COLOGNE, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DMEXCO -- Refinery29, the leading digital lifestyle media company for a millennial-minded audience, today announced its initial plans for global expansion. The company will launch with a dedicated U.K. platform in mid-November, followed by France and Germany in early 2016 with additional markets to follow.
Refinery29 has amassed a loyal following of over 25 million through its mission to inspire and empower women with content across a range of topics from style to health to news. The company is expanding its footprint beyond the U.S. to better meet the growing demands from its global audiences and further engage independent-minded communities in international markets.
The U.K. currently serves as Refinery29’s second biggest market. The company’s European operations will be headquartered in East London with a team of 15 and an additional team in Berlin. By scaling internationally, Refinery29 will be able to better cater to its audiences around the world by delivering impactful local content and amplifying the brand through a trusted network of international voices.
“Expanding globally marks an important milestone for Refinery29,” said Philippe von Borries, co-founder and co-CEO of Refinery29. “We are deeply committed to our global mission of inspiring women from around the world with engaging content that challenges convention and helps impact cultural change across a broad range of important topics. Right now there is a unique opportunity for digital first media companies, where international market share can be rapidly acquired by leveraging existing audiences and the vast spectrum of global distribution channels. Refinery29 will take hold of this moment by scaling our platform and delivering impactful and compelling content and experiences.”
“To lead our global expansion and help propel our vision forward, we are welcoming Kate Ward to the team, serving as Vice President of International for Refinery29. We were impressed with her vast knowledge of global content production and distribution as well as her profound understanding of the Refinery29 audience,” he continued.
“As a digital media leader, Refinery29 has not only disrupted the industry at large but serves and represents millennial-minded women around the world,” said Kate Ward, Vice President of International at Refinery29, formerly Head of Commercial and Strategy at Shine TV, part of the Endemol Shine Group. “I look forward to working with this dynamic team to implement a global strategy that further enhances how our audience engages and connects with our brand and each other from New York to London to Berlin and beyond.”
Refinery29’s distinct brand spanning video, social, mobile, web and events has already created a global community, making an international launch a natural progression for the business as it continues to grow. Refinery29 will connect audiences through content curated from Refinery29 U.S. in addition to providing locally produced editorial, video, experiential, social and branded programming. By building its global media network, audiences in the U.S. will also benefit with access to more innovative and authentic content from around the world.
This year, Refinery29 raised $50 million in new funding from Scripps Networks Interactive and WPP Ventures. The company also debuted its first NewFronts presentation announcing 29 original series; launched “Here and Now,” a curated talent collective bringing together top and emerging social voices; and celebrated its tenth anniversary with “29Rooms,” a three day event that brought its digital content to life at an interactive warehouse installation in Brooklyn. With double digit growth each of the last three consecutive years, the company’s focus on building and strengthening its business internationally will continue to solidify its position as the leading global digital media brand for a millennial-minded audience.
About Refinery29
Refinery29 is the leading digital lifestyle media company for an independent-minded audience of over 25 million monthly unique visitors. Through exclusive lifestyle stories, original video programming, and social, shareable content across all platforms, Refinery29 provides its audience with the inspiration and tools to discover and pursue a more independent, stylish, and informed life. Please visit www.refinery29.com to for more information and to browse content.
