Lauren Wetzel

Film and TV studio A24 has secured a new round of funding led by Josh Kushner’s investment firm Thrive Capital. In connection with the investment, Kushner will join the board of directors for A24, best known for such films as “Civil War,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Moonlight” and “Uncut Gems,” and TV series “Euphoria,” “Beef,” “Ramy” and “The Sympathizer.” Financial details and exact figures were not disclosed by A24 and Thrive Capital, but sources confirm to Variety the investment from Thrive Capital gives it a valuation of about $3.5 billion — a 40% increase since A24’s most recent round of funding in 2022, which was $225 million at a $2.5 billion valuation. Founded in New York in 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel and John Hodges, A24 boasts a catalog of 150 films and 50 TV series and has garnered 16 Oscars, 14 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys. A24’s business also includes 2AM, Half Magic and the Cherry Lane theater. In 2021, A24 explored a sale with a floated asking price of $2.5 billion to $3 billion. #thrivecapital #a24 #investment #venturecapital #tech https://lnkd.in/gdVi_xCv

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🌟 Elevating Black Creators at SXSW! 🌟 We all know the challenges and triumphs that come with being a creator, but imagine having a playbook designed just for us. That’s why I’m excited to share our panel pitch: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook” This isn't just another panel; it’s a blueprint for navigating and conquering the creator economy. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table: 🧠 Meet the Game Changers: Alaina Fingal of The Organized Money, who turns budgeting into an art form. LaShonda Brown, the powerhouse behind Bootstrap Biz Advice, transforming tech for creators. Damien Ritter, the strategic genius managing #BiggJah. And me, Uzo Ometu, your guide and Founder of BlackOakTV. 📊 What You’ll Gain: - Strategies to overcome algorithmic barriers and boost your visibility. - Insights on building a community that’s more than just numbers. - Advanced monetization tactics that go beyond what’s obvious. 🔥 Why You Should Care: Because this is about more than just surviving in the creator economy; it’s about thriving and setting new benchmarks for success. We’re here to uplift, educate, and empower. 🗳️ Your Vote Matters: We’re committed to making a difference, but we need your support to get to SXSW. Cast your vote and join us in redefining what’s possible for Black creators! Vote for our panel here: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3 Let’s make this vision a reality!

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So Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone is set to join Snap Inc.'s board. Probably no big deal. But, FWIW, in 2014, Yahoo considered (and maybe did?) investing in Snap at a $10B value. Marisa Mayer was then CEO. https://lnkd.in/eFV94yYc After soaring to ridiculous heights in 2021 (~ $85B), Snap now trades at $15B. Yahoo was taken private by Apollo Global Management, Inc. along with AOL for $5B. It was then generating $8B in revenues and profitable. A profitable, growing Yahoo would in normal times be well received by Wall Street. Assuming it's grown since, and commanding a 2X P/S ratio, in theory it's could be a $15-20B business in terms of market value (if not more). But are times normal? I don't know, so unsure of any public market window. Right now, a tie up with an already publicly-traded Snap is an interesting option.

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At YouTube, we're thrilled about the possibilities AI is unlocking for creators! We're committed to ensuring our creators and partners thrive in this new landscape, which is why we're building tools that safeguard their creative expression and give them more control. Imagine: - Protecting your unique voice: Our synthetic-singing identification technology will let you easily manage AI-generated content that uses your singing voice. - Controlling your image: We're developing tech to help you detect and manage AI-generated content that features your face. - Choosing your collaborations: We're exploring new ways to give you more choice in how third parties use your content to develop AI tools. We're passionate about empowering creators to embrace AI while maintaining control over their work. With these new tools, we're building a future where AI and human creativity go hand-in-hand on YouTube! See below for more information 👇

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As we head into the final stretch of 2024, I’ve been reflecting on the challenges we’ve faced this year—and the progress we’ve made despite them. Layoffs, shifting budgets, and tough decisions have impacted all corners of the industry. It hasn’t been easy, but one thing is clear: we’re still here, and we’re moving forward. 💪 Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we support each other and keep our industry a creative, sustainable, and fun place to work. We all thrive on energy, collaboration, and passion—but we can only sustain that when we look out for one another. At Hoff Studios, we’re committed to finishing this year strong by focusing on three things: 🌟 Support: Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a helpful connection, or an open conversation, let’s show up for each other. The challenges we face are lighter when we carry them together. 🎯 Focus on What Matters: It’s easy to get distracted by everything coming at us, but let’s end the year with clarity. Whether it’s delivering great work, hitting key goals, or setting a vision for 2025, let’s finish with purpose. ❤️ Keep the Joy Alive: Even with the stress and pressure, let’s not forget why we do what we do. This industry should be a place where creativity flourishes, teams feel supported, and work is enjoyable. We owe it to ourselves to make space for fun, passion, and the connections that inspire us. Every challenge we’ve faced this year has been an opportunity to grow, adapt, and build something better. The year isn’t over yet—and there’s still time to make it count. So let’s finish strong, support one another, and create a foundation for a 2025 that’s even more exciting, sustainable, and collaborative. We’re in this together. 🚀 How are you closing out the year? Comment below, I’d love to hear what’s keeping you focused as we head into the final stretch. Let’s inspire each other to push forward! #FinishStrong #SupportEachOther #CreativeIndustry #WorkWithPurpose #2024Momentum 🎯❤️

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Cable TV has a massive opportunity - with Comcast spinning channels into new company *SpinCo* - TV can be re-imagined. We've all seen the decline of TV and the rise of streaming - we've also seen the decline of brick and mortar and rise of e-commerce. The internet is taking over - that is not in dispute - but it does not mean that alternatives are not viable. What these industries need and what SpinCo has a chance at it true transformation. With little to lose and lots to gain, this is a moment to try big ideas. If I were the executives charged with running SpinCo, rather than shepherding a slow decline, as the article points speculates, I'd be leading transformation. Transform partnerships Transform development Transform delivery Transform by empowering champions, innovators, and forward-thinkers Make me want to buy a TV and flip through the channels again. Wishing SpinCo folks best of luck and I'm rooting for your comeback.

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Are you AI ready and does your company have a data strategy? Watch Sean King and I discuss the value of using AI-powered metadata for better discoverability and to create net new content opportunities. #ThisIsMyOffer #AWSPartners #Veritone #Ai

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In case you missed it, catch up on last week's insightful episode of Rock The Stage Show! 🎤 Watch as host Rich Trigger Bontrager and Curt Doty, Founder of RealmIQ and former NBCUniversal executive, dive deep into the impact of AI on our lives and careers, along with what the future holds for artificial intelligence. 🤖 Don't miss this engaging discussion on The Public Place Network #Talkshow #AI #Technology_News #futurecast #futurist

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Check out this blog, and podcast, about Talent Acquisition Maturity Cycles. Curious about where you land? I’d love to chat more about it! https://lnkd.in/g2VncH3Y

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Some M&A and client projects our team is working on this week… 👉🏼 recommending an employee incentive and retention plan for fast-growing influencer agency. Competition for top mgrs and account execs is high as space consolidates. But founders also need to be smart about minimizing equity dilution, appropriately rewarding team performance vs risks taken, and setting up plan structures that make sense for service VS tech businesses 👉🏼 prepping sell-side m&a client for Quality of Earnings diligence being done by buyer. Incl discussing 2024 budget based on actuals + bookings + pipeline, and how aligns with our earnout forecast in negotiated deal 👉🏼 prepping a client for investor meetings we set up as part of an ad agency m&a strategy 👉🏼 talking to big PE funds about where large checks can be deployed in creator x digital businesses. There’s not as many good options as there should be (I won’t recommend deals unless I believe there’s good ROI), but I know the industry will get there… 👉🏼 closing our fifth sponsor for our “Night Before VidCon” party. DM me if you want to get your company infront of 200+ execs in the creator economy 👉🏼 modeling out a new rate card for a b2b corp consulting biz one of our infuencer agency clients seeks to launch this quarter 👉🏼 helping an audio client make key revenue and cost decisions to ensure profitability 👉🏼 doing a valuation of a business that licenses content for AVOD window rights on YouTube, and showing where it makes sense to scale the business, and what distractions to avoid based on market value drivers …and more. Explains why we’re hiring. And why I’m going to Italy-Croatia-Slovenia on Friday, because I really need a vacay. The more client work we do… …the smarter our team gets on the space… …the more interesting partner convos we have… …and the more new work comes from it… …because our industry data set and exec network is second to none. It’s truly fun and rewarding. It’s also really hard work — I don’t have a biz where I work for two hrs a day and collect passive checks. Means I can’t make slick IG guru ads, ha! But I’m proud of our biz and find it rewarding and fulfilling. Explains why my recent LI posts are clocking in quite late! Alright, I got up at 345am to fly east today, time for bed… — I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My dms are open. #media #agency #creatorefonomy

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There are more m&a and fundraise deals than I have time to write about. That’s a good thing cause it signals… …increasing market activity! Below are 5️⃣ recent capital markets highlights that stand out to me across media, agency, and creator economy… 💸 Alignment Growth invested in Wheelhouse — expect more Wheelhouse-led M&A with this new capital, likely in unscripted content and prod businesses 💸 Milk & Honey Music + Sports + Ventures acquired VMG Sports Representation — another datapoint in consolidation of talent rep co’s 💸 Electrify Video Partners invested in Simple History — bolstering it YouTube-native media brand investment portfolio, and putting its $85M fundraiser from 2023 to work 💸 VidCon is up for sale — I think buyerverse is limited, and the new vidcon is going to (ahem, must) look VERY different 💸 Range Media Partners raised funding from Liberty Global, Wildcat Capital Management — see my LinkedIn post on Monday to learn more — I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for media, agencies, creator economy. My dm’s are open. …and that’s me below! #media #agency #creatoreconomy

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I am excited to announce officially today LOOR Distro! LOOR Distro is best summed up with two strategic goals. 1. License and distribute our artists content to create more revenue for them. 2. Share funding and viewing data with other streaming platforms so they can make safer content acquisition investments. LOOR Distro is our way of taking monetization to our artists and our platform to the next level. By using our technology and the insane amount of individual data, both in watch time and most unique to us, funding data for our pilots and TV shows, and providing it to distribution companies looking for new streaming content. We are now beginning the process of taking this information, and connecting with the distributors we've established relationships with over the years and licensing user funded projects to other streaming networks in partnership with our artists. Basically LOOR is a way for the streaming industry to analyze data from an individual pilot without having to make an entire series order on a guess. It can prove to a streaming platform that there is in fact a market for content outside of the typical niche family-friendly genre. This increases the reach of LOOR content, and creates another significant revenue stream for us and the film makers as well. But most importantly it shows other family-friendly streaming companies content and data that can reach new audiences. And we have the data, not just the gut instinct. The one thing that LOOR has, that other streaming companies do not is individual funding data. The difference between viewing data and funding data has been tremendously eye opening for us and even surprising. For example did you know young adults with children are less likely to spend their money to fund new content for their preschoolers? In most all instances subscribers fund content for themselves and their age group over that of children's content. Yet, because preschool content is usually watched on repeat as background noise throughout the day the viewing metrics have skewed the importance of this content to the paying subscriber. Causing streaming companies to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on basically background noise that's on repeat. Kids content as background noise doesn't create loyalty and increases churn. Our viewing metrics and funding metrics are able to read these conclusions. LOOR Distro is something we've been working on since we started forming relationships and building the technology. Data has always been integral to every bit of code we wrote. But it's also the result of going to film festivals and meeting with others in the creative space. Talking to distributors and learning about their inability to to test content on newer demographics without significant risk. So for now if you are a distributor, international or within the United States looking to expand your content library. Setup a time to connect with us.

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