Refinery29 bootstrapped for 8 years and raised $133 million — only to sell to Vice Media for mostly stock

refinery29

  • Once-buzzy digital media company Refinery29 is combining with Vice Media in a mostly stock sale.
  • Business Insider talked to numerous current and former employees and other people close to the company about its rise and disappointing exit.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Justin Stefano and Philippe von Borries were media outsiders and first-time entrepreneurs when, in their early 20s, they left their jobs in law and politics, respectively, to start Refinery29 with Piera Gelardi and Christene Barberich.

The company ultimately became a progressive voice for women that was early in embracing body positivity and diversity. Its live events, 29Rooms, became a template for other made-for-Instagram experiences.

This past week, it came to a crashing end as an independent company with its mostly-stock sale to Vice Media.

Business Insider spoke to numerous current and former employees and other people close to the company, who described the rise and disappointing exit of Refinery29.

They describe it as a publisher that became one of too many mid-sized options for readers and advertisers, struggling to stand out to both readers and advertisers against social platforms.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Burger King's CMO explains why the biggest risk in marketing is not taking one



Contributer : Tech Insider https://ift.tt/30JR8C9
Refinery29 bootstrapped for 8 years and raised $133 million — only to sell to Vice Media for mostly stock Refinery29 bootstrapped for 8 years and raised $133 million — only to sell to Vice Media for mostly stock Reviewed by mimisabreena on Saturday, October 05, 2019 Rating: 5

No comments:

Sponsor

Powered by Blogger.