Writers, Venture Capitalists Teaming on New Web Video Firms

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 17, 2007 - 10:07am.

Los Angeles - Dozens of members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which is currently on strike over DVD and online payments, have formed a number of groups that are seeking venture capital investment for new businesses that will publish original content on the Web, the Los Angeles Times reports.

At least seven groups have been talking with four venture capital firms -- including Accel Partners and Spark Capital -- as well as several hedge funds, about investing in prospective ventures that will publish straight to the Web, bypassing the networks and studios.

"I'm 100% confident that you will see some companies get formed," Todd Dagres, a venture capitalist who has been meeting with top writers for weeks, told The Times.

"People have made up their minds."

Several independent sites, including FunnyOrDie.com and MyDamnChannel.com, received venture funding and launched with original content before the writers' strike began.

 

Related Links:
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-webwriters17dec17,1,2200844.story



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