London media tech startup Grabyo has raised $2m in funding from an array of sports stars following customer demand, ongoing momentum in social video and the growth of mobile video advertising. The investors and global ambassadors include Premier League Football stars Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, New York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry and current NBA champion Tony Parker.
Grabyo’s realtime video platform allows broadcasters and content rights holders to drive and monetise social media engagement around TV. It enables users to create and distribute realtime video clips, with integrated sponsorship and advertising assets, across the web, social mobile apps and third party video platforms. Grabyo has partnerships with the likes of Facebook and Twitter, giving its customers a digital audience of billions.
Since launching last year, the company has worked with over 30 broadcasters and rights holders, bringing consumers near-live highlights from sports and music events. These include FIFA World Cup, La Liga, Wimbledon, ATP World Tour, The Ryder Cup, UFC, UEFA Champions League and the BRIT Awards. Grabyo is also now building partnerships with a number of football clubs in addition to partnering with global brands.
“From global sports stars and musicians, to Hollywood actors and supermodels, the number of famous faces with millions of highly engaged fans on social media is staggering,” said Gareth Capon (pictured left, with Thierry Henry), CEO, Grabyo. “As more people are able to enjoy video across social platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, the involvement of star talent will open up new distribution opportunities for broadcasters, rights holders and brands.”
Grabyo’s customers include BSkyB, ITV and Channel 5 in the UK. Grabyo has reported an increase in reach, engagement and video views since moving premium partners to native formats: auto expanded video with one click playout on Twitter and autoplay video in the newsfeed on Facebook.
