The news is out: TechCrunch has a new home. After being under the ownership of Yahoo, which is backed by Apollo Group, the brand is now under the wing of a new parent company, Regent. This dynamic private equity firm, founded by Michael Reinstein 12 years ago, boasts a diverse portfolio that spans across media, retail, and manufacturing. Reinstein, a charismatic individual with a passion for TechCrunch, has transitioned from being a startup founder to a private equity executive.
Although the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, one thing is certain: Regent has acquired an iconic brand. TechCrunch is more than just a tech news site; it is the most influential voice that chronicles innovation in Silicon Valley and beyond. Being featured in TechCrunch has long been a significant milestone for startups, but our mission goes beyond catering to industry insiders. We strive to provide everyone with a front-row seat to the future of technology, whether you are a founder, investor, or simply someone intrigued by the impact of tech on the world. We achieve this by reporting the news and then piecing together the bigger picture for our readers.
The best aspect of this deal is that it is structured to cause minimal disruption to TechCrunch’s operations. It can be likened to a software update rather than a complete overhaul. We will be relocating to new offices in San Francisco and New York, leased by Regent. While Yahoo is not completely severing ties, it will retain a small interest in the company. On a personal note, I would like to extend my gratitude to Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone, who has been an invaluable mentor and sounding board.
What truly matters is that the same team of expert journalists who have earned your trust will continue to deliver the most compelling stories from the tech world. Without a doubt, this is the strongest team we have ever had, and we have been fortunate to work with exceptional talent over the years.
Since its inception in 2005 by Michael Arrington and Keith Teare, TechCrunch has been at the heart of Silicon Valley. With the continued support of our readers and advertisers, we have covered every significant tech trend, industry dispute, and shake-up. And we are just getting started. Many of the founders and executives we have written about are now influencing policies in Washington, and we will be there to report on the developments.
Yahoo’s decision to sell TechCrunch stems from the fact that our core values are distinct from the rest of its portfolio. Unlike Yahoo Sports, Yahoo News, and Yahoo Finance, which excel in aggregation, TechCrunch has always focused on original reporting and news analysis. The timing of the sale is also opportune, as TechCrunch has defied the trend in the news industry by steadily growing its readership over the last year, despite challenges such as AI-generated summaries and Twitter’s evolution into X. Our secret to success lies in prioritizing our readers, providing unbiased news, and showcasing the human side of the tech world.
As our loyal followers know, this is not our first experience with new ownership (we still have memorabilia from AOL and Verizon). However, what mattered most in this transition was ensuring our team maintains the freedom and support to do what we do best. With Regent, we have achieved just that.
So, to Yahoo, we express our gratitude for standing by us during challenging times. And to Regent, we appreciate your enthusiasm for our work and are excited to embark on this new chapter with you. Let’s move forward together.
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