Toronto-based Keek has taken their social video platform global in a very short time since their launch back in the fall of 2011. The startup has just closed their third round of financing with $18 million from AGF Investments Inc., Pinetree Capital Ltd and Plazacorp Ventures leading the round, and participation from Cranson Capital. To date this makes $30 million in runds raised by Keek, in October 2011 they raised $5.5 million, and then $7 million in September 2012.
“The word keek means a short look, a glimpse, a peek and Keek indeed opens a window into other cultures, customs and lifestyles, making the world more accessible in a way only video can,” states Isaac Raichyk, Founder and CEO of Keek Inc. “Twitter convinced the world to embrace a micro-blogging format and Instagram demonstrated that a photo sharing social network could thrive. With 200,000 new users joining daily and millions of user-generated videos posted monthly, Keek is doing the same for social video.”
Although based in Canada, the company has focused its growth in other countries such as the Australia US, UK, and has seen the most growth in Europe, the Middle East and South America.
“Beyond best-in-class technology, consistent stellar growth and great user experience, the thing that impresses me most is the quality of the team and its ability to execute,” states Sheldon Inwentash, Chairman and CEO of Pinetree Capital Ltd. “Keek has emerged as the leading social video network and is well positioned to translate that into significant revenue streams.”
Keek has been fortunate to leverage a number of celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Adam Lambert, 2 Chainz, and Khloe Kardashian who each generate thousands of followers on the social platform.