Raul Smith的动态

The acquisition of “Hot Ones”—everyone’s favorite YouTube show—was interesting but not surprising. “Hot Ones” has been incredibly successful, maintaining pop culture relevance by featuring big-name stars. ? However, the “Hot Ones” success goes beyond just the YouTube series. It’s evolved into an ecosystem with its own line of hot sauces, subscription services, and games. This combination of the show, its additional ventures, and its cultural relevance made it appealing to investors. ? This acquisition demonstrates the power of creators. As brands continue to see impressive profits from creator-led content, this is just the beginning of deals involving your favorite influencers. “Hot Ones” isn’t the only entity that’s successfully expanded from a singular platform to multiple ventures. Many influencers have also built brands that profit through partnerships, merchandise, and more. The shift is already happening, but I predict that the creator economy will experience even more substantial growth by 2025, with more brands recognizing the value of investing in engaging content. ?? #DigitalMedia #Creators #HotOnes #BuzzFeed #MediaConsolidation #FutureTrends

RE: BuzzFeed sells Hot Ones (under First we Feast) to several investors, including FWF co-lead and HO host Sean Evans. Also in the mix is YouTube juggernaut Mythical Entertainment. This solves one huge problem First We Feast was facing: losing Sean Evans at the end of his contract or to dissatisfaction with an alternate partner. By having him as a bought-in owner, it helps maintain the show's very specific identity. This is also a good move on the part of Mythical Entertainment, which started as a comedy-oriented channel with Good Mythical Morning, but has recently pivoted away from comedy into more focused food-oriented programming. This includes the Sporked food review site and the cooking arm of GMM, Mythical Kitchen. GMM proper is more of a "mukbang" channel now, and First We Feast fits very neatly into this specific niche/vertical.

Sean Evans' Hot Ones—the iconic YouTube show that turned spicy wings into a cultural phenomenon—has been sold to a group of investors led by BuzzFeed and Soros Fund Management. This marks a significant milestone for independent creators and showcases how unique, creator-driven content continues to disrupt traditional media. ???? Hot Ones started as a humble YouTube series by First We Feast and quickly became a pop culture staple, proving the power of authenticity and relatable content in engaging audiences. From A-list celebrities like Paul Rudd and Billie Eilish to emerging talent, the show’s conversational style highlights the value of storytelling in an unconventional format. This acquisition raises key questions: Are we entering a new era where independent creators and podcasters are at the forefront of media acquisitions? How can independent media maintain its authenticity while scaling under major investors? What does this mean for the future of platforms like YouTube as a launchpad for global success? As someone passionate about content creation and podcasting, this story reinforces the idea that today’s independent voices are tomorrow’s media giants. For creators out there: keep experimenting, stay authentic, and recognize that your niche could be the next big thing! What are your thoughts on this acquisition? How do you see the landscape shifting for independent media and creators in 2024? Share below! #ContentCreation #IndependentMedia #HotOnes #Podcasts #CreatorsEconomy https://lnkd.in/e-JD28_K

Thanks EisnerAmper for inviting me to your podcast!

A $82.5M bet on hot sauce and celebrity interviews? While everyone's talking about the hot sauce, I'm following the money. First We Feast's $82.5M sale reveals 3 game-changing trends in digital media that no one's discussing... ?? Here's what caught my eye??: ??This deal represents a significant shift in digital media economics. While BuzzFeed acquired Complex Networks (including First We Feast) for $294M in 2021, they're now divesting pieces at different valuations. The ROI math here tells an interesting story about asset valuation in today's digital landscape. ?? The buyer consortium structure is brilliant - combining creator equity (Sean Evans, Chris Schonberger) with strategic media players (Crooked Media, Mythical) and institutional capital (Soros Fund). This hybrid ownership model could be the future template for creator-driven media properties. ?? Looking at the numbers: 14M subscribers, 4B views, and a thriving D2C hot sauce business showcase how content IP can drive multi-channel revenue streams. The planned expansion into Netflix live shows signals untapped potential in format licensing. For BuzzFeed, this move reduces debt to $30M while pivoting toward higher-margin, tech-enabled revenue streams with a focus on using AI-powered experiences. What's your take on creator-led media valuations? Are we seeing the emergence of a new media ownership playbook? #DigitalMedia #BusinessStrategy #MediaAnalytics #ContentMonetization

To fully understand what Professional Investors think of the Media & Entertainment industry, and what they want from it, we thought it best to just ask them directly. To learn more about our 2024 Media Investor Survey, read the latest issue of Inside the Media C-Suite. #media #entertainment #innovation #investment #management https://lnkd.in/dRDy3Es9

Big news! I am excited to share that CreatorCut’s first project, “Room For Rent”, created by TikTok star Preston Garcia, has launched.? The series, which will premiere as an original series on Plex, Inc. (anticipated for mid-2025), stars Preston alongside social media sensations Mitsana Sanderson and Lonnie Marts III, MBA.? Working with Preston, Mitsy, and Lonnie, alongside Brennan Gordon McNichol of Schoolyard, and in partnership with Plex, Inc., is a fantastic opportunity for which, in this season of thanks, I am incredibly grateful. ?? The most exciting part: “Room For Rent” is offering fans the opportunity to invest in the series and share in its success.? For more information, see the link in the comments below. “Room For Rent” is the first manifestation of the vision that motivated me to leave my career in “legacy media” to build something at the growing intersection of the traditional entertainment industry and The Creator Economy. ? I see a lot of debate, on this and other platforms, over whether “The Creator Economy” is eating “Hollywood,” “YouTube is becoming Hollywood faster than Hollywood is becoming YouTube,” “Hollywood is booming and creators are destined to fail,” and the like.? For an unbelievably intelligent take on that subject that, in my view, is second to none, see Doug Shapiro’s latest post.? For my part, I will simply say that the interesting things happen where the edges converge. ?? Upon the introduction of a disruptive force, systems trend toward a new equilibrium.? I do not know exactly where in the entertainment landscape that equilibrium point will settle, but I do know that’s the wave I want to ride - helping creators like Preston Garcia bring their art to life–because that’s where I’ve always found the authentic voices and stories that I most enjoy.? #EquityCrowdfunding #Creators #CreatorFinancing #CreatorEnterprise #CreatorMiddleClass #NewHollywood

There is more money available right now for investment into our Media & Entertainment industry than ever before. To fully understand what Professional Investors think of the Media & Entertainment industry, and what they want from it, we thought it best to ask them directly. Discover more about our 2024 Media Investor Survey in the latest issue of Inside the Media C-Suite. Be in the Know! Read the Media C-Suite. #media #entertainment #innovation #investment #management https://lnkd.in/ewxncXSj

?? NEW EPISODE: Raise Your Average: From Long/Short to Long Sports: Exploring Unique Uncorrelated Alternative Investments ? Hosted by: Pierre Daillie (AdvisorAnalyst.com) and Mike Philbrick (ReSolve Asset Management) In this episode of 'Raise Your Average,' co-hosts Pierre and Mike welcome?Shana Sissel, CAIA, CEO at Banríon Capital Management Inc.?We explore Shana's 20-year journey in wealth management, her experience and insights on alternative investments, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Shana shares her personal story of transitioning from a career in sports management to finance, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Our conversation gets into key trends and opportunities in the alternative space, including private equity, venture capital, and interval funds. Shana emphasizes the importance of differentiating and engaging clients through unique and personalized investment opportunities, from sports rights to fine art and beyond. With practical advice for advisors on how to integrate alternatives into client portfolios and the added benefits of working with experts, this episode offers a comprehensive look at making alternative investments accessible and appealing. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gvm_MbiE + Check out this preview ??

The value of relationships as a key metric is under valued.