NTWRK is a new content, commerce and experience company that’s centered around a multi-faceted strategy, cross-pollinating passionate fan-bases and connecting with consumers through a mobile-first platform.
NTWRK will feature original daily content focused on eCommerce hosted by celebrities, musicians, and notable figures in pop culture. These exclusive products will be in partnership with entertainment studios, IP holders, and brands. A secondary wing will be dedicated to experiences including large scale activations in the form of pop-up theme parks.
NTWRK has closed its first financing round led by Warner Bros. Digital Networks and MSA Enterprises, a fund managed by Main Street Advisors whose investors include Jimmy Iovine, Tom Werner, LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Craig Hunegs, President, Warner Bros. Digital Networks and President, Business and Strategy, Warner Bros. Television Group, said: “We believe in the concept and are excited to support this tremendously compelling strategy to engage, enthuse and excite consumers about pop culture content and brands. The company has assembled a talented leadership team, and, along with this well-respected investor group, we look forward to being a part of it.”
Iovine added, “This is a great team with a great concept serving a market that is clearly underserved, I am very excited to be a part of this.”
The team has tapped Aaron Levant, former SVP of the leading events organizer Reed Exhibitions, as CEO. While at Reed, Levant launched ComplexCon and prior to Reed founded Agenda. Levant comes with 18 years’ experience across fashion, retail, events and media.
Shanon Kelley joins as CRO. Before NTWRK, Kelley spent 9 years at VICE Media where she was VP of Experiential, and also launched VICE’s female-focused channel Broadly. She comes with 15 years’ experience in sales, business development, and youth media.
Also joining NTWRK will be Gaston D-Letelier as VP of Licensing, and Jamie Iovine as VP of Talent Relations, executives who together have more than 35 years’ of experience rooted in the fan-based collectibles and merchandising industry and who will also be involved in content creation for NTWRK.
“I see a huge opportunity in the market that will bridge the gap between content, commerce and experience and successfully bring it under one roof,” says Levant. “By combining the knowledge of our partners and advisors, NTWRK intends to break the mold and pave a new path for the industry.”
NTWRK is slated to officially launch later this year.
