Canada-based photo sharing platform 500px raised $13m yesterday in a series B round led by stock media company Visual China.
The round also included venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz, Harrison Metal and FF Venture Capital.
Visual China made its investment as part of a deal that will grant it the exclusive right to distribute 500px’s stock images to clients in China, and it will also assist 500px with its expansion into China and the wider Asia Pacific region.
500px operates a website through which professional and amateur photographers can share their images, sell them to other users or license them to third parties. The company recently secured its six millionth member, and more than 55 million photos have been uploaded to the platform to date.
The series B funding will support increased marketing efforts, further development of 500px’s platform and an expansion of its operational team.
Talent and sports agency Creative Artists Agency was among the investors in 500px’s $8.8m series A round in 2013, which was co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Harrison Metal. Rugged Ventures, FF, and angel investor Dustin Plett also participated in the series A.
Amy Liang, CEO of Visual China, said: “The 500px foundation of discovering creative talent and providing a forum and marketplace for increased exposure is synergistic with the Visual China Group strategic roadmap.
“In conjunction with the strategic investment and exclusive distribution partnership in China, we are happy to establish our China-specific joint venture with 500px to leverage their know-how and experience, as well as our local foundation, to rapidly expand the community business in Greater China.”