GodTube raises $30 mln, valued at $150 mln


Technology trends and news by John Shinal
May 6, 2008 | Comments (0)

1558

 paidContent is reporting that the Christian video sharing site GodTube has received a $30 million funding round from hedge fund GLG Partners that values the startup at around $150 million.

While that's only halfway to the valuations that online ad networks have been seeing lately, either in takeout situations like Adify's or big venture rounds like Federated Media's, it's impressive for a company that's less than a year old.

The valuation sounds a bit high given the site's 2 million monthly uniques. By comparison, Meebo has 29 million active users of its texting service and just raised a round with a $200 million valuation. GodTube will have to spread  its message of live streaming media to a lot more churches to justify its price down the road.

The round also shows that the power of social networks can be applied to a wide range  of communities and markets, some of which may hold profit potential not seen at first glance.  

More from the report: GodTube has previously raised about $2.5 million from private investors, including Norm Miller of Interstate Batteries.

GodTube was launched in summer last year in Dallas, and has since been among the fastest growing websites online...it now says it has about 2 million users a month. Chris Wyatt, the CEO and co-founder of GodTube, was previously an executive producer at CBS.

The company has since hired other senior media executives. As for its business model, its Godcaster program is being used few hundred churches, thus generating subscription revenues, and allows them to stream live video of their services online. In the coming months, the company will also launch a white-label social networking service to churches as well. Also, the site sells both religious and secular advertising.

0 comments

Vator.tv top stories

What am I Missy? Episode 2

4890_missyminute

Technology trends and news

by Meliza Solan
November 16, 2008
Disappearing startups, Al Gore's speech, and a thought from Zuckerberg

How to build a virtual goods product

2008-10-15-how-to-build-a-virtual-goods-product

From entrepreneur

by Eric Ries
October 15, 2008
The incredible power of necessity and how it led to smart decisions

Demand Media is largest provider to YouTube

4769_stevenkidd_demand

Entrepreneur interview

by Bambi Francisco
October 30, 2008
Steven Kydd, EVP of Demand Studios, talks about why YouTube partnership is key

Brad Feld: Don't make me say 'No' twice

4653_bradlessons

From investor

by Bambi Francisco
October 8, 2008
When maybe means no, and no means absolutely not!

Tips on cost reduction

2008-11-03-tips-on-cost-reduction

From investor

by Jeremy Liew
November 3, 2008
Don't be a wimp; do the best for your company

Ignorance and bliss

2008-11-01-ignorance-and-bliss

From entrepreneur

by Demian Entrekin
November 1, 2008
How much knowledge is too much?

Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang resigns

2008-11-17-yahoo-ceo-jerry-yang-resigns

Technology trends and news

by Bambi Francisco
November 17, 2008
Troubled online portal in search for new leader

Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang resigns

2008-11-17-yahoo-ceo-jerry-yang-resigns

Technology trends and news

by Bambi Francisco
November 17, 2008
Troubled online portal in search for new leader
© 2008 Vator, Inc.