Phil Wiser

Dude Perfect raised $100M for global biz expansion. The deal is getting lots of buzz, but our team’s math signals challenges ahead. Let’s break it down… DEAL DETAILS • $100 - 300M growth capital investment • Led by Highmount Capital • Unclear if 100% invested upfront OR draw down of commitment over time • No previous capital raised USE OF FUNDS • Hire mgmt team to expand biz • More live experiences incl int’l tour, consumer products • Grow content formats, frequency, channels, global localization e.g. animation, TV, movies, streaming • Extend brand beyond 5 founders by building talent network • New HQ in Frisco, TX as prod facility and “family-friendly entertainment destination”: – Retail store, podcasts / gaming / fan UGC spaces, trick shot tower, DP museum, mini golf, restaurants – Original plans for 3-story, 30 acre facility est to cost $100M+, 2 yrs to build COMPANY OVERVIEW: Dude Perfect • Digital-native comedy and sports media brand • Faith-based mission: “We’re about giving back, spreading joy and glorifying Jesus Christ”  • Other YouTube franchises: “Stereotypes,” “Overtime”, “Bucket List”  • Media brand also incl books, mobile games, board games and toys, and merch / retail / food and beverage partnerships • 25 current team members PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS • 60M YouTube Followers, 17B views • Est 2024 revenue: $50M per DP • Est 2023 and 2022 revenue: $25M and $20M per WSJ  • Consumer product partnerships incl Nerf toy line, Columbia Sportswear • Partnered with A Parent Media co to launch a streaming service • ESPN “30 for 30” doc premiering at Dallas Int’l film festival • TV series on CMT in 2016, later aired on Nickelodeon • Alternate broadcasts for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football • 4 live nationwide tours as of 2023 ORIGIN STORY • Founded 2009 by 5 friends at Texas A&M • Cofounders = twins Coby Cotton and Cory Cotton, Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert • Started as YT channel featuring trick shot videos INVESTOR OVERVIEW: Highmount Capital • Growth stage and middle mkt PE fund for tech, media, healthcare • Founded in 2023 by jason illian and David Hawkins • 4 team members on website + advisor • 3 team members have faith-based ties per bios • No other investments listed on website other than DP My takeaway... I really like and support the trend of increased investment into YouTubers and digital-native media brands. But as I wrote about in my 2024 State of Creator x Media capital markets reports (will link them below), investment must match market and opportunity size. To ensure good ROI, and to set good precedent for future investment into our space. The DP bet is exciting, but could be overly optimistic based on our prelim math. My colleague Michael Booth's post breaks the math down (link below). More analysis to come in my Friday newsletter. —- I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My dm’s are open. #media #agency #creatoreconomy

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They other streamers are gonna have a hard time competing. If cable bundling returns, they will do it. YouTube Accounted for Nearly 10% of All TV Viewing in March, Nielsen Says It’s the largest share for a streaming platform ever recorded by The Gauge, despite a 3% drop in total. YouTube was once again the breakout star of Nielsen’s monthly The Gauge report. During the month of March, the platform accounted for 9.7% of all television viewing, an increase of 0.4 share points from February. This is the largest share of TV for a streaming platform ever reported in The Gauge. This month marked YouTube’s 13th consecutive month as having the largest share among streaming services. Overall, TV usage dropped 3% from February to March, which wasn’t a surprise. This drop aligns with seasonal trends Nielsen has previously recorded. However, cable and streaming felt this impact the least. Unsurprisingly, streaming was the category winner of March as it was the only category to see a year-over-year increase. Compared to March of 2023, streaming viewership rose 12%, and the category added 4.4 share points. Streaming was also minimally impacted during the February-to-March drop. Viewership for streaming fell just 1%, resulting in a 38.5% share of overall TV viewed for the month of March. Though YouTube was the most watched streamer, accounting for the aforementioned 9.7% of total TV viewed, Netflix was close behind, making up 8.1% of the category. The company also boasted three of the month’s most-watched streaming originals, which resulted in a combined nearly 15 million viewing minutes for March: “Love Is Blind,” “The Gentleman” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Though cable wasn’t as impacted from February to March, it did experience a year-over-year decline. The category saw a decline of 10% and a loss of 2.8 share points when compared to the same time period in 2023. Viewing on cable from February to March saw a 0.7-point bump in share points, resulting in 28.3% of all television being watched on cable networks. This was partially due to college basketball viewership, specifically viewership around the women’s NCAA tournament. The matchup between Iowa and West Virginia brought in 4.9 million viewers on ESPN and ranked as the No. 7 cable telecast for the month. The State of the Union also gave cable a viewership bump, earning 14.1 million viewers for cable and 32.3 million viewers altogether. Despite this drop, The Gauge report made note of broadcast’s resiliency. Since the report was first released in 2021, broadcast has always made up the smallest share of overall TV viewership, originally accounting for 25.4% of TV compared to cable’s 39.5% and streaming’s 26.2%.

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“most music genres and songs don't need major label marketing teams to make millions of dollars or reach fans in markets around the world.” I don’t disagree but like everything worth doing - it’s more than just a notion. What Stringer elucidates, IMO, is the latent (perhaps) evergreen affinity for vintage. And the patterned way listeners will ride that aural current like Bugs Bunny’s nose floats him towards an apple pie. That’s the power of nostalgia and (dare I say?) the more substantive art in the crates. Which will always hold more goodness in the way libraries hold more knowledge than a newspaper. This is time and tide sifting the “flotsam and jetsam.” I don’t think catalog is being mined fully, properly, or regularly - the way, say, ML models are rapidly extracting features that predict cancer or Alzheimer’s. To use the pharmacological analogy. To wit: If I ran a major label I wouldn’t sign a damn thing for a year. Send the A&R and marketing departments to really take an inventory - for real - of what’s in the crates and how it fits in to the current, dynamic music zeitgeist. Luckily, we have computers and data science so this needn’t be arduous or impossible.

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📺 **Battle for the Living Room**   The race to dominate the smart TV operating system (TV OS) market is heating up, with major players like Roku, Google, Amazon, Samsung, and LG vying to enhance user experience and capitalize on new business opportunities through data and advertising. Despite this fierce competition, a key question emerges: do consumers actually care about which OS their TV uses? 📊 **Market Potential**   At the StreamTV Show in Denver, experts discussed the benefits of owning a TV OS, such as controlling user data and enhancing ad revenue. Analyst Alan Wolk noted that around 40% of smart TVs globally lack a dedicated TV OS, presenting a significant market opportunity. Even small gains in market share can translate to substantial financial rewards, making the competition highly lucrative. 💡 **Consumer Preferences**   Panelists at the event debated whether consumers prioritize the TV OS in their purchasing decisions. Google’s Rob Caruso argued that factors like size and price still dominate, with the OS being a secondary consideration. However, Vizio's Katherine Pond and LG's Matt Durgin highlighted that content availability and user experience offered by the TV OS could influence consumer choices, particularly for those seeking quality and value. 🎬 **Content and User Experience**   Ultimately, while the current focus for consumers might not be on the specific TV OS, the content and seamless user experience provided by these systems are crucial. Companies like Vizio and Samsung emphasize the importance of offering desired content and a smooth interface, hoping that improvements in these areas will eventually drive consumer preferences toward specific TV OS platforms. #TV #TVOS #Streaming #SmartTV

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Audacy in the blast zone of deregulation bombshell • How anyone unhappy with George Soros owning a large share of Audacy can now block it or fatally delay it by filing one piece of paper. • If the FCC fails to act in favor of the pending waiver Soros needs, then what? • How Audacy is quickly losing control of a critical timeline out of bankruptcy. • The prognosis of a fresh start promised by Audacy to advertisers and employees in light of recent developments. https://lnkd.in/eFrPBP35

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Two strategies for companies... first be the best, and second if you cannot be the best then make a lot of yours so the sum is greater than the whole...

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗢𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗩 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 In the ever-evolving landscape of television, the traditional boundaries between linear and streaming TV are becoming increasingly blurred. Yet, the industry continues to treat them as distinct entities, selling ad inventory separately for each platform. Some brands and agencies even lump streaming in with digital video and buy them that way.  This approach is not only inefficient but also fails to align with the way consumers actually view content. A Unified Approach: Premium vs. Non-Premium Inventory Consumers don’t differentiate between “linear” and “streaming” or “TV” and “digital.” To them, it’s all just “TV.” Given this, it’s time to rethink how we sell advertising inventory so that it aligns with the way viewers see it. Instead of the outdated dichotomy of linear versus streaming, we need to categorize inventory into “premium” and “non-premium” across both platforms. This is not as crazy as it sounds—it has been proven to increase CPMs and thus profitability. But first, a little on how it would work. “Premium inventory” e.g., top-rated originals, library hits and prime-time slots, would continue to be sold via direct sales. This method ensures publishers will continue to get top dollar for their best content, maintaining the profitability of their premium offerings. Direct sales offer a level of control and personalization that is crucial for high-profile offerings, whether those offerings are on linear or on streaming. The latter is key for two reasons: more and more viewers are becoming “streaming first” viewers, even if they still do keep a linear subscription, and more and more streaming services are rolling out originals and picking up sports rights. The combination means there is more premium content on streaming and that more people are watching it. All the more reason to sell it directly. Non-premium inventory, OTOH, is better suited for programmatic – or at least automated - sales. Automated buying excels at targeting specific audiences, making it an ideal solution for monetizing non-premium content. By leveraging data and automation, programmatic sales can connect niche audiences with the advertisers who are looking for them, thus maximizing value, fill rates, and utilization. Automated audience-based trading has long been the go-to for streaming inventory, but it’s time for linear services to adopt it too, at least for their non-premium inventory. This is not as painful as it sounds. Spot buying is notoriously inefficient for low-value inventory and uses up needless resources. Automating it has been proven to drive up profitability while also lowering trading costs. And by “proven” I mean “proven with real-world examples in markets outside the US.” READ THE REST ON TVREV https://lnkd.in/erJDT_3n

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Exploring the Cutting-Edge: A Recap of ProteinMetrics Livestream Event https://lnkd.in/eiZHAniR On April 24, iseetechllc.com did an illuminating livestream event in collaboration with ProteinMetrics, captivating audiences with insights into the forefront of scientific innovation. Broadcasting from the vibrant hub of Cambridge, Massachusetts, this event brought together a distinguished lineup of scientists and business owners to delve into the realm of protein analysis and its multifaceted applications. At the heart of the event was ProteinMetrics, a pioneering company renowned for its groundbreaking solutions in protein analysis. With a focus on advancing proteomics research, the company stands at the intersection of science and technology, driving progress in fields ranging from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology. The livestream showcased a diverse array of perspectives, with scientists and business owners offering their expertise on the subject. From discussing the latest advancements in protein analysis techniques to exploring the practical implications for various industries, the speakers provided invaluable insights that resonated with both seasoned professionals and curious minds alike. One of the highlights of the event was the deep dive into the technological innovations driving protein analysis forward. With rapid developments in mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and data analytics, researchers are now equipped with powerful tools to unravel the complexities of proteins with unprecedented precision. Such advancements not only facilitate a deeper understanding of biological systems but also hold immense potential for revolutionizing drug discovery, personalized medicine, and beyond. Moreover, the event underscored the pivotal role of collaboration between academia, industry, and technology providers in driving innovation. By fostering synergies between different stakeholders, ProteinMetrics and its collaborators are paving the way for transformative discoveries that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. Beyond the scientific intricacies, the livestream also shed light on the real-world applications of protein analysis. From accelerating drug development processes to ensuring the safety and quality of food products, the insights gleaned from proteomics are catalyzing tangible advancements that impact lives on a global scale. As the event drew to a close, it left attendees inspired and informed, with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable strides being made in protein analysis. With ProteinMetrics at the forefront of innovation and iseetechllc.com facilitating meaningful conversations, this livestream event served as a beacon of knowledge and collaboration, illuminating the path towards a future where the mysteries of proteins are unlocked for the betterment of humanity.

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Thank you, Gavin Bridge, for this interesting article. I believe the US is a "mature" market for FAST, which is why streamers are starting to streamline their channel offerings and optimize their catalogs. This aims to provide a better experience for their viewers and to better monetize their content. It’s a normal and desirable evolution for the #FAST ecosystem. This is indeed a great opportunity for SoFAST to offer some of our 630 FAST channels to these platforms to refresh their offerings. #FASTCHANNEL #TVDISTRIBUTION #OTTPLATFORMS

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The streaming landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace, and it's interesting to see how industry leaders envision its future. The recent NY Times article, "The Future of Streaming (According to the Moguls Figuring It Out)," https://lnkd.in/gTRq3eZ2, dives into the minds of top media executives to predict who will survive, die, thrive, and how they'll do it. As we all know, for those of us in the media and entertainment sectors, staying abreast of these trends is crucial for shaping our strategies and ensuring long-term success. Is Peak TV over? Are we past the second golden age of content? And how does sports fit into all of this?

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Folks, If you wondering how to get your CI program started, then join Fouad Benyoub - his session will start shortly! You can also catch it later on via simulcast. join us free - https://vcapax.vfairs.com #competitiveintelligence

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“US music publishers are ready to “fight again” as they attempt to halt efforts by Spotify to reclassify its subscription package. The streaming service wants to say that its main subscription product is a ‘bundle’ of music, podcasts and audiobooks. This would allow it to pay less to songwriters. The campaign against Spotify’s sneaky audiobook bundling plans in the US is gaining momentum, with the boss of the National Music Publishers Association declaring “it’s time to fight again”, and the Association Of Independent Music Publishers committing its “unequivocal support” for the NMPA as it embarks on a “critical battle to prevent Spotify’s scheme from taking effect”…. Spotify has been reshuffling its range of subscription products in the US, so that there is one subscription option that offers music and podcasts, and another that offers audiobooks. Meanwhile, the existing premium subscription option - which includes music, podcasts and audiobooks - is being defined as a bundle of those two other products. That is important because of the compulsory licence that sets out the payments streaming services must pay to music publishers and songwriters in the US. That licence has provisions for bundles, meaning that if Spotify reclassifies its main premium subscription as a bundle it will reduce what it has to pay publishers and songwriters on its core product. It’s been estimated that this move could result in $150 million of lost revenue.” #Spotify #NMPA #AIMP #Streaming #Songwriters #StreamingRoyalties #Royalties #MusicTracks #MusicStreams #Music #MusicBusiness #Musica #MusicIndustry #Musique #Musik #MusicBiz #CompulsoryLicense #US #MusicPublishing #CRB #DiMA #StreamingServices #StreamingMedia #MLC #Pandora

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📺 The Battle for Your TV Screen: The OS Wars! TVREV's latest report dives deep into the high-stakes world of smart TV operating systems. As streaming becomes dominant, control over the TV's interface is the next frontier. The stakes are HIGH – controlling the OS means dictating viewer interaction, gatekeeping content, reaping variable kinds of ad revenues, and harnessing viewer data. The OS Wars are being fought globally by three main groups: 1. Home Electronics Manufacturers (Samsung, LG, VIZIO) 2. Internet Giants (Google, Amazon, Apple) 3. Independent & local TV OS Makers (ZEASN's whaleOS, Xperi's TiVO) According to the report, what makes a great TV OS? Some 🔑 factors: 🔹 Responsiveness & speed 🔹 Natural language voice search 🔹 Personalized content discovery 🔹 Integration with smart home features 🔹 Innovative ad formats 👑 One thing is for sure: the company that can best navigate the complex landscape of content, data, and user experience will have a major advantage in the living room of the future. Download The Report 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/ek8yTYAT #TVOSWars #StreamingWars #ConnectedTV #SmartTV #IPTV #Broadcast #Television

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STREAMING BUNDLES: Is the cable box making a comeback!? Subscriber churn remains an issue for SVOD services – 42% of US streaming subscribers report that they “'regularly subscribe, cancel and resubscribe,” according to Ampere’s Media Consumer survey covering 1Q24. But bundling streaming services can have a significant impact on mitigating the issue. Ampere cites Disney subscribers as an example: Consumers who had previously churned and then returned to take the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle are 59% less likely to churn within 12 months than those who take Disney+ alone, based on 1Q23 sign-ups. Ampere also found that US resubscribers skew younger (aged 18-44), are more likely to be in family households, and are typically avid media consumers. And with that wide media diet, the cohort is 40% more likely than average to exhibit signs of subscription fatigue and 21% more likely to desire unified access to content across different services. Which makes bundles, Ampere concludes, a key strategy in subscriber retention. The cable box is making a comeback! This time, it's on your mobile device$!

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What impact will #AI have on the broadcast and wider media industries? My colleagues at TVBEurope and TV Technology are asking that question right now in a survey in partnership with Caretta Research. You can participate here: https://lnkd.in/eHePfFQg

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