Jet Media Network has closed a $2.5 million seed round led by Los Angeles Media Fund and joined by investors including 10X Capital, Gaingels, JetSynthesys, Spivy Private Capital and Equinox Systems.
This announcement comes as Jet Media Network prepares to launch its first mobile app — a collaboration with former Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan football (soccer) superstar, Ronaldinho. The platform will offer exclusive content, auctions, social media aggregation and e-commerce, with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) also among its capabilities. Jet Media Network aims to create an experience that users cannot find anywhere else, using cutting-edge technology to deliver an unrivalled icon-fan relationship.
Jet Media Network continues to assemble a pipeline of high-profile athletes and celebrities, seeking to have more “ownership” of their fans and to capitalize on the creator economy with bespoke mobile destinations that create the ultimate direct-to-fan (DTF) experience. The applications will be free for users with an option for a monthly subscription to unlock enhanced benefits.
The Jet Media Network CEO and co-founder Jesper Schertiger, navigated the shift from analogue to digital during his time as EVP of global business development and sales for Sony Entertainment. After leaving Sony, Schertiger partnered with Jetline Group of Companies vice chairman Rajan Navani who oversees JetSynthesys and the Group’s investments into technology services and digital media, which led to the founding of Jet Media Network.
Supported by Navani, Schertiger founded Jet Media Network with Robin Shelley, and former top-flight footballer, Robbie Earle MBE, who now co-hosts the Premier League show for NBC Sports. The three recognised the trend of social media networks controlling the access of top creators to their own audiences by limiting the organic reach of posts in exchange for payments. Jet Media Network seeks to disrupt the way talent engages with fans by creating a direct relationship where content is presented based on a user’s selection of various interest groups as opposed to algorithms that prioritize the platform over the celebrity and fan. The startup seeks to create communities where talent can attract, interact, and transact with fans across a full spectrum of offerings.
Schertiger said: “The investment demonstrates the shift in direction and change in appetite for celebrities to have greater ownership over their brand and content, and in essence, to become their own publisher. It also demonstrates the belief that Jet Media Network has the right technology, strategy, and leadership in place to succeed.”
The Jet Media Network platform currently focuses on leading athletes but will expand its “world of icons” to include other celebrities, musicians, actors, gamers, influencers, public figures, and more. The company aims to be one of the world’s largest and most versatile digital publishers as a platform for global icons.