Rumble
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The go-to video platform for creators kicked off YouTube got early cash from the same tech-billionaire network now tied to the Vice President.
Who they are
Rumble, an alternative video and streaming platform founded by Chris Pavlovski in 2013.
What they do
The engine lists it as the main home for voices pushed off YouTube, holding the question of who ultimately controls it deliberately open.
How it works
In May 2021 it raised major venture capital led by JD Vance's Narya Capital along with Peter Thiel (at a roughly $500M valuation, though Narya's check was under $25M and the round included Vivek Ramaswamy); it acquired Dave Rubin's Locals in October 2021 and has exclusively hosted Steven Crowder since March 2023.
Why it matters
It shows that the 'independent' alternative to Big Tech video is itself backed by a powerful, politically connected investor network, though the engine stops short of naming any single controller.
The engine's record — word for word
[Report #165] Alternative video/streaming platform (Chris Pavlovski, 2013). Received major venture capital in May 2021 led by JD Vance's Narya Capital WITH Peter Thiel (~$500M VALUATION — note the round also included Vivek Ramaswamy; Narya's check was <$25M). Primary platform-dependency for voices exiting/removed from YouTube. Acquired Dave Rubin's Locals (Oct 2021); exclusively manages Steven Crowder's content since Mar 2023. [VERIFIED: Wikipedia/PRNewswire] Held; name no holder.
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