# Wetpaint

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

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: Seattle, US
- Website: www.wetpaint.com
- Total disclosed funding: $40M
- Latest round: Series C (May 14, 2008)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

Wetpaint is a digital platform dedicated to curating and sharing entertainment gossip and insights, focusing primarily on the television and Hollywood industries, enhancing audience engagement through compelling content.Wetpaint, founded in 2005 in Seattle, US, is a digital media company that specializes in entertainment content. In December 2013, Wetpaint was acquired by Viggle, Inc. for USD 30.00 mn. The company has completed a total of 4 deals, with its latest funding round being a Trade Sale. The founder, Brandon Welch, has a notable history in digital media, although there is limited information available on other companies he may have founded. The current CEO is Paula Franco.Wetpaint primarily delivers a digital platform that curates and disseminates entertainment gossip and insights, particularly focused on Hollywood and the television industry. Their core offering includes a comprehensive collection of articles, exclusive insights, and behind-the-scenes revelations from various entertainment sectors, such as television series and music. By engaging users with compelling narratives and in-depth analysis, Wetpaint aims to enhance the viewing experience of its audience, who are primarily entertainment enthusiasts and fans seeking the latest gossip and trends. The services cater to a global market, with a strong emphasis on audiences in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, leveraging digital media to reach a wider demographic of consumers interested in celebrity culture.Wetpaint's revenue model is structured around affiliate marketing partnerships and advertising. The company earns commissions through recommendations of products and services featured on its platform, which are promoted via hyperlinks embedded in its content. This transaction framework supports a direct-to-consumer approach, wherein users engage with the site for entertainment news and are subsequently directed to partner products and services. Wetpaint may also generate additional revenue through potential sponsored content and advertising placements, ensuring a diverse income stream. Specific details regarding pricing plans for affiliate products or services are not disclosed, focusing instead on driving traffic and user engagement to sustain its business operations.In December 2013, Wetpaint was acquired by Viggle, Inc. for USD 30.00 mn, which will likely provide the resources for further development and market expansion. Wetpaint intends to enhance its platform with new features and products tailored for audiences seeking deeper engagement with entertainment content. The company is exploring opportunities to expand its reach into additional markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, by the end of 2014, leveraging its existing content to attract a broader audience base.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, May 14, 2008, $26M — Accel, Trinity Ventures, DAG Ventures, Frazier Technology Ventures
- Series B, Jan 9, 2007, $9.5M — Accel, Trinity Ventures, Frazier Technology Ventures
- Series A, Oct 1, 2005, $5.3M — Trinity Ventures, Frazier Technology Ventures

## Investors

- Trinity Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/trinity-ventures) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Frazier Technology Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/frazier-technology-ventures) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Accel (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/accel) — Series B, Series C
- DAG Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dag-ventures) — Series C