ESPN and Vice are tying the knot
The Story
ESPN announced this week that it will air
’s The Clubhouse, a show where athletes talk to viewers off the field, on both its TV network and on the web. ESPN will also carry new episodes of Vice World of Sports after they air on Vice’s cable network, Viceland.
Why this is huge
The deal marks the first collaboration between these two gigantic and influential media entities. As part of the partnership, Vice will also re-broadcast digital short films in ESPN’s documentary series, 30 for 30. Vice already produces a weekly show for Time Warner Inc.’s HBO and operates its own network with A+E Networks. [Crain’s New York]
Giphy launches a keyboard
The Story
The Giphy Keys third-party keyboard launched on iOS this week, allowing users to send GIFs from any app they want. Woah.
A little background
is already integrated into a number of chat platforms, such as Slack, so it’s only natural that the company create its own keyboard. In the same vein as the Emoji keyboard, you can download the Giphy Keys app as a keyboard on your phone in order to bring up the Giphy Keys interface. [TechCrunch]
Flip joins MetaProp
The Story
Flip, a marketplace for leases, is joining MetaProp NYC, an accelerator for real estate startups, as the “anchor startup” for the second class of the MetaProp program.
So you can get out of your lease early?
Using Flip, yes. The company helps people post their current leases on Flip’s platform, along with how much they’re willing to sell it for. Then, pre-screened applicants who want early access to apartments before they hit the rental market can browse the listings, reach out and schedule a visit. [TechCrunch]
NYC tech now has a lobbyist organization
The Story
Fred Wilson, the co-founder of Union Square Ventures, and Tim Armstrong, the CEO of AOL, announced the launch of Tech:NYC, a member-based organization that wants New York to become the best place in the world to start and grow a tech company.
Why this is important
Tech companies in New York want a friendlier regulatory environment. This nonprofit aims to support the growth of the technology sector in New York City, to increase civic engagement by leaders of the local tech community and advocate for policies that will attract tech talent, jobs, and opportunities to New York. [Built In NYC]
Vimeo acquires VHX
The Story
Is this the end of YouTube?
We'll see. This acquisition will help video creators make more money on Vimeo than they would using YouTube, but it remains to be seen if this acquisition will seriously disrupt YouTube's business. [Built In NYC]
AOL gets into VR
The Story
is opening a new 13,412-square-foot studio space in downtown Manhattan. The studio will house the company’s live interview and event series, AOL Build, and be equipped with cameras to shoot in 360-degree video in order to deliver live VR programming.
A little background
Verizon took over AOL last year for $4.4 billion. With this acquisition, the company has upped its investment in video content, which includes this new studio. [Variety]
Fundings of the week
Investors: Insight Venture Partners, OpenView and Trinity Ventures.
VTS, a commercial leasing and asset management platform for landlords and brokerages, announced it raised a $55 million Series C. [TechCrunch]
, $3.4 million
Investors: CRV, with participation from Collaborative Fund, NextView, Corigin and angel investors such as SoundCloud founder Eric Wahlforss, Sean Park of Anthemis Group and CEO of Teleport, Sten Tamkivi.
Roam is an international network of interchangeable, design-led communal living spaces. The company allows users to pay for just one lease, but to live in fully equipped and immaculately designed communal residences around the world. [Built In NYC]
