Very common advice in startup communities: that the way to get connected to investors is with a warm introduction. Not a week goes by that I don’t hear it, read it, or am part of such a discussion on a panel. Prompting this article, was being asked to answer on Quora, ‘Why are VCs so adamant about warm intros?‘ And … Read More
Fred Wilson: It’s a Good Time to Invest in Media Companies
Among Venture Capitalists I read, Fred Wilson ranks among the highest. A venture capitalist since 1987, he is currently a partner at Union Square Ventures; formerly having founded Flatiron Partners. USV should come to mind among the many venture firms familiar in media, Union Square had billion dollar exits every year from 2011 to 2017 including Zynga in 2011, Tumblr in 2013, Twitter in 2013, … Read More
With the Television Industry Changing, What Could This Mean for Venture Capital?
Investment in entertainment is a complicated subject to digest, as we’ve explored previously. Yet, funding for a production does draw some parallels to investing in startups. Companies that began as startups in Silicon Valley, such as Netflix and Amazon, hold a powerful presence in television industry in Hollywood. Could this mean venture capital could get involved in the television industry? … Read More
Plans to Acquire Musicians Desk Reference and Define a Path for Creative Economies and Artists
In the 21st century digital economy, it’s important to notice the affect technology has played, both good and bad, for professionals working in media. While it has helped give birth to thriving verticals such as VR, AR, Video Games, and Podcasting, it has left other media verticals such as News, Film, Music, Radio, and Publishing scrambling to identify long term … Read More
Media Technology + Venture Capital Panel At Funded House
Special Funded House programming during SXSW 2019 has arrived! Funded House does not require a badge, but you must apply here. Meet the panelists: Ted Cohen Known in entertainment & tech as “part connector/part evangelist,” Ted Cohen is Head of Corporate Development for MediaTech Ventures and the Managing Partner of TAG Strategic, a digital entertainment consultancy. As SVP of EMI Music, … Read More
Serving Celebrities in Venture Capital
LOUD Capital, a Columbus, Ohio-based alternative investment venture capital firm, announced this week the launch of Legacy Entertainment Ventures, a company providing venture-focused services to “celebrities” in the music, eSports, and influencer markets. Reflective of the work we’re doing with companies and in corporate innovation, we’re thrilled by what LOUD Capital, and other venture groups like it, are doing as … Read More
The Triple Upside of Mitigating Innovation Risks
Throughout the history of innovation, organizations that have seen long term success with continued growth have traditionally practiced innovation internally, dedicating large amounts of resources to the practice. There are many variations to how organizations label their practices of innovation, usually better known as R&D, intrapreneurship, and hackathons. Identifying just how much organizations invest in innovation varies drastically, Forbes recognizing … Read More