Roku receives capital infusion
Roku has announced the company has received a $45 million strategic investment from News Corporation, British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), Menlo Ventures, Globespan Capital Partners and an unnamed investor. The investment is aimed at growing the company domestically as well as internationally.
News Corporation owns Fox Entertainment Group, which is the parent of 20th Century Fox (film and television), Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Television Studios and FX, along with several other media companies. In addition to content creation, and ownership, News Corp. was also a principle investor in Hulu.
Roku has now received investments from both Netflix and the parent company of Hulu. News Corp. will also be joining the board at Roku. With such powerful media partners, Roku has a bright future ahead.
Full press release below.
Roku Raises $45 Million from News Corporation, BSkyB and Others
Strategic Round Underscores Roku’s Platform Lead as Content Distribution Moves to Internet
Saratoga, Calif. — July 26, 2012 Roku Inc. today announced it has received a $45 million strategic investment. News Corporation, British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), prior Roku venture investors Menlo Ventures and Globespan Capital Partners as well as an unnamed strategic investor joined the round. The new relationships include both financial backing and business agreements that demonstrate the industry’s confidence in Roku as the distribution platform to bring streaming entertainment to mainstream consumers.
Roku will use the new capital to build further brand awareness through advertising, develop new international markets, and increase engineering and production to support sales growth of both hardware and digital media services on the platform including advertising, games, transactional and pay-per-view video as well as content packages. In addition to its line of popular and award-winning Roku streaming players, the company will launch the Roku Streaming Stick this fall — a wireless, dongle-sized streaming device that seamlessly integrates with newer TVs and consumer electronics devices. The streaming stick is Roku’s first step in expanding its platform from streaming players to Smart TVs and other devices connected to the TV.
“We have watched Roku maintain market leadership since the launch of its streaming platform four years ago and we look forward to deepening our relationship, having already worked closely together on the launch of several products,” said News Corporation Chief Digital Officer Jon Miller. “Roku’s significant technology advantage, coupled with a strong market position, places them in a unique position to be an integral part of the television landscape for years to come.”
“We’re delighted to have entered into this strategic relationship with Roku. As an innovative content company we’re committed to embracing a wide range of complementary platforms to create more choice and flexibility for customers,” said BSkyB Chief Financial Officer Andrew Griffith. “Coupled with the on-going strength of satellite distribution, online and mobile help us unlock even more value for customers. Working with Roku we look forward to extending our multi-platform leadership.”
“Our philosophy is to give consumers the best streaming TV experience, with the most content and at the best value in the market; and it has served us well as millions of consumers have brought Roku into their homes,” said Roku Founder and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wood. “With the News Corporation and Sky strategic relationships, we are poised to further grow our leadership position and to become the TV distribution platform of the future.”
Jon Miller will join the Roku Board of Directors. Anthony Wood will remain Chairman of the Board.
