3i co-leads $100m investment in Demand Media
3i, Oak Investment Partners and Spectrum Investors fuel rapid growth of new media company
Santa Monica, CA, September 28, 2006 -- Demand Media, Inc., the next-generation web media company, today announced it has completed its second round of funding totaling $100 million. The financing round was co-led by 3i and Oak Investment Partners, two leading venture capital and private equity firms. Spectrum Equity Investors also participated in this round. The new funding will be used to further increase the company’s organic and strategic growth.
“We believe that this is the right time to build a different type of new media company,” explains Richard Rosenblatt, Demand’s chairman and CEO. “The additional capital will allow us to rapidly seize on unique market opportunities in a truly innovative way.”
"Demand Media’s executive team has a vision for the future of new media and a proven track record for delivering on its vision,” said Robin Murray, 3i partner. "We are excited to partner with such a dynamic organization that has taken the unique approach of combining domain services, brand-able domains and niche content web sites to form a new media company."
“As traditional media companies are trying to grasp the power of online communities and user-generated content, we see an opportunity for Demand Media to redefine this space,” said Fred Harman, managing partner, Oak Investment Partners. “As a Demand Media partner since its inception, we believe this company has what it takes to make the most of the current market environment and we are looking forward to its continued success.”
The securities issued by Demand Media in the financing were issued to a limited number of accredited investors in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be resold absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The financing described in this press release has been completed, and this press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities.
About 3i
About Demand Media
The Demand Media™ proprietary media platform powers the company’s highly-trafficked domains and unique content verticals. The Company leverages cutting edge, user-driven publishing, community and monetization tools in its quest to define the next generation of new media companies. The privately held company was founded in May and is based in Santa Monica, CA, with offices in San Francisco and Seattle, WA.
About 3i
3i is a world leader in private equity and venture capital. We focus on Buyouts, Growth Capital and Venture Capital and invest across Europe, in the United States and in Asia. Our competitive advantage comes from our international network and the strength and breadth of our relationships in business. These underpin the value that we deliver to our portfolio and to our shareholders.
3i''s Venture Capital business focuses on investing in scaleable start-up and early-stage businesses. The business currently manages investments valued in excess of $1bn. 3i''s VC investments fall into four main industry sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, software and electronics/semiconductors. For more information, go to http://www.3i.com
For further information please contact:
Rachel Richards
email. rachel.richards@3i.com
tel. +44 207 975 3573