LONDON: Minute Media, a global sports content and technology company, announced Tuesday it has acquired VideoVerse, a leader in AI-driven video editing, in a strategic move to build a comprehensive content solution for the sports and media industries.
The acquisition centers on VideoVerse’s flagship product, Magnifi, a SaaS platform that uses sophisticated artificial intelligence to instantly identify key moments in live sports and automatically generate highlights and short-form content for digital distribution.
In a joint statement, the companies said the deal will create a seamless “creation-to-monetization” pipeline for rightsholders, including leagues, teams, publishers and marketers. Clients of VideoVerse include the Portuguese Football Federation, Danish Leagues, Willow TV and the Pro Panja League.
“We are thrilled to bring the passionate teams and robust capabilities of VideoVerse into the Minute Media family to bring teams and leagues a full-stack solution,” said Asaf Peled, founder and CEO of Minute Media.
VideoVerse’s technology relies on an AI framework combining computer vision, natural language processing and machine learning to analyze visual and audio data. This allows it to pinpoint pivotal game moments with a speed and accuracy that traditional editing cannot match, the company said.
Vinayak Shrivastav, co-founder and CEO of VideoVerse, called the deal “a defining moment” for the company.
“Partnering with Minute Media not only accelerates our global vision but also amplifies our ability to serve rights holders and publishers globally, while reshaping how short-form content is delivered and monetized in real-time,” Shrivastav said.
The integration will enhance Minute Media’s STN Video platform for publishing partners and is expected to drive new content formats across its owned brands, which include Sports Illustrated and The Players’ Tribune.
Meghna Krishna, chief revenue officer at VideoVerse, said the company explored interest from “several top-tier players” but found a “natural alignment” with Minute Media.
“It was a strategic choice; carefully considered after evaluating the market landscape,” Krishna said.
VideoVerse is backed by investors including Alpha Wave Global, Bluestone Equity Partners and VentureEast. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.