Raine Group Adds Richard Rosenblatt as Senior Advisor

NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raine Group, a global merchant bank focused exclusively on technology, media and telecommunications, today announced that Richard Rosenblatt has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. Rosenblatt brings over 15 years of deep technology and media industry experience to the firm. He will be based in Los Angeles and will work with the firm on digital media-related matters.

"We continue to see strong global opportunities in digital media and are excited to have Richard join our team as we continue to expand our activities in this sector," said Raine Group co-founder Joe Ravitch. "We are confident that Richard, with his strong track-record of creating and building Internet media companies, will make a strong contribution to Raine." 

Rosenblatt has been recognized as one of the most innovative and strategic entrepreneurs and executives in digital media, having successfully built, operated, took public and sold several high-growth and transformative digital media companies during his career. He was featured in Fortune's "The 50 Smartest People in Tech" and most recently, was Chairman and CEO of Demand Media, a leading digital media and domain services company that he co-founded in 2006.

"Richard is one of the most connected and visionary entrepreneurs in the digital media space," said Raine co-founder Jeff Sine. "He is widely recognized for his forward-looking approach and will bring valuable insights to our digital media initiatives." 

"Raine, with its unparalleled network of relationships and deep investment expertise, has emerged as a clear leader in digital media, entertainment and sports ventures," said Rosenblatt.  "I am thrilled to work with this exceptional firm as it continues to build on its success and execute its unique strategy."

Prior to Demand Media, Rosenblatt served as CEO of Intermix Media, Inc. and Chairman of Myspace.com, which he helped grow into one of the most popular social networking websites on the internet.  Prior to that, Rosenblatt founded iMall, one of the first Internet companies to harness the power of user-generated content by providing users with tools to develop their own e-commerce businesses.  He also served as Chairman of iCrossing a digital advertising firm that was acquired by Hearst in 2010.  Rosenblatt holds a BA from UCLA, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and a JD from USC Law School. He also co-lectures a class on new media at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by the USC Marshall School of Business in 2008.

The Raine Group invests and advises across the media landscape.  Some of the firms' principal investments include South Park creators' Important Studios, multimedia fitness leader Zumba Fitness, live event producer C3 Presents, action sports collective Nitro Circus and multimedia producer Vice Media.

About The Raine Group
The Raine Group is a global merchant bank focused exclusively on technology, media and telecommunications. Founded in 2009 by Joseph Ravitch and Jeffrey Sine, in partnership with WME Entertainment, Raine has in excess of $900 million in assets under management.  The firm has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Palo Alto and Beijing. With a global reach, Raine focuses on growth equity investments where its deep industry experience and unique network of strategic relationships, limited partners and advisory board members can create value for portfolio companies. For more information visit http://www.raine.com/

SOURCE The Raine Group