Latest news with #liveStreaming
Globe and Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
'Kill Bambi' Is the Future of Underground Culture – Behind the Wheel, Behind the Decks, and On the Screen
In an internet era oversaturated with sameness, 'Kill Bambi' refuses to play by the rules. This cinematic alter ego is a multi-hyphenate creative merging the chaos of motorsports, the edge of nightlife, and the raw intimacy of live streaming. With nearly 200K followers on Instagram and a growing Twitch community, Amber's audience spans gamers, car fanatics, fashion lovers, and club kids. Her world is high-gloss but gritty — where racing meets drum and bass, and late-night streams feel like underground performance art. 'Streaming, driving, DJing—it's all the same to me,' she says. 'It's control. It's energy. It's risk. That's where I feel alive.' Amber grew up in Los Angeles, the daughter of Hollywood royalty. She's been on magazine covers and movie sets, but it was the adrenaline of racing, the euphoria of DJing, and the connection of live gaming that gave birth to 'Kill Bambi' — an identity that couldn't be boxed in. She now streams story-driven horror games and atmospheric RPGs and shooters with a look that could double as a fashion editorial. Every session is cinematic, with stylized lighting, curated soundtracks, and chaotic honesty. When she's not live, she's behind the wheel — partnering with brands like Motul and tuning into the world of underground car culture. At night, she turns up the volume — performing DJ sets that fuse techno, trap, and experimental sound with a visual identity all her own. She's not an influencer. She's an ecosystem. Amber is now being tapped for creative direction, brand campaigns, and fashion-forward collabs across the music, gaming, and automotive worlds. If you're looking for a next-gen creative who can drift a car, stream a horror game, then throw down a midnight DJ set — all while looking like she walked off a runway — 'Kill Bambi' is your girl. This isn't lifestyle content. This is a subculture in motion. To learn more, visit : Media Contact Company Name: Killbambi World Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
YouTube hires former Disney veteran to oversee sports and media
(Reuters) -Alphabet's YouTube has hired long-time Walt Disney executive Justin Connolly to serve as its global head of media and sports, the company said on Thursday, as the video service pushes further into sports and traditional media. Connolly will manage the platform's relationships with major media companies as well as take charge of the company's growing live-sports portfolio, according to a source familiar with the matter. The popular video sharing platform has been aggressively pursuing live sports for the past few years, alongside competitors such as Netflix and Amazon, in a bid to take advantage of its massive user base and large sports audience. YouTube inked a $14 billion NFL streaming deal in 2022, which enables it to stream big football matches, while Amazon and other media firms also rushed to secure big sports streaming deals. The platform has also expanded beyond traditional video sharing and into live TV, music and podcasts, and generates billions in advertising revenue from its vast content reserves. Connolly spent over two decades at ESPN and Disney and exited his role as head of platform distribution earlier this week as Disney gears up to launch its ESPN sports streaming platform.
Wamda
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
VUZ secures $12 million from IFC to fuel global immersive media expansion
UAE-based immersive media platform VUZ has secured $12 million in a pre-Series C funding round, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, joining as a strategic investor. The round also saw participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success Fund, existing investors, and several prominent Saudi family offices, bringing VUZ's total capital raised to over $35 million. Founded in 2017 by Khaled Zaatarah, VUZ is a next-generation media platform offering immersive live content across XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered streaming. The funding will accelerate VUZ's global expansion across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the US, and further develop its AI-driven streaming technologies and live spatial experiences. In October 2022, VUZ closed its Series B round at $20 million from Caruso Ventures, Vision VC Fund, e& Capital, and others. Press release: VUZ, the world's leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment. The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector. This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ's presence in key markets across the world. IFC's Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies. Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC's mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity. A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company's platform — home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content — blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors. 'We are honoured to welcome IFC as a strategic investor,' said Khaled Zaatarah, founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets.' Key highlights: 3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026 Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer 4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies 'This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators', said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds. A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetisation tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the centre of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations. 'This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years,' Zaatarah added. 'With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.' World-Class Investor Backing In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global investment giant IFC (World Bank) invests in VUZ $12mln pre-series C, the world's leading immersive media company
Dubai, United Arab Emirate: VUZ, the world's leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment. The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector. This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ's presence in key markets across the world. IFC's Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies. Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC's mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity. A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company's platform — home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content — blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors. 'We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor, said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets.' Key highlights: 3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026 Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer 4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies 'This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators', said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds. A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations. 'This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years,' Zaatarah added. 'With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.' World-Class Investor Backing In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential. About VUZ VUZ is a leading immersive media platform founded in 2017, on a mission to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds by removing barriers of Travel, Time, and Access (TTA), building on the next generation of media. The company has raised over $35 million in venture capital to date and operates offices in Riyadh, Jordan, Dubai, and Los Angeles, with a team of over 70 experts across immersive tech, AI, and media. Website: Instagram: App Download: About IFC IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China shop owner live-streams feather-plucking chicken butts to promote delicacy
A shop owner in southwestern China has gone viral for live streaming herself plucking feathers from the bottoms of chickens, drawing tens of thousands of people seeking stress relief. Advertisement Wang Yuxian, a snack vendor in her early 30s from Leshan, Sichuan province, runs a small eatery with her friend Yang Yanli. The shop specialises in local delicacies like chicken behinds, rabbit meat and duck tongues. However, business had slumped since early 2025, with profits dipping. Wang Yuxian, left, carefully plucks away at piles of chicken pieces during a live-stream. Photo: In March, Wang posted a video of herself plucking feathers from the rear end of chickens.
