Vidooly acquires iCouchApp

Noida based video analytics startup, Vidooly has acquired over the top (OTT) content company iCouchApp, also from Noida, for an undisclosed amount. As part the deal, all the assets and intellectual property of iCouchApp, including its technology that powers mobile apps of TV giants like Zee TV and History TV18, will come into Vidooly fold.

The iCouchApp technology allows consumers to discover new videos, interact with TV shows and keep track of their favorite shows, at the same allowing media companies to create and maintain their own OTT app. iCouchApp was serving 1.5 Million monthly active users on its platform. The iCouchApp expertise in the OTT segment will allow Vidooly to provide actionable data across VOD (video on Demand) platforms and embrace the trend of mainstream TV going online.

Founded in November 2014, Vidooly had in June 2015 raised $1 Million from Silicon Valley based Bessemer Venture Partners. Vidooly has so far added over 5,000 individual YouTube channels and 15 multi-channel networks across the globe to its list of customers using its dashboard. Nearly 120,000 videos are uploaded every month through Vidooly network while its big data engine analysis over 500 million monthly video through its platform.

Zee Entertainment acquire Sarthak TV

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, a leading media and entertainment company, has acquired Odisha based Sarthak Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the owners of ‘Sarthak TV’, a general entertainment channel at a consideration of Rs 115 crore. With this acquisition, Zee strengthens its regional offering with the objective of growing rapidly in Odisha. 

Sarthak TV airs highly a mix of reality and non-fiction shows besides fiction programming. The other regional channels from the ZEEL bouquet are Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Bangla, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, and Zee Tamizh. Being the oldest and market leading network in India, ZEEL would provide the perfect platform for Sarthak to grow in future.

Mumbai based ZEE is one of the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programme, with extensive library housing more than 120,000 hours of original television content. Moreover, with rights to more than 3,500 more titles, ZEE houses the world largest Hindi movie library. Through its strong presence worldwide, ZEE reaches over more than 959 Million viewers across 169 countries.

The firm had consolidated revenues of Rs 1,339.9 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, recording a growth of 23 percent compared with the same quarter last year. Its net profit jumped to Rs 242.3 crore, up 15 percent from Rs 210 crore at the same time in the corresponding year.