LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21, 2022 — ROW8, the Premium Movie Streaming service with the latest Hollywood films like Black Adam with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ticket to Paradise with George Clooney, and Bullet Train with Brad Pitt, has acquired the metaverse and web3 streaming platform Rad. ROW8 has premium video on demand movies from every major studio on its platform, with all of its studio partners exploring NFTs in some way. Rad has been building immersive streaming technology and leveraging smart contracts for over 5 years, and has many of the same studio partners for VR and blockchain-based content. Combined, the two companies will work with major studios and the top NFT projects building for web3 and the metaverse.
“Rad’s suite of web3 creator tools alongside ROW8’s library of Hollywood films will make our platform the premier destination for both digital collectibles and your favorite movies” said Jasmina Christoph, Founder and President at ROW8.
“ROW8 is easily the best positioned company in the world to bring Hollywood into the future, with its patented technology, app footprint, and deep relationships with the biggest studios in the world”, said Tony Mugavero, CEO of Rad. “They have the highest level pipeline of content you can have in the entertainment industry, and Rad works with the same studios in web3 and XR, which means we can accelerate adoption of forward-thinking distribution from a place of trust.”
ROW8 has streaming deals in place with every major movie studio, including Disney, Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and it offers over 1800 theatrical release-windowed movies. ROW8’s patented technology includes the ability to geo-locate viewers and share revenue with nearby theater chains, dynamic “Scene Alerts” to give viewers a peek into seeing if the next scene is scary or has adult themes, and their proprietary “Movie Love Guarantee” which allows viewers to return a movie and swap it for another one if they weren’t enjoying it.
Rad has streamed innovative content with every major studio and broadcaster globally by licensing content or powering experiences in VR and web3, and has streaming apps on PlayStation 4 and 5, Android TV, iOS, and Meta Quest, and built a globally leading position in VR, distributing content to devices like PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality. Rad was the first streaming service to offer an NFT subscription and is launching its full NFT Stream Pass in December 2022. Rad has done NFT releases with companies like DKNY, Hacksmith, Cinedigm, and directly with creators like Elliot Sloan and platinum rapper Calboy. Rad also worked with ConsenSys to build its cross-blockchain-based platform Ara with the ARA token, which will power ROW8’s NFT platform. Additionally, Rad has numerous studio and well known media investors like Disney, Sony Innovation Fund, A+E Networks, WWE, Warner Music Group, Gary Vaynerchuk, and more.
Tony Mugavero will become CEO of the combined companies, and Rad’s leadership team will all stay as part of the transaction.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with ROW8,” said Brooklyn Earick, Chief Marketing Officer at Rad, who will be staying on as Chief Strategy Officer post-acquisition. “Combined, we’ll be the first platform to offer movies like Avatar and Top Gun alongside NFT’s from Hollywood studios and web3 creatives.”
The combined companies have secured funding in a round led by Ayre Ventures.
Ayre Ventures founder Calvin Ayre celebrated the acquisition, calling it “the perfect marriage of content and delivery, the intersection of preparation and opportunity. ROW8’s vast library of marquee content will discover new ways to reach consumers through Rad’s BSV-based NFTs. BSV is the only blockchain with the scaling capacity and ultra-low transaction fees to realize the promise that web3 holds for creators, distributors and consumers.”
Also participating in the round are Intersect VC, who are investors in Dapper Labs and Triller; former New England Patriot Super Bowl Champion and Pro Bowler Richard Seymour’s 93 Ventures; Alvin Kwan, former head of Corporate Development at Fox and Board Member at Fubo TV; Rusty Matveev, who is CSO at Calaxy and formerly a partner at MSG Ventures; Revere VC; Stacks; and Jason Campbell, former quarterback for the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Paul Rajchgod, Managing Director, Private Equity for Ayre Ventures, will be appointed to ROW8’s board.
About Rad
Rad NFTV is the first streaming platform powered by NFTs. Rad’s suite of apps allows you to stream Live TV, Premium Video, and Live Events all unlocked through NFTs. Discover content in ESports, Music, Comedy, and Sports Entertainment from companies like Complex, Whistle, CoinDesk, DeadHeads, Knights of Degen, and Virtue Animation Studio. Rad NFTV’s library of fast and loud content, NFTs, crypto rewards, and OTT footprint creates a streaming metaverse for the next generation of creators and fans.
The platform can deliver a broad range of NFT and content experiences, with 2D, 3D, 4K, Live, 360° / 180° VR, and traditional video across devices like PlayStation 5, PSVR, Oculus Quest, iOS, Google TV, and more. Viewers can earn ARA rewards and become peers in the network powered by Ara’s blockchain and P2P networking technology, and the company’s Rad Pandas can be used to unlock lifetime subscriptions as well as get additional ARA rewards.
About ROW8
ROW8 is a subscription-free movie only OTT service featuring both new and catalog titles and has distribution deals with all major Hollywood studios. It also features its proprietary “Movie Love Guarantee” allowing customers to return their film within the first 30 minutes and exchange it for another without any additional fees, and its patent pending “Scene Alert” monitoring system which alerts parents to inappropriate scenes before they air, giving them control over what content their children see. Visit ROW8 at
The Ecommerce leader will now be able to offer further resources to brands and launch a new product: Emotive Attribution
LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2023 — Emotive.io, the leading all-in-one growth platform for eCommerce brands, is excited to announce its recent acquisition of Bloom Digital, a renowned marketing agency specializing in SMS marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising. This strategic acquisition strengthens Emotive.io’s position as a comprehensive solution for eCommerce growth and enables the launch of a new product, Emotive Attribution, aimed at helping merchants optimize their marketing spend across all channels using a first-party pixel.
Founded in 2020 by Danielle Hixenbaugh, Bloom Digital Agency has quickly gained recognition for its customer-centric approach and results-driven strategies. As an anti-agency marketing agency, Bloom Digital puts people first and focuses on finding tailored solutions that align with clients’ goals, delivering tangible and profitable results.
“Our agency’s mission was always to revolutionize e-commerce marketing with top-notch strategies, reporting, and performance,” said Danielle, owner of Bloom. “Emotive’s goal is to be the ultimate solution for DTC brands looking to expand and scale. By joining forces, we’re poised to become the all-in-one tool that e-commerce business owners have been longing for.”
Emotive.io, originally founded in 2018 as an SMS platform for eCommerce brands, has recently expanded its offerings with two new product lines for 2023. Emotive Attribution is a groundbreaking addition to the platform, providing marketers with a comprehensive view of all marketing channel performance (Meta, Google, Snap, TikTok, SMS, Email, Pinterest, affiliate, and many more) in one centralized location. Leveraging a first-party pixel, attribution model comparisons, and conversion journey insights, Emotive Attribution equips merchants with robust tracking capabilities in the post iOS16 world, enabling them to optimize their marketing spend and drive better results using first-party data.
Furthermore, with the acquisition of Bloom, Emotive.io also introduces Emotive Services, an extension of the agency’s expertise in SMS, email, and advertising revenue growth for eCommerce brands. Since its launch in Q4 of 2022, Emotive Services has rapidly grown into a 7-figure business line for Emotive.io, further expanding the platform’s capabilities and providing merchants with a dedicated partner to drive revenue growth across multiple marketing channels.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bloom Digital to Emotive and launch Emotive Attribution as part of our all-in-one growth platform for eCommerce brands,” said Brian Zatulove, CEO of Emotive.io. “This strategic acquisition and product expansion will enable us to provide even more comprehensive and effective solutions for eCommerce merchants, helping them grow throughout the entire funnel.”
With the acquisition of Bloom Digital and the launch of Emotive Attribution and Emotive Services, Emotive.io solidifies its position as the go-to partner for eCommerce brands seeking to elevate their marketing efforts and achieve outstanding results.
Emotive Services and Emotive Attribution are available now. To learn more about the platform, or to request a demo, visit https://emotive.io/
About Emotive.io:
Emotive.io is an all-in-one growth platform for eCommerce brands, providing innovative solutions for SMS marketing, email marketing, advertising, and attribution. With its user-friendly platform and data-driven approach, Emotive.io helps eCommerce merchants optimize their marketing strategies, drive revenue growth, and build lasting customer relationships. For more information, visitwww.emotive.io.
BlueAlly Technology Solutions, a Source Capital portfolio company, has announced its acquisition of Corporate Armor, a leading supplier of technology, security, and infrastructure products. This strategic move enhances the scope of services and product offerings for clients, while strengthening BlueAlly’s market position.
The acquisition of Corporate Armor, founded in 2011, adds an experienced team and vast selection of security, wireless, and data storage products to the BlueAlly offering. Corporate Armor’s dedication to providing best-in-class products to IT departments and service providers nationally, combined with their team’s expertise in data center, network, and cloud security, makes it a valuable addition to the BlueAlly Technology Solutions family.
The CEO of BlueAlly Technology Solutions, George Barkley, expressed his confidence in the Corporate Armor team, stating, “By integrating Corporate Armor into BlueAlly, we add substantial ecommerce and client service experience to our existing competence. This acquisition furthers our commitment to the strategy of re-inventing the Value-Added Reseller model. By innovating and bringing the best minds in the industry together, we have created something even better for clients—tangible value.”
CEO and President of Corporate Armor, Luke Walling, also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to join forces with BlueAlly as we share a common vision. Together we look forward to creating and delivering solutions that delight our clients. As a unified team, we are now bigger, better and faster than we would be apart.”
As BlueAlly Technology Solutions and Corporate Armor move forward together, they will continue to focus on providing superior quality products, expert consultation, and excellent client service. The integration of Corporate Armor into BlueAlly Technology Solutions’ existing portfolio will offer clients even greater value and a more comprehensive range of IT solutions to meet their ever-evolving needs.
For more information about the acquisition and how it will benefit customers, please visit BlueAlly.com or contact Jonathan Berger, BlueAlly CMO.
About BlueAlly Technology Solutions:
BlueAlly Technology Solutions, headquartered in Cary, NC, has been delivering comprehensive IT solutions to businesses of all sizes, government entities, educational institutions, and regulated industries nationwide since 1999. The company is focused on security governance & compliance, cloud & infrastructure, and application & automation, and offers consulting and managed services in these solution categories.
About Corporate Armor:
Corporate Armor is a leading supplier of technology, security, and infrastructure products, offering one of the largest curated selections online. With a focus on superior quality, expert consultation, and exceptional client service, Corporate Armor delivers a white-glove experience, removing pain and complexity, and serving the needs of organizations across all industries.
About Source Capital:
Source Capital is a private equity firm that invests in mature, middle-market companies across a range of industries. Source Capital’s investment strategy targets growing companies with greater than $2 million in EBITDA seeking a growth-oriented partner. Source Capital was founded in 2002 and has offices in Atlanta and San Francisco.
Voices, the world’s leading voice over marketplace, has acquired Voices.ai and aims to launch the next generation software development platform for voice applications.
A developer platform is a set of tools, services, and resources that facilitate software development and empower developers to create, test, and deploy applications, products, or services. The Voices.ai developer platform will include APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), libraries, frameworks, documentation, tutorials, and cloud infrastructure services.
A recent poll of Voices customers found that 40% have used AI voices in the past, and another 60% said they would consider doing so in the future. Further, Voices has experienced a surge in voice over jobs in the voice assistant category, seeing an increase of 440% year-over-year.
David Ciccarelli, CEO and Founder of Voices recognizes the differences between a natural voice and digitally generated ones. “While there will always be a place for voice actors who bring their unique interpretation to a script and create character voices, there are many applications that don’t require artistic interpretation,” says Ciccarelli. “These applications, traditionally known as industrials, are a perfect fit for synthetic voices, more commonly referred to as AI voices.”
Ciccarelli states that short, informative and dynamically changing content are best suited for AI voices. These include urgent public service announcements, improvements to turn-by-turn directions, or eLearning modules that require ongoing updates.
“The reality is that many applications would benefit from AI generated voices in real-time rather than rely on recordings done by voice talent. Especially when the content changes frequently, having access to voices created instantly offers a benefit not previously realized.”
About Voices
Voices is the world’s #1 voice marketplace, with over 4 million registered users. Since 2005, the biggest and most beloved brands have entrusted Voices to help them find professionals to bring their projects to life. Voices helps match clients with voice over professionals in over 160 countries and 100+ languages and dialects.