a band, a film, a video game, or to invest in other media or software development, requires the right sources of funding, at the right stage, with the appropriate measure of progress and potential on you part.  A bank loan is distinct from kickstarter which is not the same as having an angel investor nor, distinct even from that, venture capital.

Those distinctions matter as each source of capital plays an important role in your endeavor with particular expectations relative to the stage, amount, and purpose of the funding.

Related Articles

So what is an Angel investor?

Investopedia, an investment encyclopedia, nails it with perspective wonderfully relevant to our passion for media:

Angel investors fund businesses with more favorable terms compared to others since they usually invest in the entrepreneur starting rather than the viability of the business.

Angel investors are focused on helping new ventures take their first steps, rather than the possible profit they may get from the business.

Essentially, angel investors are the opposite of venture capitalists. “angel” came from the Broadway theater, when wealthy individuals gave money to propel theatrical productions. Angel investors typically use their own money, unlike venture capitalists who take care of pooled money from many other investors and place them in a strategically managed fund.

So before seeking funding, understand both YOUR expectations and those of whom you’re asking for money.

Are these sources of money financially sound enough to be participating directly in the start of your work with zero expectation of return? Are they, like the angels of the theater, essentially patrons, both financially able and personally interested in helping you start? Lastly, can they substantially support that start?

The Angel Investors Critical to Media Technology?  Start with:

  • Ron Conway; Silicon Valley’s “super angel” known for his early support of media companies such as Facebook, Buzzfeed, and Napster
  • David Rosenblatt; Who probably wrote the book on online adverstising following his role as CEO of DoubleClick and then President of Google Display.  He sits on the board of Twitter and IAC, better known for brands such as Vimeo and CollegeHumor
  • Bono; Yep, Bono. He co-founded Elevation Partners in 2004, a venture firm that focuses on media, entertainment and technology companies
  • Nas; Having invested in dozens of startups, it’s not just his work as the second musician on our list that makes him notable but hist investment in text annotation service Genius and DeviantArt that strikes the media chord
  • Justin Bieber; Beliebit.  Beiber is tremendous patron of media ventures with a stake in Tinychat, Stamped, Spotify, and Shots
  • Stanley Kirk Burrell; Also known as MC Hammer, you’ll catch him at Raiders games when he’s not advising media companies such as Pandora and Flipboard
  • Jeff Clavier; Involved in Kongregate (acquired by GameStop) as well as Seesmic, Wildire, and Ustream
  • Brad Svrluga; Who has had his hand in the music and ticketing industries
  • Dave McClure; 500 Startups’ McClure has helped Slideshare, Visually, MoviePigs, Creative Market, and more get off the ground
  • Kevin Colleran; In some familiar media names such as Meerkat, Rockbot, Say Media, LookMark, Media Spike, Pinterest, and SmartThings
  • Naval Ravikant; Whom might be familiar by way of AngelList is in PickaFlick, Sosh, SocialMedia.com, Udemy, Twitter, and 9GAG
  • David Cohen; Of Techstars I wanted to mention as they might be the incubator for media.  David is in Next Big Sound, Circa, EventVue, Graphicly, KiteReaders, LaunchTrack, SlideBean, Post Rocket, and many more
  • We could keep going and perhaps we will in more detail, we’re missing Matt Ocko, Christine Tsai, Matt Mullenweg, Calacanis…

No we’re not giving you links to reach them! 😛  The first step to getting funded is capably connecting with the right resources so here’s to your early funding and take note, media means a great variety of things in as much as, as far as we’re concerned, it’s an interest in the consumption of content be that music, gaming, film, advertising, or news.  Your fit with an Angel might not be as obvious as finding the investor who shares your taste in techno.  Salud!

[Image used with permission: What Are Your Business Ideas via Burst on Shopify]

Page Summary
Media Industry Angel Investors
Article Name
Media Industry Angel Investors
Description
Clarifying angel investment from venture capital and exploring those whom you should consider among investors passionate for media innovation.
Author

Paul O'Brien

Silicon Valley technology and startup veteran, Paul O'Brien is affectionately known as SEO'Brien for an extensive past in the search industry. Today as CEO and Founder of MediaTech Ventures, O'Brien works in Venture Capital Economic Development, serving the investment and venture capital economies directly, through thought leadership, consulting, and startup development. More, a regional Director of the Founder Institute incubator and mentor in DivInc, Galvanize, and various startup Accelerators.

Related Articles

5 Comments

  1. Others I would throw in there. Some may not be as early stage, but are definite value adds. SB Funds (Scooter Braun, Justin Beibers manager for awhile), Atom Factory (Troy Carter.. lady gaga’s manager), Marc Geiger.. more to follow

  2. Great additions Matt, spot on and thank you. Have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of these folks I had gotten to know when I was spending my time in Silicon Valley. There’s the bridge between Austin startups and Valley investors!

  3. D.B.R., LLC
    20875 E. Hwy 28
    Chelsea, Oklahoma 74016

    Gentlemen/Ladies;

    Hello, my name is Sheri DeLozier from Chelsea, Oklahoma. I am the Owner/Manager of D.B.R., LLC. I am an entrepreneurial woman who owns the copyright to the most egregious governmental misconduct and missing person case in U.S. History, in my opinion.

    I invite you to read the attached copyrighted manuscript entitled: The Flipside in Bushing County, Public Corruption and an Unsolved Mystery. This is based on a true story in Orange County, California and is compelling, shocking and on-going.

    My plan is simply to complete the required funding for an actual book and screenplay (movie script), toward ultimate production of a film product for online streaming video distribution. According to my research, this story is primed for an episodic or series presentation and the potentials are unlimited. This product is by definition scalable and involves technology via hidden cell phone tower ping logs (read the manuscript please) and the fact it’s perfect for online streaming video distributions channels. I invite you to review this from both an entertainment and economic perspective. The book and movie script can be completed and turn-key ready, both copyrighted to the LLC, within 4-6 months of funding. These are the final key elements needed to create the best value for the product for marketing to major online producers.

    To pay for the costs associated with completing this project, I am offering to share this opportunity with qualified individuals, institutions and funds. The Reg D, PPM allows for funding of $1,995,000 consisting of 35 units at $57,000 each. Details are contained in my Offering package. A competitive 10% commission is offered for results and a Private Placement Agent who is a licensed Broker-Dealer is preferred.

    Upon review, if would like to discuss this opportunity with me, please feel free to contact me direct. Thank you in advance for any interest you may have in this unique and valuable story. Any referrals or suggestions are welcomed. Respectfully,

    Sheri L. DeLozier, Manager/Owner of D.B.R., LLC
    (918) 844-9400 cell direct
    [email protected]

  4. D.B.R., LLC
    20875 E. Hwy 28
    Chelsea, Oklahoma 74016

    Gentlemen/Ladies;

    Hello, my name is Sheri DeLozier from Chelsea, Oklahoma. I am the Owner/Manager of D.B.R., LLC. I am an entrepreneurial woman who owns the copyright to the most egregious governmental misconduct and missing person case in U.S. History, in my opinion.

    I invite you to read the attached copyrighted manuscript entitled: The Flipside in Bushing County, Public Corruption and an Unsolved Mystery. This is based on a true story in Orange County, California and is compelling, shocking and on-going.

    My plan is simply to complete the required funding for an actual book and screenplay (movie script), toward ultimate production of a film product for online streaming video distribution. According to my research, this story is primed for an episodic or series presentation and the potentials are unlimited. This product is by definition scalable and involves technology via hidden cell phone tower ping logs (read the manuscript please) and the fact it’s perfect for online streaming video distributions channels. I invite you to review this from both an entertainment and economic perspective. The book and movie script can be completed and turn-key ready, both copyrighted to the LLC, within 4-6 months of funding. These are the final key elements needed to create the best value for the product for marketing to major online producers.

    To pay for the costs associated with completing this project, I am offering to share this opportunity with qualified individuals, institutions and funds. The Reg D, PPM allows for funding of $1,995,000 consisting of 35 units at $57,000 each. Details are contained in my Offering package.

    Upon review, if would like to discuss this opportunity with me, please feel free to contact me direct. Thank you in advance for any interest you may have in this unique and valuable story. Any referrals or suggestions are welcomed. Respectfully,

    Sheri L. DeLozier, Manager/Owner of D.B.R., LLC
    (918) 844-9400 cell direct
    [email protected]

  5. Hi

    I am reaching out to introduce myself and propose an investment opportunity for my new venture. We are seeking Seed Round funding for Canela.TV.

    Canela.TV will be the first free streaming service dedicated to reaching the multicultural audience.

    You can see a promo video on the platform here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KFhWsl4tlc

    Our platform is ad supported and built with the Latino audience in mind.

    Why Canela.TV
    Fast ramp up on Ad sales. Canela.TV has the benefit of an already established sales team throughout the US. Canela Media, a sister company, is already operating in the market.
    Deep understanding of AdTech. We have the team and expertise to monetize our app via direct sales and ad exchanges. We also have a strong strategy for data collection and integration of unique ad products into the platform
    We own the code to the platform. Our app connect to all devices ( smart TVs, Roku, AppleTV, game consoles, mobile ,desktop, etc..)
    We have already secured over 4,000 hrs of content with the leading studios in USA and LATAM
    We have vast experience in the Hispanic Media business

    A little about me:
    I have successfully started 3 other Hispanic Ad Tech Companies
    I have very strong relationships with clients and ad agencies
    My previous company was acquired by one of the largest global media companies, Prisa Group
    My companies today rank as #2 and #5 largest digital media companies in our category according to Comscore’s US ranking
    I am recognized in my industry as young Latina to watch. Winner of CMC Raising Star Award.

    I would love to find some time to meet so I can fuller discuss the opportunities of Canela.TV.

    Regards,

    Isabel Rafferty

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button