TechCrunch, a household name in tech journalism, is changing hands. Yahoo has sold the site to Regent, a media-focused investment firm. This move isn’t surprising, given Yahoo’s shift towards user platforms and ad tech.
Regent has been on a buying spree, snapping up tech media outlets. Just days ago, they acquired Foundry, the parent company of PCWorld, Macworld, and TechAdvisor.
Founded in 2005 by Michael Arrington and Keith Teare, TechCrunch became a heavyweight in tech news, especially among investors and startup founders. It also created Crunchbase, a go-to database for investors, before spinning it off in 2015.
After passing through the hands of AOL and Verizon, TechCrunch was sold to Apollo in 2021. Now, Regent is taking over.
The sale price remains under wraps, but reports suggest it’s below $100 million. Yahoo will continue to collaborate with TechCrunch under its new ownership, focusing on content creation and audience growth.
This move reflects Yahoo’s new direction: prioritizing its core brands like Yahoo Mail, Finance, Sports, and News, and doubling down on ad tech.
What’s next for TechCrunch?
With Regent at the helm, TechCrunch is likely to maintain its influence in the tech sphere. As Regent expands its media portfolio, TechCrunch will probably continue to deliver top-notch tech journalism.
Key players
- Yahoo: selling TechCrunch to focus on core brands and ad tech
- Regent: acquiring TechCrunch as part of its media expansion
- Foundry: recently acquired by Regent, parent company of PCWorld, Macworld, and TechAdvisor
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