# Pluto

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/pluto

- Industry: Media
- Headquarters: West Hollywood, US
- Website: http://corporate.pluto.tv
- Total disclosed funding: $44M
- Latest round: Series B (Oct 13, 2016)
- Investors on record: 12

## About

Pluto, Inc. is an innovative provider of ad-supported streaming television services, enabling users to access a wide selection of live and on-demand content without subscription fees.Founded in 2013 and headquartered in West Hollywood, US, Pluto, Inc. operates a free streaming platform that aggregates various channels. In March 2019, the company was acquired by Viacom Inc. for USD 340 mn to enhance its growth. The firm has completed 5 deals to date.Pluto TV is a leading provider of ad-supported streaming television services, offering a diverse array of live and on-demand content. Its primary product is a free streaming platform that aggregates various channels, including news, sports, entertainment, and niche programming. Launched in 2014, Pluto TV delivers a linear TV experience, allowing users to browse through a selection of channels tailored to their interests without subscription fees. The service targets a wide demographic, appealing to cord-cutters and consumers seeking free alternatives to traditional cable offerings. Pluto TV primarily serves the North American and European markets, positioning itself as a player in the competitive streaming landscape, specifically in the United States and select countries across Europe.Pluto TV generates revenue through advertising, leveraging its free-to-access model to attract a substantial user base. The company forms partnerships with content providers and advertisers, facilitating a transactional structure where advertisers pay for ad placements across its streaming content. This business model allows brands to reach diverse audiences while users enjoy cost-free content in exchange for viewing advertisements. Pluto TV's approach highlights the importance of brand partnerships in its operational revenue framework, underscoring its commitment to providing an engaging viewing experience while maintaining financial sustainability through ad sales.In March 2019, Viacom Inc. acquired Pluto, Inc. for USD 340 mn, with the rationale focusing on supporting the company's future growth. Pluto TV plans to expand its service by launching new products and targeting specific geographic markets for growth, though specific details about upcoming products or release dates have not been disclosed.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Oct 13, 2016, $30M — US Venture Partners, Sky UK Limited, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., Chicago Ventures, 5 Continents Consulting Group, Luminari Capital, Third Wave Digital Ventures
- Series A, Nov 20, 2014, $13M — US Venture Partners, Chicago Ventures, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Luminari Capital, United Talent Agency, LLC
- Seed, Oct 13, 2014, $0.5M — Sky UK Limited, Universal Music Group, Inc., Chicago Ventures, Great Oaks Venture Capital, Third Wave Digital Ventures, Rho West

## Investors

- Sky UK Limited — Seed, Series B
- Universal Music Group, Inc. — Seed
- Chicago Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/chicago-ventures) — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Great Oaks Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/great-oaks-venture-capital) — Seed, Series A
- Third Wave Digital Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/third-wave-digital-ventures) — Seed, Series B
- Rho West (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rho-west) — Seed
- US Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/us-venture-partners) — Series A, Series B
- Luminari Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/luminari-capital) — Series A, Series B
- United Talent Agency, LLC — Series A
- ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE — Series B
- Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. — Series B
- 5 Continents Consulting Group — Series B