HighGear Media operates a vertical blog network focused on cars and gearheads, positioning itself as a haven for car enthusiasts and the journalists who write for them. The site recently hit four million uniques in a single month. CEO Matt Heist has focused on the vertical’s unique characteristics while building the auto-content company amid a troubled American auto industry. The company has attracted attention from top Silicon Valley venture funds, which suggests growth ambitions beyond typical blog economics. The article frames the business against the backdrop of difficult margins and relatively small valuations for blog exits. It raises the question of whether HighGear can translate its audience and content strategy into a substantial exit. High Gear Media publishes and operates a network of 38 automotive websites, including TheCarConnection.com, GreenCarReports.com, AllCarsElectric.com and AllAboutPrius.com. Its sites aggregate automotive content from around the web and syndicate content to other automotive and news sites such as Yahoo! Autos, The San Francisco Chronicle and Glam Media. The company monetizes its network through content syndication and partnerships. High Gear will use the new funding to expand its media network and acquire other media properties. The business recently secured a $5.5 million Series B financing. Earlier, it raised $6.5 million in a Series A in November 2007. Car Advisory Network operates TheCarConnection.com, a site offering news, reviews, spy shots, shopping guides, tips and expert advice on cars. The site also runs several email lists and publishes the "Weekly Car Guide." A company listing says the firm is developing a next-generation network media platform in the auto industry. Car Advisory Network was established in April 2007; TheCarConnection.com was founded in 1997. The company has five employees and is currently in stealth mode. It recently completed a $6.5 million Series A financing.

Total raised

$24M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Mar 2011