Top Fast-Growing Content Startups to Watch [2023]

Have you ever wondered who is on the list of Content Companies with the highest growth rates?

You’re not alone.

There are hundreds of Content Companies found there, and keeping track of the hottest new startups can be challenging.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 51 fast-growing Content Startups that have top-tier venture capital funding.

What are Content Startups?

Content startups are companies that provide content services in some form, such as writing, editing, and publishing content. They typically focus on creating content for digital platforms, such as websites, blogs, and social media. 

Content startups typically have a focus on content marketing and often have an online presence, such as a website or blog. They may also offer content services in other areas, such as video and audio production, design, and photography.

Top 51 Fastest-Growing Startups In Content

1) Reddit

Reddit is a social media network that allows users to share links, produce content, and participate in discussions about topics that interest them.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2005
• Founders: Alexis Ohanian, Steve Huffman
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $919,049,748
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 28

You can find their website here.

2) Hulu

Hulu is an online video service that streams a variety of popular episodes, snippets, movies, and documentaries.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Los Angeles
• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Elizabeth Comstock, Jason Kilar
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $683,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

3) Primer

Primer is a text analytics company that creates software that automates the study of textual data.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Sean Gourley
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $168,049,995
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 17

You can find their website here.

4) Contentstack

Contentstack is a company that creates a cloud-based content management solution for multichannel content.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Matthew Baier, Neha Sampat, Nishant Patel
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $89,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

5) Automattic

Automattic creates publishing platforms such as WordPress.com and the VIP WordPress.com cloud edition.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2005
• Founders: Matt Mullenweg
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $697,900,000
• Number of funding rounds: 10
• Number of investors: 22

You can find their website here.

6) Sitecore

Sitecore is a customer experience management firm that offers web content management and multichannel marketing automation software.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2001
• Founders: Ahmed Rubaie, Kasper Kjaerbye Larsen, Lars Nielsen, Michael Seifert
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $1,200,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

7) Substack

Substack is a platform allowing freelance writers to create newsletters based on subscriptions.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Christopher Best, Hamish McKenzie, Jairaj Sethi
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $82,420,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 15

You can find their website here.

8) OZY Media

OZY Media is a premium media and entertainment company that covers TV, events, podcasts, and news for curious individuals.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Mountain View
• Started in: 2012
• Founders: Carlos Watson, Louise Rogers, Samir Rao
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $70,300,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 15

You can find their website here.

9) Numbers Protocol

Numbers Protocol is a software firm that offers a data traceability solution that ensures data integrity and history.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Taiwan
• City: Taipei
• Started in: 2019
• Founders: Bofu Chen, Sofia Yan, Tammy Yang
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $1,420,000
• Number of funding rounds: 10
• Number of investors: 9

You can find their website here.

10) ByteDance

ByteDance is an Internet technology firm that explores an universe of innovative content platforms.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Shanghai
• Started in: 2012
• Founders: Yiming Zhang
• Number of employees: 10001+
• Funding amount: $9,405,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 12
• Number of investors: 29

You can find their website here.

11) Contentful

Contentful is a headless content management system that enables businesses to distribute information across many media.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Berlin
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Paolo Negri, Sascha Konietzke
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $159,600,000
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

12) Pantheon

Pantheon is a WebOps platform that helps marketers, designers, and developers get the most out of their WordPress and Drupal sites.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2010
• Founders: David Timothy Strauss, Josh Koenig, Matt Cheney, Zachary Rosen
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $100,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 14

You can find their website here.

13) Wattpad

Wattpad is a digital entertainment business that creates unique tales on an online social storytelling platform.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Canada
• City: Toronto
• Started in: 2006
• Founders: Allen Lau, Ivan Yuen
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $117,800,000
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 20

You can find their website here.

14) Yotpo

Yotpo is an eCommerce marketing platform that aids in the growth of direct-to-consumer businesses.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: New York
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Omri Cohen, Tomer Tagrin
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $406,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 10
• Number of investors: 21

You can find their website here.

15) Prismic

With an API, CDN, and a Writing Room, you can create a headless CMS.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Guillaume Bort, Sadek Drobi
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $20,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 1
• Number of investors: 2

You can find their website here.

16) Hipcamp

Hipcamp allows users to gain access to private land for camping and other outdoor activities.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: San Francisco
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Alyssa Ravasio, Eric Bach
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $97,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 18

You can find their website here.

17) Enjin

Enjin® is the largest social gaming website platform that uses Blockchain Technology to provide genuine ownership of digital items.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Singapore
• City: Singapore
• Started in: 2009
• Founders: Maxim Blagov, Witek Radomski
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $41,900,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 11

You can find their website here.

18) WP Engine

WP Engine is a digital experience platform for WordPress.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Austin
• Started in: 2010
• Founders: Ben Metcalfe, Cullen Wilson, Jason Cohen
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $290,715,694
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 10

You can find their website here.

19) MeetingPlay

MeetingPlay is a mobile event software that allows you to engage with your participants.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Frederick
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Joe Schwinger
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $76,650,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 1

You can find their website here.

20) Literati

Literati is a handpicked book subscription service that provides deep stories and thought-provoking debates to every reader on a monthly basis.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Austin
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Jessica Ewing, Kelly Carroll
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $52,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 18

You can find their website here.

21) COVER Corporation

COVER Corporation is a virtual live distribution service that allows businesses to make animation that is compatible with AR.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Tanigo Motoaki
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $8,683,441
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 11

You can find their website here.

22) Pepper Content

Pepper Content is a content-mediation platform that links writers with content-hungry businesses.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Mumbai
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Anirudh Singla, Rishabh Shekhar
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $4,506,066
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 19

You can find their website here.

23) Showpad

The most beneficial thing that has ever happened to your sales staff

Details of the startup:

• Country: Belgium
• City: Gent
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Louis Jonckheere, Peter Minne, Pieterjan Bouten
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $159,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

24) Red Ventures

A collection of well-known businesses, digital platforms, and strategic alliances that assist individuals in making life’s most significant decisions.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Fort Mill
• Started in: 2000
• Founders: Dan Feldstein, Mark Brodsky, Ric Elias
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $250,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

25) Influential

Influential is a type of artificial intelligence. For influencer marketing and technology, the company has partnered with IBM Watson to create a social data and conversion platform.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Las Vegas
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Piotr Tomasik, Ryan Detert
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $36,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 14

You can find their website here.

26) TRIBE

TRIBE is a technological platform that allows digital marketers to source branded content from producers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Australia
• City: South Melbourne
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Jules Lund
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $12,295,586
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

27) Acquia

Acquia is a company that focuses in cloud-based digital experience management.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Boston
• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Dries Buytaert, Jay Batson
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $173,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 10
• Number of investors: 13

You can find their website here.

28) VerSe Innovation

VerSe Innovation is a platform for local language technology.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Bengaluru
• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Umang Bedi, Virendra Gupta
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $434,009,213
• Number of funding rounds: 20
• Number of investors: 22

You can find their website here.

29) PortalOne

PortalOne is a gaming firm that creates live game experiences that feature spectacular visuals and cutting-edge interactivity.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Norway
• City: Oslo
• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Bård Anders Kasin, Stig Olav Kasin
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $15,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 20

You can find their website here.

30) Whip Media

Whip Media’s market-leading corporate software platform is revolutionizing the worldwide TV and cinema content licensing industry.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Los Angeles
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Antonio Pinto, Ori Birnbaum, Richard Rosenblatt
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $115,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 15

You can find their website here.

31) Localeur

Localeur is a global network of locals who share their favorite spots to eat, drink, and play with visitors from all over the world.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Austin
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Chase White, Joah Spearman
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $5,700,000
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

32) Igloo Software

Igloo is a renowned digital workplace solutions company.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Canada
• City: Kitchener
• Started in: 2008
• Founders: Dan Latendre
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $56,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 5

You can find their website here.

33) Rooter

Rooter is a sports community app that aims to connect and customise sports content across sports and gaming for its users.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: New Delhi
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Akshat Goel, Dipesh Agarwal, Piyush Kumar
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $2,700,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 16

You can find their website here.

34) Pencil

Pencil is a free content publishing platform that allows authors to share their work with the world.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Mumbai
• Started in: 2019
• Founders: Malini Nair, Preeti Chib, Swarup Nanda
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $1,419,129
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

35) Practically

Practically is an EdTech platform that focuses on STEM teaching through 3D movies, simulations, and augmented reality (AR) educational tools.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Hyderabad
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Charu Noheria, Ilangovel Thulasimani, Subbarao Siddabattula
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: $9,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

36) Genially

Genially is a one-stop shop for producing interactive and animated presentations, interactive photos, and infographics, among other things.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Spain
• City: Córdoba
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Chema Roldán, Juan Rubio, Luis García
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: € 5,625,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 14

You can find their website here.

37) Cluster

A cluster that allows anyone to host virtual events such as live music and conferences.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Johnson Tanaka, Kato Naoto
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $13,691,544
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

38) Mangatoon

Mangatoon is a mobile application for reading comics and manga.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Changning
• Started in: 2014
• Number of employees: 10001+
• Funding amount: $10,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

39) Bonsai

Users may transact natively within the content that inspires them to buy using Bonsai.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Canada
• City: Toronto
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Justin Laird, Kunal Khemani, Saad Siddiqui
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: CA$13,480,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

40) 500px

500px is a global photographic network and software that helps aspiring and professional photographers get visibility, comments, and revenue.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Canada
• City: Toronto
• Started in: 2009
• Founders: Evgeny Tchebotarev, Oleg Gutsol
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $22,325,000
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

41) Tickled Media

Tickled Media is a digital publishing house and tech firm that focuses on content and community platforms for women.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Singapore
• City: Singapore
• Started in: 2009
• Founders: Roshni Mahtani
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $7,319,437
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

42) Inkitt

Inkitt is a digital publishing platform that predicts book success based on reader behavior using a computer algorithm.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Berlin
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Ali Albazaz
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $21,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 20

You can find their website here.

43) Podimo

Podimoa is an open podcast platform that provides creators with a subscription service.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Denmark
• City: Copenhagen
• Started in: 2019
• Founders: Andreas Sachse, Eva Lægdsgaard, Morten Strunge, Nikolaj Koppel, Sverre Dueholm
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: € 32,200,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

44) Innova

Innova is a content marketing and SEO firm based in Tokyo.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Munakata Atsushi
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: ¥540,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

45) Ichikara

Ichikara is a corporation that uses technology to transform entertainment.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2017
• Founders: Tazumi Riku
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: ¥2,600,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

46) Kakao Japan

Kakao Japan is a free smartphone messaging and calling software.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2011
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: ¥70,000,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

47) Wondercise

Smart Fitness & Fitness Technology – Wondercise provides users with in-home access to the world’s finest Live Motion Match fitness content.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Taiwan
• City: Taichung
• Started in: 2018
• Founders: Eric Chuang
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $1,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2

You can find their website here.

48) Freeda Media

Freeda’s purpose is to inspire good change by sharing genuine women’s stories.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Italy
• City: Milan
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Andrea Scotti Calderini, Gianluigi Casole
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $30,300,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 9

You can find their website here.

49) Creative Fabrica

Creative Fabrica is a marketplace for makers that sells typefaces, graphics, crafts designs, and premium material.

Details of the startup:

• Country: The Netherlands
• City: Amsterdam
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Anca Stefan, Roemie Hillenaar
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: € 6,200,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

50) Pencil

Pencil creates high-performing ad copy, stills, and video that are original, effective, and on-brand.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Singapore
• City: Singapore
• Started in: 2018
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $1,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 5
• Number of investors: 5

You can find their website here.

51) Monsido

Monsido is a SaaS online governance technology that provides enterprises with frequent insight into all of their digital assets.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Denmark
• City: Copenhagen
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Jacob Riff, Jannik Grontved
• Number of employees: 1-10
• Funding amount: $18,400,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 3

You can find their website here.

FAQs

Is Content Business Profitable?

Yes, content business can be profitable depending on the type of content you are creating and how you are delivering it. 

There are many ways to monetize content such as selling advertising space, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, creating digital products, and consulting services. With the right strategies and execution, content businesses can be highly profitable.

What Is The Average Investment In Content?

The average investment in content business can vary greatly depending on the type of content business you are running. If you are running a blog, for example, you may only need to invest in hosting and domain name registration. 

On the other hand, if you are running a larger content business, such as an e-commerce site or an online magazine, you may need to invest in additional resources such as web development, marketing, and content creation. 

Generally, the total investment required for a content business can range from a few hundred dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.