VENN

VENN (short for The Video Game Entertainment & News Network)[1] is an American streaming television network based in Playa Vista, California.[2] It features gaming and pop-culture content geared towards Millennial and Generation Z audiences.[3][4]

VENN
Broadcast areaWorldwide
HeadquartersPlaya Vista, California United States
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture formatHDTV (1080p/720p 16:9)
Ownership
OwnerGaming 24/7, Inc.
History
LaunchedAugust 5, 2020 (2020-08-05)
Links
Websitewww.venn.tv
Availability
IPTV
DistroTVChannel 36
Samsung TV PlusChannel 1352
StirrChannel 394
The Roku ChannelChannel 590
XumoChannel 304

History

VENN was co-founded in 2019 by former EA Brand Marketer Ben Kusin and Riot Games' former Head of eSports Content Ariel Horn.[5] The network raised $17 million in a seed funding round led by Bitkraft Esports Ventures and private investment firm Eldridge Industries.[6]

VENN was officially announced in April 2020 as a gaming TV network that provides a "mix of gaming, news, entertainment, and music, as well as original series featuring creators and influencers."[7] The network built a studio in Playa Vista, California with another one being constructed in New York City,[8] located inside 3 World Trade Center.[9] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the completion and opening of the New York studio has been delayed until further notice.[10]

A beta version of VENN was launched in July 2020. It featured over 30+ hours of new content weekly, and was available on Twitch and YouTube.[11]

VENN officially launched on August 5, 2020.[12] The network is broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Gaming, Xumo, Stirr, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio, Plex, Distro TV, and Stirr.[13] All of its programming prioritize live community interaction, either through polls or the hosts reading comments and answering questions from the Twitch chat or the official Discord server.

On October 20, 2020, it was announced that VENN had raised over $26 million during its Series A round of financing. The added investments bring its company total to $43 million and will be used to further expand its business.[14] The company also announced the hiring of former MTV employee Jeff Jacobs as their new EVP and general manager.[14]

Programming
As of December 2020[15]
  • The Download - A daily news and variety program and that discusses gaming, pop culture, tech, and more. Hosted by actor Jimmy Wong , internet personality Emma Fyffe, eSports shoucasters Daniel "dGon" Gonalzes and Matt "MattMrX" Morello, eSports analyst Erin Ashley Simon, actress Tehya Johns, model Emily Mei, and journalist Patrick Shanley. Airs Wednesdays through Fridays at 4 PM PST / 7 PM EST.
  • Guest House - A two hour live-streaming show that welcomes fellow streamers, musicians, and other online personalities to play games, chat, and engage with the live audience. Hosted by musician Chrissy Costanza. Airs Wednesdays through Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST.
  • VENN Arcade Live - A daily variety show showcasing new video games, music, and pop culture trends as well as chatting and playing with guests. Hosted by eSports shoutcasters James "Dash" Patterson, Daniel "dGon" Gonzales, and Evan "Raynday" Raynr, actress Tehya Johns, and model Emily Mei.
    • VENN Arcade Rewind - A half-hour version of the show that presents highlights and memorable moments from past episodes. Airs Wednesdays through Fridays at 5:30 PM PST / 8:30 PM EST.
  • Grey Area - A late-night talk show that answers personal questions around a specific subject with a guest as well as offering life advice to callers. Hosted by actress and streamer Sasha Grey and rapper Dumbfoundead. Airs Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 PM PST / 11 PM EST.
  • Looking for Gains - A live and interactive fitness and lifestyle series that presents workout routines. Hosted by YouTuber CashNasty.
  • Dare Package - A game show that pits eight streamers and online personalities against each other through a series of physical, mental, and social challenges, in which the necessary tools can be found inside the Dare Packages that have been sent to their homes. Hosted by streamer AustinShow. Airs Saturdays at 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST.
  • The Sushi Dragon Show Starring TheSushiDragon - A one-man surrealist variety show featuring guests and new music. Hosted and live-edited by streamer TheSushiDragon. Airs Saturdays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST.
    • The Sushi Dragon After Party - A sister program that acts as an extension to the main show. Airs Saturdays at 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST.
  • Locked In - A two hour live-streaming show that welcomes fellow streamers, shoutcasters, and professional players to play games primarily in the eSports field and discuss topics surrounding competitive gaming. Hosted by shoutcasters James "Dash" Patterson and Daniel "dGon" Gonzales. Airs Wednesdays through Fridays at 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST.

References
  1. Snider, Mike. "Video game TV network VENN launches 24/7 coverage of esports, pop culture and technology". USA Today. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  2. Goldsmith, Jill. "Gaming Network VENN Sets July Launch From Playa Vista Studio; Kroenke Sports Is New Backer". Deadline. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  3. Takahashi, Dean. "VENN unveils 20 hours of weekly video game programming for broadcast TV". Venture Beat. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  4. Oscar, Zach. "What VENN Launch Means For Gamers And Advertisers". MediaPost. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  5. Wolf, Jacob. "New esports network VENN to launch in 2020". ESPN. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  6. Perez, Matt. "Video Game Network Launches With $17 Million In Funding And Backing Of Riot, Twitch And Blizzard Cofounders". Forbes. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  7. Henry, Jasmine. "New Gaming TV Network VENN Announced". Game Rant. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  8. Zeitchik, Steven. "Network seeks to become MTV for the gamer generation". Washington Post. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  9. Novy-Williams, Eben. "The Would-Be MTV of Esports Hastens Launch During Lockdown". Bloomberg. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  10. Dachman, Jason. "Inside the Launch of VENN 24/7 Gaming-Lifestyle Network in the Midst of the Pandemic". Sports Video Group. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  11. Lee, Wendy; Sakoui, Anousha. "Hollywood has few jobs, but these companies are hiring workers idled by the coronavirus". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  12. Browne, Ryan. "TECH A new TV network aims to lure a generation brought up on video games in the coronavirus era". CNBC. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  13. "VENN | WHERE TO WATCH". VENN. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  14. Spangler, Todd (2020-10-20). "VENN Raises $26 Million in Funding to Expand Gaming and Esports Network". Variety. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  15. "VENN TV schedule". VENN.
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