David Beck, Jesse Redniss and Gary Vaynerchuk Launch BRaVe Ventures to Lead the Next Digital Evolution

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The rapid pace of change surrounding the digital entertainment sector has made it nearly impossible for executives to stay ahead of the most recent technology innovations and adjusting consumer behaviors. To meet this growing need, three leaders in digital technology, media marketing and investing today announced they are joining forces to launch a new company – BRaVe Ventures. David Beck (former SVP/GM of Social Media at Univision and Bain & Company executive), Jesse Redniss (former SVP of Digital, USA Network) and Gary Vaynerchuk (CEO, Vayner Media) have formed BRaVe to drive the next wave of innovation and propel companies to leadership positions in this volatile and dynamic ecosystem.

"Limitless access and options to connect to content have created the most significant shift since the invention of the television. The entertainment industry is challenged with how to engage consumers at this critical tipping point," said Gary Vaynerchuk, co-founder of BRaVe Ventures and CEO of Vayner Media. "Jesse [Redniss] and David [Beck] are two executives who were part of a rare 'first-movers club,' setting the competitive bar in this digital evolution. Their ability to cut through the clutter, see clear strategies and create compelling programs put their respective companies into indisputable leadership standings. By joining forces, we've formed the perfect team and model to help executives, networks and brands get past these challenges in such a dynamic and confusing space."

At launch, the company is already working with major media brands and established start-ups to advise and accelerate strategic planning, vision and product road mapping as well as monetization. BRaVe's incubate and invest model is also underway with several early stage companies poised to be catalysts for the next wave of innovation. Early clients, start-ups and partners include one of the major Broadcast TV Networks, Mashwork/Canvs.TV, Watchwith, Spredfast, Clasp.TV, ListenFirst Media, Contend, Vayner Media and GLOW.

"To be successful in today's media ecosystem, companies must be 'brave' – setting the competitive tone by leading and trendsetting in a strategic manner," said Jesse Redniss, co-founder of BRaVe Ventures. "We're solving a specific need that is clearly missing in this quickly evolving industry. We want clients to understand that it's not only about having the best technology and most creative program; it's also putting all the pieces together with a seasoned team who can guide the process from planning to execution."

BRaVe Ventures not only strategically addresses highly-topical and often controversial subjects like Social TV, second screen, multi-screen, screen unification and interactive storyworld creation, but also provides a clear perspective on core program elements such as product vision, monetization and executive-level planning.

"There's no shortage of innovative ideas, but it's the company's ability to translate those innovations into core business results that sets the leaders apart," said David Beck, co-founder of BRaVe Ventures. "Being on the frontlines, we've watched companies be reactive to the market, invest huge amounts of money and countless hours on headline grabbing technologies only to see them fail. There isn't an executive out there who wouldn't want to achieve their goals faster, more efficiently and be able to tackle more than they would otherwise be able to alone. Our job is to accelerate their success, working with them to define or refine their vision, strategy, operating plan and messaging."

As part of its investment and incubation strategy, BRaVe Ventures will work with technology start-ups that have an opportunity to transform the ecosystem. These companies are being handpicked as future technology juggernauts that could potentially lead the next shift in analytics and measurement, screen unification, social aggregation, content development and more.

About the Team Leaders/Co-founders:
David Beck is a true change agent. His background spans strategy consulting (Bain & Company) working with Fortune 100 companies and private equity firms to designing, building and managing an award-winning enterprise social media organization within media leader Univision that led to his being named Social Marketer of the Year in 2014.

Jesse Redniss is an Emmy-nominated and Shorty Award-winning storyteller who has become the leading voice in defining and reinventing the future of TV. He is the visionary who turned USA Network into the no. 1 cable network in digital entertainment, driving industry firsts in screen unification and social TV executions.

Gary Vaynerchuk is known as a passionate entrepreneur, author and disruptor. Gary redefined digital marketing through Vayner Media and its short form content approach.  

About BRaVe Ventures:
BRaVe Ventures works across the entertainment, technology and marketing ecosystems to advise, accelerate, invest and incubate business opportunities. This is achieved by providing a combination of executive-level advisory with operational road mapping to accelerate the entire path from vision planning and strategy development to execution. For more information please visit www.braveventures.com and follow on Twitter at @WeAreBrave.

SOURCE BRaVe Ventures