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Blue Wire

We help podcasters make more money

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Security Type
CAFES
Categories
Media, Service Businesses, Education
Min Investment
$100
Location
Beverly Hills, CA
Expected Close Date
April 29, 2024
Target Raise
$200.00K-$1.24M
Security Price
$1
Number of Employees
21
Cash
$1,655,741
Revenue
$9,197,313
Short Term Debt
$3,977,640
Cost of Goods
$7,274,902
Long Term Debt
$4,777,518
Net Income
$-4,926,024

Company Description

Blue Wire was founded and built around the concept that independent podcasts would be more successful as a network. Today, Blue Wire is a top 20 global podcast company, as measured by monthly unique audio downloads and number of contributing shows.

The company has made a platform for podcasters believing that independent podcasts would be more successful as a network. It boasts a State-of-the-Art content studio at the Wynn Las Vegas. The users of the platform include athletes and celebrities, full-time content creators, side hustlers, and part-time podcasters. The content is digitally consumed across the top podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Blue Wire has strong coverage in the top content verticals: NFL, NBA, NCAA, and Fantasy and gambling. Since 2020, the platform has less than 2% podcaster churn. The company sells social posts, podcast ads, and video ads. 

Blue Wire is a top 20 global podcast company, as measured by monthly unique audio downloads and a number of contributing shows. The company is on track for 130M annual downloads and profitability in 2024. Over the past two years, Blue Wire has grown by 68% in revenue and more than 100% in network size. In July of 2023, the Company entered into a joint sales and marketing agreement with a major broadcasting group. The broadcasting group expects to deliver a minimum revenue to the Company of $750k in 2023 and $1.25M in 2024. The company had revenue of $9.197M in 2022 against $5.12M in 2021. The gross margin for 2022 was 20.19% while the net loss stood at $4.9M. In 2023, over the period of June-August, revenue has averaged $611k/month, COGS has averaged $444k/month, and operational expenses have averaged $310k/month, for an average burn rate of $143k per month.

Key Deal Facts

300 podcasts; 130M annual downloads; 500 hosts and creators. State-of-the-art content studio at the Wynn Las Vegas. $12.6M investment raised to date. On track for projected $8.4M in revenue in 2023; Growing at a CAGR of 104% last 4 years. Developed and currently executing a clear strategic plan to reach profitability by 2024.

Use of Proceeds

The company plans to use the proceeds for key sales personnel, network growth and support, proprietary software development, working capital, and platform fees.

Management Team / Advisory Board Bios

The management is good.

Kevin Jones, Founder/CEO
Kevin bootstrapped Blue Wire with $17K of his own money in late 2018, eventually closing $12.6M in fundraising throughout 2019-22, while building an industry-leading team. He previously spent 10 years as a sports journalist in digital, radio, and TV. He currently works full-time with the company. 

Maggie Clifton, SVP Business Development
Maggie built Blue Wire's revenue operation to be a leader in the podcasting space. She oversees $20M in combined revenue from 2020-2023. She previously spent six years at leading sports agency Wasserman in brand partnerships.

Joseph Saviano, CFO
Joe joined Blue Wire in 2023 as its CFO. He has over 30 years of experience in financial management, with direct experience in the digital media and ad industry. He is also founder and managing partner of Dot Capital, a major shareholder of Blue Wire.

 

Valuation Notes

As of 31st December 2022, the company had been financed with $609.5k in debt, $5.04M in equity, $3.65M in convertibles, and $3.5M in SAFEs. Further, the company is seeking a venture lender for $500k to $1M in availability. The company is issuing SAFEs at a valuation cap of $25M. The valuation looks justifiable with current revenue and good traction.

Amount Raised : $237,090
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Security Description

A CAFES (Contract and Future Equity Stake) can convert into different types of equity upon a Triggering Event, such as: common or preferred stock for a corporation, limited partnership interest for a limited partnership and membership interest for a limited liability company. At the time of the Triggering Event, the specific rights and limitations associated with the equity stake being issued to the investors will be determined and disclosed by the Entrepreneur.

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