Denver - CO United States
The big idea: In 25 words or less, please tell us how this Fast 50 Nominee is helping to address the planet's problems.
Buzzwire is a mobile media service that makes it easy for users to find, personalize and share streaming audio and video from their mobile phones.
Please describe how this nominee is using business as a force of positive change. What technology, idea, or strategy is the nominee using -- and what problem, such as global warming, poverty, or pollution, does it address? (suggested length: 100 words)
With the explosion of mobile entertainment options – from Internet TV to podcasts, live radio and more, there is a need to organize this content in a format that makes it easy for people to find and consume. Buzzwire’s solution brings together the best of the web so users can choose the content that is most interesting to them and have it delivered to their mobile phones in real time. Buzzwire's new approach gives users the power to easily discover and manage the content that’s important to them – especially Internet TV—and share this tailored media with friends and family while on-the-go.
Importantly, Buzzwire also opens up new revenue streams for carriers through increased data usage. To date, mobile video has primarily been proof-of-concept for carriers, and the market is still in its infancy. The market is ready for mobile video 2.0, but carriers need content, and they need to engage with younger consumers who demand personalization and who are going to drive usage and. Buzzwire solves this problem by aggregating content, developing compelling partnerships and delivering a content platform that supports a variety of business models.
For content developers, many have tried to break into mobile and have been disappointed. But they all know that mobile phones are the most personal, 24/7 channel they could ever hope to have, and they need to have a presence for their properties and brands. Through Buzzwire, these content providers have broad distribution through multiple carriers at the same time, combined with the ability to create a customized presence.
What are the results, both financial and social? How has the nominee's business performed, and what impact has it had on the problem it addresses? (suggested length: 100 words)
Backed by some of the nation’s top venture capital firms, including Matrix Partners, Spark Capital, and Sequel Venture Partners, Buzzwire came out of beta this spring with three US carrier deals and partnerships with leading content providers such as NextNewNetworks and 5 min.com. The company’s subscription base continues to grow and is positioned to increase momentum in the coming months with the addition of new content partners and expanded plans with both US and European-based carriers.
