The Venture Codex

Led · Equity · Jan 2012

ShortForm provides a social network and tools for video jockeys to create, curate and widget-ize personalized channels pulling content from sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu and CollegeHumor. It offers a Live Video Parties feature for synchronous, social viewing and a Google TV app, plus integrations with Facebook Open Graph, Twitter and YouTube. The startup has run partnerships with media properties (including IGN) to power curated video contests and to distribute VJ channels offsite. ShortForm is localizing its product for Japan through a strategic partnership with mixi and plans a phased rollout over the year. The company has raised $1.3 million to date from NetService Ventures, Individuals' Venture Funds, Seraph Group and others, and aims to build a personalized entertainment platform akin to radio. mixi has also taken an equity stake (about $250K) and will have Tak Miyata join ShortForm's board as an observer.