Joe Famalette

Dude Perfect raised $100M for global biz expansion. The deal is getting lots of buzz, but our team’s math signals challenges ahead. Let’s break it down… DEAL DETAILS • $100 - 300M growth capital investment • Led by Highmount Capital • Unclear if 100% invested upfront OR draw down of commitment over time • No previous capital raised USE OF FUNDS • Hire mgmt team to expand biz • More live experiences incl int’l tour, consumer products • Grow content formats, frequency, channels, global localization e.g. animation, TV, movies, streaming • Extend brand beyond 5 founders by building talent network • New HQ in Frisco, TX as prod facility and “family-friendly entertainment destination”: – Retail store, podcasts / gaming / fan UGC spaces, trick shot tower, DP museum, mini golf, restaurants – Original plans for 3-story, 30 acre facility est to cost $100M+, 2 yrs to build COMPANY OVERVIEW: Dude Perfect • Digital-native comedy and sports media brand • Faith-based mission: “We’re about giving back, spreading joy and glorifying Jesus Christ”  • Other YouTube franchises: “Stereotypes,” “Overtime”, “Bucket List”  • Media brand also incl books, mobile games, board games and toys, and merch / retail / food and beverage partnerships • 25 current team members PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS • 60M YouTube Followers, 17B views • Est 2024 revenue: $50M per DP • Est 2023 and 2022 revenue: $25M and $20M per WSJ  • Consumer product partnerships incl Nerf toy line, Columbia Sportswear • Partnered with A Parent Media co to launch a streaming service • ESPN “30 for 30” doc premiering at Dallas Int’l film festival • TV series on CMT in 2016, later aired on Nickelodeon • Alternate broadcasts for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football • 4 live nationwide tours as of 2023 ORIGIN STORY • Founded 2009 by 5 friends at Texas A&M • Cofounders = twins Coby Cotton and Cory Cotton, Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert • Started as YT channel featuring trick shot videos INVESTOR OVERVIEW: Highmount Capital • Growth stage and middle mkt PE fund for tech, media, healthcare • Founded in 2023 by jason illian and David Hawkins • 4 team members on website + advisor • 3 team members have faith-based ties per bios • No other investments listed on website other than DP My takeaway... I really like and support the trend of increased investment into YouTubers and digital-native media brands. But as I wrote about in my 2024 State of Creator x Media capital markets reports (will link them below), investment must match market and opportunity size. To ensure good ROI, and to set good precedent for future investment into our space. The DP bet is exciting, but could be overly optimistic based on our prelim math. My colleague Michael Booth's post breaks the math down (link below). More analysis to come in my Friday newsletter. —- I’m the founder of RockWater Industries. We do m&a and strategy advisory for media, agencies, and creator economy. My dm’s are open. #media #agency #creatoreconomy

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Is Paramount's Tech Transformation Just a Pipe Dream? In the ever-evolving landscape of media, David Ellison’s announcement about transforming Paramount into a tech powerhouse stirred quite the conversation. Including by me: https://lnkd.in/eBsi2xbi But as we dive deeper, several challenges emerge, casting shadows of doubt over this ambitious pivot. #1. Financial Feasibility With Paramount grappling with substantial debt and pressing financial obligations, notably hefty NFL payments, the costs of attracting top tech talent become a significant concern. Can Paramount realistically afford this tech overhaul amidst economic uncertainties and a struggling stock? The talent war isn't won on ambitions alone, especially when competitors like Google offer more stable havens. #2. Creator vs. Coder Paramount’s tech ambition, while necessary, seems at odds with maintaining the creator-friendly environment Ellison dually promised. In an era when interest rates have climbed, balancing tech innovation with creative freedom is a tightrope walk. Remember, even Netflix, once a haven for creators with its blank checks during #ZIRP, is tightening its purse strings. How can Paramount navigate these waters without the cushion of a tech giant's capital or rising stock prices? 3. Building vs. Buying Tech Infrastructure David Ellison’s plan for Paramount involves a substantial commitment to developing in-house tech capabilities, focusing on cloud services, AI, user interfaces, recommendation algorithms, and ad-serving technologies. This approach aims to differentiate Paramount from competitors and enhance user experience. However, the tech sector’s history suggests leveraging established third-party platforms could be more cost-effective and reliable. Giants like Disney have successfully integrated platforms like BamTech, while HBO initially utilized external technology before transitioning. AMC Networks similarly relies on Brightcove for streaming technologies. The pivotal question for Ellison is whether the potential benefits of custom-built solutions justify the investment and risk, especially when patching together proven third-party solutions might yield quicker and more economical results. #InEssence... These challenges are monumental, yet not insurmountable. As we watch Paramount’s narrative unfold, one thing is clear: transitioning into a tech entity is more than just a strategic pivot—it’s a gamble on the future of entertainment itself. Thoughts? #Paramount #StreamingWars #MediaTech

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🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT on Zero Limits Podcast! 🚀 EP 3 is live and it's packed with strategies for any scrappy underdog startup to outsmart the goliaths. https://lnkd.in/g4j-gCc5 “Think big, start small, and scale fast”. It’s a simple formula with endless complexities of execution for any startup founder wanting to disrupt an entire industry. Join me and Melinda Wittstock, Founder and CEO Podopolo and Associate Partner at Zero Limits Capital,  as we share how to disrupt whole industries by tapping into hidden markets and pioneering profitable niches. 🔗Listen and subscribe here or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔑Key Takeaways   🏗️ David vs. Goliath Strategies: Ever wondered how to stand tall when competing with the big guns in your industry? We've cracked the code on why giants might leave certain strategies untouched and how you, as a nimble disruptor, can swoop in to seize those opportunities. 🎯 Measuring for Mastery: Unearth the secret sauce behind monitoring and measuring key performance indicators that can skyrocket your business growth. The mantra is simple – if you can't measure it, you can't improve it. 📈 Tailor, Transform, Triumph: Discover how a shift in targeting and understanding your market size can lead to a whopping 1000% value gain. M&A maestro, investment banker and entrepreneur Steve Little shares a real-life case where identifying underserved markets and pivoting to a SaaS model brought about a revolution for a small banking software firm.   ➡️ If you're itching to unlock the potential of your venture and leave the competition in the dust, this episode is your blueprint for explosive growth. Listen now and catapult your business beyond limits! #ZeroLimitsPodcast #BusinessGrowthSecrets #EntrepreneurshipUnleashed #MarketDisruption #BusinessGrowthStrategies #ZeroLimitsVentures   Plus, a couple of important tips: - 🔑 **Know Your Market Size**: Misjudging your market can be fatal for startups. Understanding market dynamics is crucial to sustainability and scalability. - 🔑 **Educate with Intent**: Need to introduce a groundbreaking product or service? Aim for less consumer education and more pre-existing pain points with clearer market demand. - 🔑 **Adaptability is King**: As your business evolves, so should your strategies. Focus on profitability and traction at the right phase to ensure you're not just surviving, but thriving. 🔊 Tune in now to Zero Limits Business Growth Secrets #podcast for the full lowdown and transform these value growth insights into action and watch your business soar! https://lnkd.in/gr9KFGrh  #ZeroLimitsPodcast #BusinessGrowth #StartupStrategy #Entrepreneurship

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"Utah's abundance (versus zero-sum) mentality is what makes it the best state for startups - we want to see each other succeed." Thanks for the wise words and for representing Donkey Chats, Governor Spencer Cox! If you're an startup in Utah County and you are not part of iHub, you are already behind. Amazing speakers, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs all helping you to succeed (not to mention office space and amenities). You would think I get a commission for promoting iHub, but I just want to grow Utah together! #ihubutah #siliconslopes #entrepreneurs #startup #ai #relationshiptech

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Why Buying Your First Business is the hardest & Financing The Fear is Being seen as too risky by lenders and investors. The Solution: Prepare a solid business plan with detailed financial projections. Work with a financial advisor to enhance your credibility. Consider alternative financing options like SBA loans or seller financing.

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