100% Year-On-Year Growth Attracts New Investment to Base79
– Strategic Investment Signals Acceleration of International Expansion and Strengthening of Sports and Entertainment Media Offering –
LONDON, UK – 4th July 2013 – Base79, one of Europe’s leading online video companies and the largest YouTube network in the Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) region, today announces a strategic equity investment from Evolution Media Capital’s (EMC) principal investing arm, Evolution Media Growth Partners (EMGP), a joint venture with global private investment firm TPG. EMC is the affiliate bank of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sport agency.
The multi-million dollar investment follows The Chernin Group’s investment in November 2012. Over the past three years, Base79 has grown at a rate of over 100% year-on-year. Proceeds from this investment will be used to accelerate Base79’s expansion across Europe where offices have opened in Paris, Madrid, and Berlin in 2013, complementing the existing London, Sydney and Los Angeles.
Additionally, funds will be used to invest in further technology, fast-track the creation of Base79 owned-and-operated brands and channels and continue the company’s European expansion. Base79 is YouTube’s largest original programming partner. It works with leading video rights holders and producers to build online audiences and brands, claim and protect their intellectual property, sell premium advertising, and generate new revenue streams on YouTube and other OTT platforms.
With more than 400 premium content partners, including BBC Worldwide, Endemol’s Tiger Aspect, IMG Media, Ministry of Sound, The F.A, Guinness World Records, as well as a number of leading YouTube content creators including Remi Gaillard and ElRubius, Base79 generates over 650 million views per month across 800 channels on YouTube, and is the largest YouTube multi-channel network across EMEA.
Ashley MacKenzie, founder and CEO, Base79, comments: “We’re honoured to receive this additional investment from Evolution Media Growth Partners, and support from Creative Artists Agency, the premier entertainment and sports agency.
Alongside equity partner The Chernin Group and MMC Ventures in the UK, we have attracted powerful partners across sports, entertainment and broadcasting industries. It puts us in an enviable position to attract global talent for our offering. The addition of EMC to Base79’s family will be invaluable as we accelerate the Company’s international growth and the distribution of premium video content across multiple platforms and devices – especially within the sports and entertainment industries.”
Commenting on the investment, EMC Co-Managing Director Rick Hess: “We are excited to invest in what we consider to be one of the world’s leaders in online video. Base79 is a true multi-channel network and has the capabilities and demonstrable pedigree in helping sports and entertainment talent diversify commercial offerings online. It’s a fast-growth company and we’re looking forward to helping it accelerate that growth in 2013 and beyond.”
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About Base79
Base79 is one of Europe’s leading online video companies and the largest YouTube ,multi-channel network in the Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) region. Base79 partners with leading video rights holders and producers to build online audiences and brands, claim and protect their intellectual property, sell premium advertising, and generate new revenue streams on YouTube and other OTT platforms.
The Company’s proprietary technology, international reach and expertise for increasing YouTube channel subscribers and views, and establishing ad sales leadership, enables its clients to significantly increase their reach and revenues in online video. With more than 400 premium content partners, including BBC Worldwide, Endemol’s Tiger Aspect, IMG Media, The F.A, Ministry of Sound, Guinness World Records as well as a number of leading YouTube content creators, Base79 generates more than 650 million views per month across over 800 channels on YouTube, and is the largest YouTube original programming partner in the world.
Founded in 2007, the Company has offices in London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, LA and Sydney, and will expand further in 2013
About Evolution Media Capital
Evolution Media Capital, LLC (EMC) is a merchant bank focused on the media and sports industries, formed as a partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and offering investment advisory, asset management, industry research, and capital-raising services. In the media rights space, EMC provides a wide array of advisory services including strategic analysis, valuation and negotiation of media rights and regional sports network planning and operational strategy. EMC’s principal investing arm, Evolution Media Growth Partners (EMGP), was formed as a joint venture with global private investment firm TPG to invest at least $100 million in growth stage media and entertainment companies.
Media Contact:
George Leney
Edelman PR
(44) (0)20 3047 4073
Base79@Edelman.com
