S’pore video site Viddsee secures S$3.27 million

Singapore — It’s a multi-million dollar coup and another feather in the cap for Singapore-based video site Viddsee.com (http://www.viddsee.com), the hybrid online video platform that specialises in showcasing Asian short films and indie cinema. T

he Singapore start-up has raised US$2.3 million (S$3.27 million) to date, after bringing Japan-based CyberAgent Ventures (CAV) in as lead investor in its latest round of funding to develop the new wave of mobile-powered cinema, starting with Asia.

Said Takahiro Suzuki, spokesperson for CAV: “There’s no lack of content or creativity from Asia, but the real push in creating relevance with audiences is accessibility in both medium and content. We are confident that technology will facilitate the new wave for cinematic content in the online video space, especially in markets like Indonesia where mobile devices are the first touch points to the Internet for many.”

Viddsee is a hybrid video platform similar to other video sharing platforms such as YouTube and Vine, but specifically focused on showcasing curated Asian short films. They are a prime example of how online platforms are changing the media industry by giving content creators a growing range of accessible distribution platforms.

The platform counts over 2 million active users on its website, mobile web and through the iOS and Android App since it was first incorporated in January 2013. There is also an offline playback feature which delivers seamless playback despite mobile connectivity.

“We have witnessed a dramatic rise of short film consumption since our founding two years ago. It’s not a stretch of the imagination to have a film viewed by half a million people, which is an equivalent of 3,000 full house screenings. In mobile-first Asia, short films are even more personal. It’s in our pockets,” said Derek Tan who co-founded Viddsee with Ho Jia Jian, both entrepreneurs in Singapore with a background in filmmaking and engineering.

“With this accessibility, the cinematic experience is no longer passive. We have built our product and engaged users around short films, and will continue to power the conversations by strategic, contextualised editorial marketing. This is seen in key regional markets such as in Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines,” added Ho.

Viddsee’s recent feat comes at an opportune time, well aligned with Asia’s growing appetite for online video consumption. The platform has steadily amassed a carefully curated library of films from all over Asia, showcasing the work of emerging talents from the region and focused on providing the best support for both the film-makers and their audience.

Now, Tan and Ho are exploring the possibility of expanding into Thailand and Vietnam, as well as international markets like the United States.

Added Suzuki: “Viddsee can become the platform to provide them with their first experience of watching quality films. Our investment will enable Viddsee to realise its market potential and in its commitment to grow through accessibility and engagement.”