Poptent operates an online platform that crowdsources video ads and other messaging by allowing brands and agencies to post assignments and receive finished videos from a global pool of creators. The company claims a network of more than 50,000 videographers across 140 countries who compete on open, invite, and production assignments and build portfolios through judged work. Big-name clients such as Dell, Intel, Jaguar, and Walgreens have purchased videos produced via the platform. Since being founded in 2007, Poptent says it has paid out more than $5 million to videographers, and its assignment volume and revenues have accelerated—more than doubling within a 12-month span. The company plans to invest the new funding in product development, expand its sales and support teams, double headcount to about 70 employees, and pursue further international expansion into markets including Brazil, the Philippines, Europe, and North America. Poptent operates a website that lets users create, collaborate on and upload videos tied to major brands, enabling cheaper production of commercials through crowdsourcing. Users can work in groups, share input, upload edits and collectively produce high-quality ads. The company says it has a community of 20,000 video creators and employs 20 people. Poptent works with repeat customers including Procter & Gamble, Callaway, Unilever, Nestle and Anheuser-Busch. Founded in 2007 by Rick Parkhill (who remains chairman), the Los Angeles-based company is profitable. It recently hired Andy Jedynak as CEO and will use the new funding to expand sales and marketing.

Total raised

$9M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jul 2012