What is Refinery29?
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, Refinery29 is a prominent American digital media and entertainment company. It primarily targets young women with content spanning lifestyle, fashion, culture, and social issues. The company's extensive funding history, including a Series D round of $50 million and a $45 million private equity round, indicates a trajectory from early-stage development to scaling and market expansion. This sustained financial backing has enabled Refinery29 to build a substantial platform and reach a broad audience.
How much funding has Refinery29 raised?
Refinery29 has raised a total of $129.1M across 7 funding rounds:
Other Financing Round
$500K
Series A
$4.5M
Private Equity
$3.5M
Series B
$5.6M
Series C
$20M
Series D
$50M
Private Equity
$45M
Other Financing Round (2010): $500K with participation from Eigenvalue, Jim Yang, and Ramesh Haridas
Series A (2011): $4.5M led by First Round Capital and Floodgate
Private Equity (2012): $3.5M supported by First Round Capital, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, and Floodgate
Series B (2013): $5.6M featuring Quixotic Ventures, First Round Capital, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, Lead Edge, Floodgate, and Eastern Capital
Series C (2013): $20M backed by Stripes Group
Series D (2015): $50M with participation from WPP Ventures and Scripps Networks
Private Equity (2016): $45M led by Turner Broadcasting and Scripps Networks Interactive
Key Investors in Refinery29
WPP Ventures
WPP is a global leader in marketing services and communications, operating as one of the world's largest advertising and public relations conglomerate. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including advertising, media investment management, data analytics, public relations, branding, digital marketing, and consumer insights to clients across diverse industries worldwide.
Scripps Networks Interactive
Scripps Networks Interactive was a media company that owned and operated lifestyle-oriented television networks and digital platforms. It focused on content related to home, food, travel, and lifestyle, reaching a broad audience through various media channels.
First Round Capital
First Round Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. They are known for their hands-on approach, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help startups scale and achieve market leadership.
What's next for Refinery29?
The substantial enterprise-level funding and strategic investments received by Refinery29 suggest a focus on continued expansion and innovation within the digital media space. Future strategies are likely to involve enhancing content offerings, exploring new monetization avenues, and potentially expanding into new markets or demographic segments. The company's ability to attract significant backing from diverse investors points to a strong market presence and a clear vision for future growth and influence in the digital entertainment sector.
See full Refinery29 company page
