Heavyweight backing for new VR firm

Viral Spiral founder Damian Collier has received backing from a host of prominent media executives for his new venture, VR firm Blend Media.

LADBible Group co-founder and CEO Alex Solomou; Maker Studios co-founder and former president Ben Donovan; and ITN Productions managing director Mark Browning are among the investors in the 360° video and VR content platform.

Collier, who sold his video management consultancy Viral Spiral to Rightster in 2014, is joined in his new venture by co-founder and COO, Chris Helm – a rights management expert and former finance director of Sony Music and EMI Music Publishing.

“Until now there has been no organised marketplace for brands, agencies, studios and publishers who are looking to produce new, or license existing, premium quality 360° video or virtual reality content, or seeking creators who are skilled in the complex production and post-production techniques,” said Collier.

“We’re launching Blend Media at a time when immersive content has moved into the mainstream following its implementation by the key social networks.”

Other investors in Blend Media include: David Beck, COO, of PR firm Bell Pottinger; Paul Cooper, partner of M&A advisor Clarity; and Chris Waters, commercial director of ad agency BBH.

Ben Donovan joins Blend Media’s strategic advisory board and will serve alongside the head of Channel 4’s commercial growth fund, Vinay Solanki.