US-based media company Interlude secured $18.2m on Tuesday from investors including media company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), record label Warner Music, consumer electronics manufacturer Samsung and chip maker Intel.
Intel participated through its corporate venturing arm, Intel Capital. Venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and existing undisclosed investors also took part in the round.
Samsung invested an undisclosed sum in Interlude last month, but it is unclear whether that was a separate commitment or part of this current round. We have reached out to Interlude for clarification and will update as appropriate. [Update: Interlude has confirmed to GCV that Samsung’s earlier commitment is indeed part of this current round.]
Founded in 2008, Interlude has developed technology that analyses a viewer’s emotions and reactions to a video, enabling interactive content.
The funding will support the company’s increased push into serialised content, producing dramas, comedies, news, sports, music and pop culture shows. Interlude also aims to attract more creators and will further develop its technology.
MGM chairman and chief executive Gary Barber has joined Interlude’s board as an observer.
Intel Capital previously invested an undisclosed amount in October 2013, following its participation in a May 2013 round that closed at $16m, and which also featured Sequoia, Innovation Endeavors and Marker Capital. Sequoia had provided $3m in seed funding for Interlude in 2011.