Keli Network, a video publisher that builds vertical social channels and distributes content aimed at millennials, has raised USD2 million from investors including Partech Ventures, Broadway Video Ventures, OneRagTime (the venture platform co-founded by Jean-Marie Messier), and several angel investors.
This funding will help fund expansion and exposure of Keli Network’s videos on mobile and social platforms, which in one year has grown to more than 500 million monthly views, mostly in the US.
Leveraging its in-house proprietary trend detector technology “Keli Pulse,” Keli intents to reach over one billion monthly videos views in the coming months.
Keli has concentrated on its vertical strategy to reach its Millennial audience. The company creates 1,000 videos per month for its social brand channels Gamology, one of the top gaming channels on social; the premier soccer destination Oh My Goal; and Genius Club, which focuses on innovation, inventions and gadgets. The beauty channel Beauty Studio will launch later this month.
The bulk of Keli’s content – all of which is distributed via social media – is produced in-house, while 30 per cent is generated by users. The company also has a new Live Talent series that invites influencers to submit their best live videos for distribution on Keli’s channels.
Michael Philippe, CEO and co-founder, Keli Network, says: “We wanted to create a media company that resonates with our generation, creating engaging and entertaining content for mobile and social platforms, where we spend most of our time. By focusing on a vertical channel strategy, Keli has grown rapidly and is on pace to hit one billion monthly videos views, positioning us as a key player in the market. We’re happy to have these strategic investors on board to support our vision.”
Boris Golden, from Partech Ventures, says: "The media space is experiencing a major disruption in the way content is consumed, and we strongly believe that Keli Network is uniquely positioned to take over this massive opportunity. We have been genuinely impressed by their vision, and the growth of the company in the past months has been absolutely outstanding. Keli is on track to become one of the major social video publishers worldwide in the next few months, at a speed and capital-efficiency never seen before in the space.”
David Birnbaum, president, Broadway Video Ventures, adds: "The team at Keli has created a proprietary technology platform that enables them to scale vertically focused video channels quickly. We are big believers in the value of these audiences on top of existing platforms and the opportunity that exists today to be a first mover. We look forward to helping Keli create innovative video formats and strategies on top of its large and engaged audience."
