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Kin Community has raised $25.5M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at Kin Community.
Kin Community has raised $25.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Kin Community is a digital media company and multi-channel network based in Santa Monica, California, specializing in creating and distributing women's lifestyle content across platforms like YouTube and Facebook, encompassing categories such as food, home, style, DIY, and parenting. The company manages a global network of content creators, which included 140 individuals as of 2016, connecting them with advertisers and producing branded and editorial content through its Kin Studios, launched in 2015. Its business model involved both managing creators and producing its own content for social platforms. The company's MCN assets were acquired by Jellysmack in late 2020, while its Canadian operations were acquired by Corus Entertainment in 2019, following an earlier acquisition by Webedia in 2017. Kin Community was founded in 2007 by Michael Wayne.
Key people at Kin Community.
Kin Community has raised $25.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Kin Community's investors include Emil Capital Partners, Jason Scott, Corus Entertainment, Gracia Martore, John Cassaday, Cota Capital, Glencrest Group, ICONIQ Capital, Mayfield, Norwest Venture Partners, Pear VC, Rally Ventures.
Kin Community has raised $25.5M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $13.5M Series D in June 2016.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 30, 2016 | $13.5M Series D | Emil Capital Partners | Jason Scott, Corus Entertainment, Gracia Martore | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2014 | $12M Series C | John Cassaday | Cota Capital, Glencrest Group, ICONIQ Capital, Mayfield, Norwest Venture Partners, Pear VC, Rally Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Webb Investment Network, Emil Capital Partners, General Catalyst, Rustic Canyon Partners | Announced |
Kin Community is a digital media and entertainment company specializing in celebrity-driven lifestyle programming targeted primarily at diverse women’s audiences. It produces and distributes high-quality, female-focused video content across lifestyle verticals such as food, fashion, beauty, DIY, home, health and wellness, parenting, and entertainment. Kin Community serves both consumers through its content and brands through custom content programs and collaborations with creators. The company aims to empower female voices and build a community around shared lifestyle interests, leveraging a network of creators primarily on platforms like YouTube. It has demonstrated growth momentum by expanding its content offerings, international reach, and branded content capabilities, including the establishment of Kin Studios for branded content production[1][2][3][5].
Kin Community was founded in 2007 (some sources cite 2011 as the formal launch under DECA) as part of YouTube’s Original Channel Initiative, which invested $100 million in original content channels. The company was created to build a multi-channel network (MCN) focused on lifestyle content for women, emphasizing collaboration with female creators. Early traction included partnerships with major platforms and brands, such as Warner Bros. representing The Ellen Show YouTube channel, and the Emmy-winning web series Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Kin Community evolved from relying on YouTube funding to developing its own advertising sales and branded content production, culminating in the formation of Kin Studios in 2015 to produce custom branded content with creators. The company was acquired by Webedia in 2017 and later its MCN assets were acquired by Jellysmack in 2020, reflecting its evolution and integration into larger media ecosystems[1][3][5].
Kin Community rides the trend of digital video content consumption growth, especially among female audiences seeking lifestyle content online. The timing aligns with the rise of multi-channel networks and influencer-driven marketing, where brands increasingly invest in authentic creator partnerships. Market forces such as the shift from traditional TV to digital streaming, the growth of social media platforms like YouTube, and the demand for diverse, relatable content favor Kin’s model. By empowering female creators and producing branded content, Kin influences the broader ecosystem by shaping how lifestyle content is created, distributed, and monetized in the digital age. Its integration into larger media groups also reflects consolidation trends in digital media[1][3][5].
Looking ahead, Kin Community is positioned to continue leveraging creator-driven content and branded partnerships as digital video consumption grows and advertisers seek targeted engagement with female audiences. Trends such as short-form video, social commerce, and international expansion will likely shape its journey. Its ability to innovate in content formats and deepen brand collaborations will be critical to maintaining influence. As digital media consolidates, Kin’s integration with larger media entities may provide scale and resources to compete effectively. The company’s focus on diverse women’s lifestyle content remains a strong niche with growth potential, tying back to its mission of empowering female creators and audiences in the evolving digital entertainment landscape[1][2][3][5].
