Complex
Media has raised another $25 million in funding, the youth-focused media company announced on Monday. Led by Iconix Brand Group, this latest round will be used to expand a number of efforts, including
content, video and the publisher’s overall digital infrastructure.
The company also plans to launch an e-commerce platform, according to Rich Antoniello, CEO of Complex Media.
“We’re particularly focused on launching an e-commerce offering, and scaling our video production and distribution capabilities … with a goal of reaching one billion video
views in 2014,” Antoniello stated. “In addition, the funding will enable us to be more aggressive in making strategic acquisitions.”
Iconix Brand Group owns, licenses and
markets some 30 consumer brands, including Rocawear, Zoo York, Billionaire Boys Club, Ice Cream, Ecko Unlimited, Marc Ecko Cut & Sew, Starter and Umbro.
These brands represent an
estimated $3 billion in annual retail sales, which Iconix hopes to accelerate through its investment in Complex Media.
In July, Complex Media reported 90 million unique visitors, and 931
million pageviews -- with over 30% of traffic generated via social platforms. The company has also increased its staff by 40%, to more than 200 employees, in the past year.
As part of the
deal, Iconix CEO Neil Cole is joining Complex’s board. To date, Complex has raised roughly $40 million.