In the world of venture capital, a startup that hits a $1 billion valuation is known as a "unicorn." iSpot.tv is now poised to achieve that mythical status thanks to an upcoming $325 million investment from global investment giant Goldman Sachs.
“As we enter our second decade, the investment and support from Goldman Sachs will help fuel the next generation of innovations and accelerate our ability to be the trusted cross-screen currency of choice,” iSpot CEO Sean Muller said in the press release announcing the deal. "I couldn't be prouder of our 350 passionate iSpotters who bring it each and every day," he added in a companion LinkedIn post.
iSpot is on a roll. Last year, it acquired Joseph Gray’s DRMetrix and gained unique, real-time measurement capabilities. Last month, it became the first measurement company certified by NBCUniversal for use as "currency" in the purchasing of national advertising campaigns. WarnerMedia and IPG Mediabrands are also working with the firm on this front.
For these reasons, iSpot is widely viewed as a growing threat to competitor Nielsen, which has been the gold standard for TV ad measurement. That must be especially exciting for Muller, Gray and the rest of the iSpot team since Nielsen recently sold for 16 unicorns.
