GIPHY, the company that is probably the source of all those cool GIFs you have been posting all over the internet, just closed a Series C funding round in the amount of $55 million. This places the post-money valuation at a solid $300 million. GIPHY states it has grown over 500% during the last year. You may recall that it was not that long ago that GIPHY was raising capital on equity crowdfunding platform Quire (previously under the label of Alphaworks).
In the spring of 2014, GIPHY raised $100,000 in preferred equity, using a Reg D 506(c) offer which was immediately funded. Pre-money valuation was set at $13 million with $2.4 million previously committed.
In January of 2015, GIPHY raised $17 million in a Series B funding round and a post-money valuation of $80 million. Once again, Quire / Alphaworks offered a slice to the (accredited) masses. As we quickly learned, investors blitzed Quire to fund the 2-year-old company.
Today early investors are probably rather happy with their decision to shoulder the risk and purchase equity in the GIF making firm;
“In just over a year, we’ve grown over 500%. We’ve partnered with leading social networks, messengers, and apps to let the world talk in GIFs. We’ve partnered with the leading studios in Hollywood, TV networks, music labels, production companies, sports leagues and thousands of other content partners to create GIFs. Our GIF making tools are used by some of the biggest publishers on the internet and the most creative people in the world. And, our apps help everyone find, share, discover, and create the perfect GIF.”
“This year, we’re bringing GIFs to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to announce a raise of $55 million in Series C funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from General Catalyst Partners, RRE, Betaworks, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, CAA and other existing investors.”
GIPHY is a Betaworks alumni, hence the affiliation with Quire. TechCrunch notes the startup is not yet monetizing its audience yet, but that appears to be just around the corner.
As for Quire, they expect to enter the Title III, Reg CF space – so keep an eye on that platform. Especially if the GIPHY listing foreshadows future offers.
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