Internet of Things Pioneer Launches Investment Company to Grow Startups and Accelerate Innovation

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NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Moonscape Ventures, a $120 million investment company focused on startups in the Internet of Things and related technologies, was launched today by global entrepreneur Mati Kochavi, whose existing  network of companies include smart city and IoT solutions provider AGT International. Moonscape Ventures also announced its first investment of $3.1 million in startup SocialStudios, whose technology uses social media data and automatically creates and curates personalized video content.

Moonscape Ventures will continue to make early stage investments in new and innovative technologies in a wide variety of sectors related to the Internet of Things, including smart cities, big data and news and media technologies. First round investments will range from $500,000-$5 million.

"As a part of our commitment to providing cutting edge technology solutions, we are proud to announce the launch of Moonscape Ventures. Companies in the Moonscape portfolio will benefit from our deep experience, global network and partnership opportunities," Kochavi said. "By leveraging our unique access and experience, startups will be well poised to transform their innovative ideas into disruptive technologies."

The addition of Moonscape Ventures to Kochavi's existing group of companies further strengthens the portfolio's commitment to cutting-edge fields that make the world a more connected and efficient place. Kochavi's network of companies has always been committed to providing customers with the best of class and most advanced systems and Moonscape Ventures is a critical step towards maintaining that market position.

For instance, AGT International, a global leader in city solutions, is dramatically changing the way cities are managed by leveraging the power of IoT in its next generation smart solutions and through partnerships such as its Smart City Global Alliance with Cisco. Kochavi also recently launched Vocativ, the news organization that uses advanced technology to mine the web for stories, trends and issues that are missed by conventional search engines.

Vocativ will be the first company to use SocialStudios' technology to build a personalized video platform enabling its users to view content highly tailored to their interests and those of their close circles. Now in beta, SocialStudios will be incorporated in the Vocativ offering this fall.

"SocialStudios creates highly personalized video content and we're excited to partner with Vocativ to bring our technology to millions of people throughout the world," said Moshi Delgo, founder of SocialStudios. "We're proud to join Moonscape's portfolio as its first investment.  The team is dedicated, knowledgeable and through them, we've had access to exciting opportunities that position us to grow quickly."

Moonscape Ventures will be led by two executives with vast experience in technology business development. The first is Tammy Mahn, a leading investment professional with more than a dozen years of experience at global firms Hamilton Lane, Pitango Venture Capital, Evergreen Venture Capital and McKinsey Consulting.

Mahn will co-lead Moonscape Ventures with Yonit Golub Serkin, who served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development for the City of New York during Michael Bloomberg's Administration. There she worked to develop and implement policies to attract entrepreneurs, build the city's angel fund and grow Silicon Alley.

"Great ideas and access to capital are necessary to turn startups into global companies, but they're not sufficient. To succeed, you need a winning team," Mahn said.  "Moonscape Ventures will work with our portfolio companies to build the best team possible and leverage sector experts and international access to accelerate growth.  Our company is founded on a long history of innovation and success and we're pleased to offer that legacy to startups."

Kochavi has long been dedicated to cultivating fellow entrepreneurs and their visions on how to make the world better by leveraging the most innovative technologies of the future. Companies that work with Moonscape will have the opportunity to partner with Kochavi's companies and work with existing customers and projects around the world.  Moreover, Moonscape will leverage access to engineers, scientists and technology across Kochavi's extensive network and strategic partners to grow portfolio companies. 

About Moonscape Ventures
Moonscape Ventures is the corporate development and investment company founded by entrepreneur Mati Kochavi to support growth and launch startups in the Internet of Things, smart cities, big data, and news and media sectors.  Moonscape Ventures portfolio investments benefit from close cooperation with Kochavi's existing network of companies including IoT solutions leader AGT International and Vocativ, an innovative media company based on groundbreaking 'deep web' technologies.  Moonscape is a $120 million company, led by Tammy Mahn, investing in early stage companies throughout the world.

About SocialStudios
SocialStudios brings the unparalleled visual impact of television to web content. SocialStudios' proprietary software platform, which combines algorithmic strength and crowdsourcing functionality, allows publishers to transform original web content into engaging, promotional videos viewable on all devices. These videos enrich their source web pages and extend the reach and brand of publishers via promotional placement on social and video networks.

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SOURCE Moonscape Ventures