New York - Howcast Media on Wednesday announced the launch of its site that lets users watch and share instructional how-to videos, and announced that it has raised an $8 million first round of financing, led by Tudor Investment Corporation.

New York-based Howcast was founded by three former Google employees, who previously worked on Google Video and YouTube.

The company offers a directors program that gives filmmakers the opportunity to create Howcast videos and generate income, while users can suggest topics they'd like to see made into how-to videos.

"Online video is generally split into two worlds: user-generated content and professional studio content," said Howcast co-founder and CEO Jason Liebman. "We think there's an opportunity to bridge these worlds, and instructional video is a perfect place to start."

Howcast's videos will also be distributed by YouTube, MySpace, iTunes, Joost, ROO and Verizon, which will offer them on TV via FiOS TV and on mobile phones through VCast.

The company said it signed Jetblue Airways as its first advertiser, and has signed with media agency Starcom USA.

Related Links:
http://www.howcast.com/company/press/020608

http://snipurl.com/1z4gt (TechCrunch)