Corus leads $11m funding round in women’s MCN

Canada’s Corus Entertainment has lead a C$12 million (US$11 million) funding round in digital media firm KIN, which owns a leading female-focused multichannel network.

The Canuck pay TV giant was joined on the Series C funding round by Emil Capital and existing investors Mayfield Fund, General Catalyst Partners and Rustic Canyon Partners.

Furthermore, Corus and KIN are partnering to launch KIN Canada, which will see KIN’s sales team work with Corus execs to create content for brands.

KIN owns KIN Community, which bills itself as “the number one female-focused lifestyle network on YouTube”. Its key shows include The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

“This new round of funding will further accelerate our vision to be the global leader in lifestyle by empowering the best lifestyle creators,” said Michael Wayne, co-founder and CEO of KIN.

“We’re thrilled that Corus recognises the unique value KIN Community brings creators, brands and consumers as a lifestyle platform, and we are looking forward to working with them as a partner.”

“Our investment and strategic partnership with KIN allows us to leverage the combined reach of our complementary brands as well as jointly develop and utilise compelling, short-form premium-branded content,” said Doug Murphy, executive VP and COO, Corus.

“Corus is an established leader in the women’s space and by partnering with KIN’s top-tier influencers and talent-driven channels we are able to connect with women wherever they are consuming their entertainment.”

Corus operates premium channels including popular women’s net W Network.