Yesterday we said they are on the grow and today’s news is more evidence of the proof they are onto something big. Toronto-based 500px has announced it has closed $8.8 million in Series A funding from Andreessen Horowitz and Harrison Metal. The other investors include Creative Artists Agency, Rugged Ventures, Dustin Plett and ff Venture Capital.
They have more than doubled their page views over the last year, and have now amassed a community of 2.5 million users. The investment will be used to accelerate its already growth, enhance its current products and offer the worldwide photo community new and innovative products and services to help photographers showcase, share, organize and monetize their photos. The company will also be opening a new office in the Bay Area and will be working with their investors to hire the best and brightest developers, designers and brand managers to round out its talented team. All opportunities will be posted on the 500px jobs page.
“500px is all about building and empowering a passionate community of photographers and creating an amazing platform for them to display, share and sell their work,” says Jeff Jordan, partner at Andreessen Horowitz. “In doing so, they’ve created one of the most beautiful online sites in the world and one that’s enjoying eye-opening user growth and engagement. We’re happy to be part of the team and look forward to supporting their efforts to build 500px into one of the world’s leading photography brands.”
Michael Dearing, Founder of Harrison Metal will be joining the 500px board as a Director in addition to the current board members: Oleg Gutsol, Evgeny Tchebotarev, COO, 500px and John Frankel, partner, ff Venture Capital.