My Damn Channel closes on $4.4 million in financing

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My Damn Channel (www.mydamnchannel.com), an entertainment studio and distributor of premium, original programming, has closed $4.4 million in Series B financing led by Intuitive Venture Partners, with additional funding from the company’s Series A investors including Okapi Venture Capital and Sunshine Wireless Company. 


My Damn Channel is run by its Founder/CEO, Rob Barnett and by Co-Founder/COO, Warren Chao. Barnett is a former programming and production executive at MTV, VH1 and CBS. Chao’s experience includes legal, financial and business development positions at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Intel Capital and TV Guide. The company has operations in New York and Los Angeles.

My Damn Channel spokesperson, Gary Krantz of Krantz Media Group, tells RBR-TVBR the company is quickly moving in to the radio space with a recent deal with WRXP-FM NY’s (Emmis) Matt Pinfield to produce a 25 episode online video web series dubbed “My Record Collection.” The goal for radio is to drive listeners to station websites with video content that involves the stations’ talent — and then bring in advertisers that will support and integrate with that content for ROI.

Since 2007, My Damn Channel has built a scalable business model to monetize original, premium content on all digital platforms. Multiple revenue streams include display advertising; branded entertainment programming, production, and distribution; and licensing across all digital platforms.

The company will soon announce details to offer premium paid programming in the fourth quarter of this year. With new funding secured, the company is adding sales and business development personnel. In recent months, My Damn Channel has measurably increased its volume of branded entertainment projects with sponsored series including Easy to Assemble and Spärhusen (IKEA), Childrens Hospital (Adult Swim), The Webventures of Justin & Alden (Trident Layers), Grace Crashers (Southern Comfort), and Off Track with Tony Stewart (Armor All). Most recently, My Damn Channel created custom content for Paramount Pictures to promote Dinner for Schmucks.

My Damn Channel has produced, distributed and licensed thousands of original videos for brands, filmmakers, actors, musicians and comedians. The company’s original series feature artists who bring sizable audiences to the My Damn Channel site and to its distribution partners and sponsors. Harry Shearer, David Wain, Don Was, Illeana Douglas, Keanu Reeves, Coolio, Will Forte, Kristin Wiig, Felicia Day, Jon Bon Jovi, Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill, Sam Seder, David Cross and Sarah Silverman are some of the creators and stars behind award-winning, hit series including Wainy Days, Easy to Assemble, Spärhusen, Horrible People, Celebrity Autobiography, Pilot Season, and the cult phenomenon You Suck at Photoshop. Last week, to mark its third birthday, the company added 10 new channels of comedy, drama and music programming.

My Damn Channel empowers comedians, actors, filmmakers, musicians and brands to co-produce, distribute and monetize original video. Artists create content for the My Damn Channel website and for syndication on all digital platforms. My Damn Channel creates premium, branded entertainment and guarantees audience delivery for partners like HBO, Puma, Trident Layers, Southern Comfort, IKEA, and Lincoln.