Led · Series B · Jul 2018

Pocket.watch is a kids media brand focused on creating digital stars, franchises and formats across online video channels. The company programs and develops content for digital platforms and has collaborated with traditional media partners on IP for TV and film. It reports over one billion monthly views across twenty YouTube channels and a combined subscriber base of more than 34 million. Pocket.watch has raised $21M since launching in March 2017 and recently closed a $15M Series B. Future plans outlined in the articles include collaborative content development, expanded ad-sales packaging with Viacom/Nickelodeon inventory, and joint talent initiatives to identify up-and-coming creators. Pocketwatch is a Culver City–based kids media startup creating digitally born brands through original animated and live-action programming and YouTube channels targeting children ages 2–11, with an initial focus on ages 6–11. The company plans to launch this summer with five YouTube channels and generate revenue through advertising and YouTube Red subscriptions. Its larger goal is to develop premium series that can be packaged and licensed to streaming platforms and to expand into toys, gaming, and other brand extensions. Pocketwatch will also roll out a preschool sub-brand later and a parent-focused sub-brand to inform parents about what kids are watching. The content strategy combines in-house premium series with partnerships with 10–15 digital creators, who will be offered significant equity stakes. The team of ten is led by CEO Chris Williams, with Chief Content Officer Albie Hecht and Chief Strategy Officer Jon Moonves; the company raised $6 million in Series A funding.