Burst, the mobile video technology platform that enables broadcasters, media companies, rights holders and brands to leverage the power of user-generated content (UGC), today announced that it has received equity investments from two strategic partners: Sinclair Digital Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI), one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country, and Horizon Media, the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. Burst will use the investment to extend its lead in helping customers navigate the dynamic mobile-to-television technology landscape. Terms of the investment round were not disclosed.
Leading media companies, such as Sinclair, use Burst to quickly capture, curate, broadcast and monetize the kind of UGC and controlled video content that consumers want. Whether content is sourced from reporters, stringers or social teams, the Burst platform is unique in that it facilitates the seamless acquisition of behind the scenes, authentic, raw mobile video of sports, breaking news, weather, concerts, social media and other events without disrupting existing workflows. With enhanced traditional linear feeds, live broadcasts, studio content and on-demand digital shows, Burst customers have increased their audience, content engagement and monetization of both broadcast and digital video delivery.
The Burst platform enables customers to upload mobile videos without an app download. Video is then quickly curated and published to linear television, social streams and digital platforms with just a few clicks. This speed and simplicity helps create a compelling new video engagement experience that builds brands through deeper fan engagement and differentiates companies as first-to-market video leaders. Additionally, Burst helps media companies and broadcasters build 100% new linear and digital video inventory quickly, easily and cost-effectively.
“Burst’s technology platform is the ideal catalyst for any video-driven organization that understands the massive change taking place in the broadcast and video media world today,” said Bryant McBride, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Burst Inc. “Sinclair and Horizon, visionary companies in their own right, understand the radical transition from a limited number of channels and traditional content creation to a world with millions of online, broadcast and mobile options and quality content that can be produced quickly and at scale. Burst is leading the way in helping media innovators take advantage of this market transformation.”
“Sinclair is deeply committed to delivering our content to our viewers via whatever means they choose to consume it – broadcast, online or mobile,” said Rob Weisbord, Chief Operating Officer of Sinclair Digital Group. “Burst is a must-have platform that will allow us to deliver incremental, relevant content quickly and efficiently, without disrupting our existing production workflows. It enables Sinclair to further tap the market emergence of millennials who are at the epicenter of mobile video consumption.”
“We are always looking to help brands to engage with consumers in a more authentic way,” said John Finger, Director of Business Strategy, charged with venture investments at Horizon Media. “User generated content that can be easily created, sourced, curated and deployed, is a huge opportunity for brands, and Burst has technology and skill to make it happen.”