Spanfeller Media Group Readies 'Daily Meal'

New details emerged Wednesday regarding Spanfeller Media Group -- the startup led by former Forbes.com CEO Jim Spanfeller -- and its first content site. Expected to debut on October 15, the food-focused site will be named The Daily Meal. Food and wine writer and food magazine editor Colman Andrews has been named editorial director of the site, while food travel writer Valaer Murray has been tapped as managing editor.

"We've cherry-picked the best talent in the field," said Spanfeller, who left Forbes over a year ago to start his own media venture.

Catering to foodies and food industry insiders, site content will include restaurant and chef reviews, information on wine and cocktails, seasonal ingredients, food travel recommendations, and home entertainment and cooking tips.

Last month, SMG said it raised an undisclosed amount of capital from investors led by SoftBank Capital NY, along with Greenhill SAVP, RRE Ventures, Lerer Media Ventures, and several unnamed angel investors. Unconfirmed media reportedly pegged the amount at about $2 million.

Part and parcel to the deal, SoftBank partner Mike Perlis was named as SMG chairman.

The Daily Meal is the first of many topic-specific vertical channels that SMG plans to launch.

"SMG's first foray into online publishing will satisfy a very apparent gap in the ever-expanding food media segment," Spanfeller said upon the investment on August.

"Our initial launch will realize the medium's full potential, and the substantial support we've received from investors to date affirms the launch's viability," Spanfeller added.

During his tenure, Spanfeller has overseen the development of Forbes Digital, which includes Forbes.com, ForbesTraveler.com, Investopedia.com, RealClearPolitics.com, RealClearMarkets.com, RealClearSports.com and Forbes Business and Finance Blog Network, which together reach 40 million unique visitors a month.

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