Real Girls Media Network
Female-focused digital network and online publishing platform for women to share information and connect.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
$4.0m Valuation: $4.0m | Acquisition | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
In 2006, Kate Everett-Thorp founded Real Girls Media Network, a San Francisco-based startup with a focus on user-generated content for women. The company aimed to provide a digital platform where women could connect, write, and share their stories and experiences. The network's plan was to launch websites targeting different female demographics. Capitalizing on the insight that a majority of online users were women, yet most platforms catered to men, Real Girls Media Network saw a significant growth opportunity. In November 2006, the company secured a $6 million funding round led by 3i and WaldenVC to develop its first website, DivineCaroline.com. This platform combined user-generated stories with professional editorial content across various lifestyle topics. The company's trajectory took a significant turn in 2008 when media and marketing giant Meredith Corporation took a minority stake. This partnership expanded the reach of both companies by combining their sales forces and online inventory. Two years later, in December 2010, Meredith Corporation fully acquired Real Girls Media Network. The acquisition integrated the network, which was reaching 4 to 5 million unique monthly visitors, into Meredith's portfolio, strengthening its position as a leading digital content provider for women.