BESE

BESE is a digital media company established to reshape the cultural narrative by highlighting stories from underrepresented communities in America. Founded in 2017 by actress Zoe Saldana, who serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief, and co-founder Daniel Batista, who is the company's president. Saldana, an acclaimed actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, was motivated by the mischaracterization and lack of positive, diverse stories in mainstream media, particularly concerning the Latinx community. She envisioned a platform that would provide proper representation for her children and inspire younger generations. Batista brought operational and business expertise from his time at the digital video company mitú, seeing an opportunity for premium, culturally relevant content.

The company targets Millennial and Gen Z audiences, creating multi-format content including videos, podcasts, and articles distributed across various social and digital platforms. The name BESE is derived from the English verb "to be" and the Spanish "se," signifying existence and self-knowledge. The platform's content focuses on cultural identity and aims to be inclusive, telling universal and positive stories that cultivate aspiration. While initially focusing on the Latinx community, BESE's purpose extends to all multicultural figures and anyone who has felt excluded from the mainstream narrative. For instance, its "Hidden Figuras" series explores the historical contributions of people of color.

BESE operates as a media platform and creative agency, developing original intellectual property and forming brand partnerships to generate revenue. The business model involves creating high-quality, purpose-driven content and working with brands that align with its mission of diversity and inclusion. This includes producing branded content and experiential events, such as a live panel for Toyota and a pop-up art collection with Unilever. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the venture-capital-backed company has secured funding through multiple seed rounds since its inception.

Keywords: digital media, cultural storytelling, Zoe Saldana, Latinx representation, Millennial audiences, Gen Z content, multicultural narratives, underrepresented communities, positive stories, brand partnerships, content creation, social impact media, Hidden Figuras, Daniel Batista, diversity in media, inclusive content, digital publishing, video production, podcasts, creative agency