The Gyft That Keeps On Giving

Yesterday, I posted my exclusive Q&A with CJ MacDonald, founder & COO of virtual gift card company Gyft -- a company backed by Manatt Digital Media Ventures (my company) and Google Ventures, among others.  The company is less than one year old, but already is generating millions of dollars.

In my Q&A, I pointed out that Gyft is donating 100% of its profits in December to a worthy cause -- the Immunity Project -- a team of scientists and entrepreneurs who are offering the HIV vaccine for free to people around the world.  But, this point was buried -- so I raise its visibility here.

Why?  Because it is the holiday season after all -- and, as cliche as it sounds, it is the season of giving.  Gyft does just that.

Yes, that is a smart business move.  But, it is a real commitment nonetheless -- one that is worthy of two consecutive days of visibility.

5 Questions with MovieLaLa’s Founder & CEO, Dana Loberg -- My Exclusive Q&A

Continuing my new series of exclusive Q&As with people and companies that you should know in the wonderful world of digital media, meet Dana Loberg, Founder & CEO of MovieLaLa, a company based in the Bay Area (but very much steeped in the milieu of the studios in LA).  Dana is a powerhouse -- talented, creative (more on that below), driven, tireless, tenacious, and passionate about her company and the overall market opportunity -- all qualities I love in a start-up CEO.  Movie studios of all stripes should listen to what her company can do for them.  And, consumers will value the end results.  That’s why -- despite the fact that she is a Yale-ee -- we here at Manatt Digital Media Ventures (and several media and digital media luminaries) invested in MovieLaLa.  Can’t reveal those other investors yet, but you will be impressed when Dana does.  With that intro, here we go:

(1)   What is the reason your company exists (and what problem(s) are you looking to solve)?

MovieLaLa wants to deliver a new fresh experience for movie fans looking to find movies to see and friends to see them with. Up until now, what’s been missing is that critical social layer around movies and movie-going, allowing people to discover movies through friends and have a more personalized, curated experience online.

More importantly, studios looking to market their movies can have direct access to people who are interested in receiving their content. Not only are there better ways to communicate with their audience, MovieLala’s analytics allows studios to optimize their marketing dollars well before a movie opens theatrically – giving studios access to powerful data that helps them reach the right audience in more effective ways than more traditional methods in place today.

(2) How are you different from your competitors?

There are several players in this space: Flixster, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, etc movie sites. From a user experience perspective, they’re all pretty similar. Many of them have spent more time building out their advertising models than innovating their front-end design. These websites rely heavily on the same business model: banner ads and advertising. When we launch in the New Year, we hope that people will see our iPad app and say “Wow. This is something I’ve never seen before.”

MovieLaLa has some new technologies and tools for marketing and changing awareness to definite interest among movie fans. Plus, we have a strong data play that is unique from our competitors.

There’s also a huge opportunity in the iPad and mobile space when it comes to the movie-going experience that we are focused to capitalize on. By launching on iPad and mobile,  we can invent new ways to make the movie going experience easy and fun.

(3) Why will you succeed (and what is your single most important ingredient for success)?

We will succeed because of our team: our backgrounds, experience and passion for this space and global view of business. For MovieLaLa, our single most important ingredient has been the relationships we’ve built with the studios since day 1.

(4) What makes you unique (and what do you enjoy most outside of building your business)?

I’m part tech, part entertainment -- half I Robot, half Jennifer Lawrence. I’m a native to LA- raised in the entertainment capital of the world, Westwood Village. I’m currently living in the heart of Silicon Valley, with a few years experience in startup tech in the Bay Area. Now with MovieLaLa, I’m bridging the divided gap between the two forces: tech and entertainment.

Oh, and I paint on the side in my spare time. Medium: charcoal/pastel on newspaper and book. (http://danaloberg.com)

(5) What digital media trend is most interesting to you (and what is the least)?

Real time data and analytics are interesting to me. The “Data Scientist” title is a dream of mine ;) Least interesting to me is YouTube, personally. I’d rather not give specifics as they’re reading my sentences….

5 Questions with LittleCast’s Founder & CEO Amra Tareen -- My Exclusive Q&A

Today, I start my new column -- “5 Questions With ....” -- and in it, I will ask the same five questions of founders, CEOs and other top execs from digital media and technology companies that I have come to know and find to be of interest (and, as a result, hopefully interesting to you).  Each of these companies pass my “MUST CHECK OUT” test based on my own personal early diligence.  Importantly, this Q&A is exclusive to my blog -- this is a all fresh content.  So, my hope is that you will gain new insights by reading them.  Further, I want to keep the insights “pure” -- meaning that the answers come directly from the executive (and have not been altered in any substantive way).

For my inaugural column, I have chosen founder and CEO Amra Tareen of LittleCast, a cool new company that gives video producers (think comedians, physical fitness gurus, etc.) a new direct distribution path to monetize their own content online and on their own terms.  Amra is great -- passionate about LittleCast’s mission (an absolute “must” for me with any founder/CEO).  And, my own company, Manatt Digital Media Ventures, believes in her and her company’s mission -- so much so that we recently invested.

So, on with the questions:

(1) What is the reason your company exists (and what problem(s) are you looking to solve)?

We're here to help content producers sell their works where their audience already is: on facebook and their mobile phones. We take content marketing to the next level and encourage producers to make money from their content.  We don't agree with the notion that producers have to spend money creating content to engage their audience.  The content does that.  We're here to help them make a living from their passions. 

(2) How are you different from your competitors?

My competitors believe in having established brands and destination sites. LittleCast believes in the publisher’s or producer's brand and not diluting that.  You'll never see us ask a producer to drive their traffic to someone else's site.  We give producers the tools to make the most of what they have.  Our commerce video player can be embedded on their properties like their facebook page, website or blog.  They don't have to tackle additional burdens of promoting  content and pushing their audience to someone else's property.  Another differentiator is our personalization and discovery abilities.  These are difficult propositions for video, YouTube hasn't figured this out yet.  But, people you follow and like probably know what you like, so LittleCast makes it easy to discover and participate in the conversations around content your network is engaging with at any time. 

(3) Why will you succeed (and what is your single most important ingredient for success)?

In a word?  Experience.  We have started companies before!  We know the market is going mobile, embracing paid content, integrating social with real peer-to-peer commerce and watching more video than ever before on every type of device.  Our job is to execute well. We have to execute and hang in there until the product and solution becomes obvious to everyone.  We can't predict market timing (although we believe we're in the right place at the right time) but we have the stamina to make LittleCast a success. First-time entrepreneurs fail to recognize how much of a marathon a start up really is--this is not a sprint. We've done this before and know what it takes to succeed!

(4) What makes you unique (and what do you enjoy most outside of building your business)?

I'm a product of my upbringing, which was very global.  That, and my long-term perspective, empathy and a deep longing to change the world around me!  I also love the sound of the ocean and simple things in life: my family and friends.  These keep me grounded and very focused. 

(5) What digital media trend is most interesting to you (and what is the least)?

Without a doubt it's paid content. I believe people should make money from their efforts regardless of which industry they are from: journalism or other types of media.  If you put effort into creating content, you need to be paid for it.  Period. You deserve to make a living from you creative pursuits.

What Is Digital Media? Why Does It Matter? My Presentation -- Via Video, Powerpoint -- to the California Capital Summit

This past Friday, Lindsay Conner (Co-Chair of Manatt's Entertainment & Media group and a giant in the motion picture business world) and I (representing Manatt Digital Media Ventures) gave a presentation in LA to about 100 members of the California Capital Summit -- titled, "The Digital Media Revolution: What It Is & Why It Matters to Business ... Any Business ... YOUR Business."  This was not a group of digital media experts -- accordingly, this was intended to be a high level overview that was both practical and thought-provoking.  Essentially, to get everyone's head "in the game" -- i.e., that every single person needs to understand the media/marketing/engagement forces around them and either harness them (or not) at their peril.  We began the presentation with this great video below, which itself is an amazingly effective piece of social/viral marketing, and we used this slide deck to underscore our points -- click here to access it (you can access the accompanying audio from our presentation by clicking this separate link):

Immediately after showing this video (which is, by the way, a great way to warm up a crowd!), I asked the audience -- by a show of hands -- whether they felt the video was compelling.  Literally every single hand went into the air!  Every single one.

THAT, my friends, is the power of video.  THAT is the power of social media/marketing done right (I found that video online, shared it with 100 in the room, made it available to several who requested it, and they told two friends ... and so on ... and so on ....).  Not a bad result for the video producer and publisher who created it to demonstrate how immersed our lives are in digital media -- but also, of course, to promote his book and business.  THAT is effective marketing in this new age.  Very ....

Once again, you can hear our entire talk -- and view the corresponding powerpoint slide deck -- by clicking to this link.

Pause & Reflect -- The Cause & Effect

Digital media.  Media meets technology.  It's my world.  It's our world.  Meetings.  Calls.  Emails.  Blogs. Tweets.  We rarely turn it off.  I know I don't (I am writing this post at midnight after all, and likely will be up by 5).  I love it.  And, I need to respond to everything.  Now!

Or do I?  Do we?

Yes, by responding immediately to everything -- doing it all now -- we each knock down those individual trees.  One by one.  But, in so doing, do we miss the forest?  Do we miss the big picture?  The context?  The focus?  The true mission?

Candidly, the answer is frequently yes.  I am always in execution mode -- many of us are.  The cause is the bombardment of inbound messages.  The never-ending "things that can be done."  The internal feeling/drive/passion/obsession/energy to do more.  But, the effect is not always "more."  Full speed and heads down almost certainly leads to loss of true vision ... at least sometimes.

I started my new gig -- as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures -- nearly 3 months ago.  I love it.  Am passionate about it.  And, the good news is that I am bombarded with new business and investment opportunities to consider, new people and companies to meet, and new meetings to take -- opportunities, companies and relationships that need (nay deserve!) exploring.  So, I explore.  All of them!

But, that can lead to drowning in them.

So, last week I did a little experiment.  I checked out for a full day.  I held my own little individual strategic "off-site."  I literally went off site -- away from my office in LA.  Away from my home office in San Diego.  I holed up in a room at my club.  I turned off the phone.  I ignored emails.  Instead, I carefully ... carefully! ... re-read my business plan.  I reflected ... methodically! ... upon its goals.  Its areas of focus.  Its strategies.  And I objectively overlaid the actions I took in the past nearly 3 months on those goals and strategies -- I weighed my actual allocation of time against a candid assessment of how I should be allocating my time.

And it was enlightening ....

Through this one-day exercise, I realized that my actions skewed to certain activities that, while important, were not of paramount importance.  I realized I need to reallocate my time.  I realized I need to sharpen my focus.  And, I realized a very difficult thing ... a very difficult thing for me ... I realized that I need to say "no" some times.  Many times.  Candidly.  Unapologetically.  (But always respectfully).  To opportunities.  To companies.  To meetings.  To people.  I -- none of us -- can do it all.  While not an epiphany (after all, after pausing and reflecting upon it, the conclusion is rather obvious!), this realization was meaningful and impactful.

In other words, I had one of my most productive -- and ROI positive days -- in weeks, even though I did not take a single meeting, answer a single phone call, respond to a single email, write a single blog post, or tweet a single tweet.

I just paused ... and reflected.

And that, my friends, made all the difference.

I plan to build my 1-day individual strategic off-sites into my overall professional schedule -- likely one day per month.  One day to pause, reflect ... and recalibrate.

I urge you to do the same.

Entrepreneurialism in LA -- My Keynote Speech to the LA Chamber of Commerce

As many of my long-time readers know, I recently became CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures and am now based in Los Angeles, where the digital media and technology scene is more vibrant than ever.  Last night, the LA Chamber of Commerce opened the "Bixel Exchange," a new center in downtown LA for tech entrepreneurs that offers (1) mentorship, (2) educational programs and meet-ups, and (3) connections and access.  The Los Angeles Times covered this launch (in an article in which I am quoted).

I was asked to give the keynote for the event, discussing the state of entrepreneurialism in LA -- and I subsequently moderated a panel that featured two LA accelerators (Launchpad and Amplify.LA), as well as Tech Coast Angels.

Here is my full speech:

Opening of Bixel Exchange & LA’S Entrepreneurial Community

MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER … FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS OF ALL STRIPES -- I AM HUMBLED … AND HONORED … TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REPRESENT YOU AS WE CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE BIXEL EXCHANGE -- A NEW HAVEN OF CREATIVITY TO FOSTER & ACCELERATE INNOVATION … PROVIDE MENTORSHIP AND CONNECTION … AND, A TOAST FROM THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO LA-BASED ENTREPRENEURS.

HERE’S THE THING.   HERE’S THE EXCITING -- BUT FREQUENTLY DAUNTING -- REALITY OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR.  YOUR PATH IS NEVER A STRAIGHT ONE.  IT TAKES A CAST-IRON STOMACH.  IF YOUR PLAN IS TO GO LEFT, MORE FREQUENTLY YOU SCRAP THAT ONE AND GO RIGHT …. SOMETIMES BY DESIGN ….  MOST USUALLY, NOT.  CERTAINLY THAT’S HOW MY CAREER HAS PLAYED OUT SO FAR.   AND HERE’S THE BEAUTY OF IT – I WOULDN’T HAVE WANTED IT ANY OTHER WAY (EVEN IN THOSE MOMENTS WHEN I GRABBED THE PEPCID AC).

MY CAREER ADVENTURE – NOW SHOCKINGLY NEARLY 25 YEARS OF IT! – IS ROUGHLY SPLIT 50-50 BETWEEN SO-CALLED TRADITIONAL “MEDIA” (THE MAJOR STUDIOS) -- AND NEW DIGITAL MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY (INCLUDING 4 START-UPS & GROWTH STAGE COMPANIES).  THIS CERTAINLY WAS NOT BY DESIGN (ALTHOUGH I COULD PLAY IT THAT WAY).   BUT, THIS SERENDIPITOUS AND CIRCUITOUS PATH HAS LED ME TO CERTAIN PERSPECTIVES ON WHAT ENTREPRENEURIALISM AND SUCCESS MEAN … I WILL GET TO THAT PUNCHLINE IN A MOMENT.

BUT FIRST, LOOKING BACK AT ALL OF MY MANY COMPANIES, EACH BUILT A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF MEDIA “PRODUCT”.  SOME CREATED CONTENT.  SOME DISTRIBUTED IT.  BUT, ALL SHARED ONE FUNDAMENTAL THEME – ALLWERE STEEPED IN AND INSPIRED BY CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND PASSION. INGREDIENTS THAT ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCESIN OUR MULTI-SCREEN WORLD.  AND THAT MEANS THAT ALL OF THESE COMPANIES WERE STEEPED IN -- AND INSPIRED BY -- THE CREATIVE ENERGY THAT ISUNIQUELY LOS ANGELES.

YOU CAN FEEL THIS CREATIVITY – I FEEL IT – IN THE BUZZ AND ENERGY ALL AROUND US.  THAT’S WHY WE ARE HERE TONIGHT.  YOU CAN SEE IT HERE.  YOU CAN SEE IT WITHIN THE EVER-BUZZING WALLS OF THE 10+ MAJOR BUSINESS ACCELERATORS AND SHARED-SPACE START-UP WORKPLACES THAT HAVE SPROUTED IN THE CITY … LIKE AMPLIFY.LA  AND LAUNCHPAD, BOTH OF WHOM ARE HERE TONIGHT.  LIKE WEWORK LABS IN HOLLYWOOD.  YOU CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE AS YOU WALK AROUND THAT PLACE.  THERE IS AN UNBRIDLED URGE TO INNOVATE.  TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.  TO DISRUPT!

I JUST RETURNED FROM A BUSINESS TRIP IN NYC.  I MET WITH A NUMBER OF VCS, START-UPS, MEDIA COMPANIES THERE.  IT WAS ENLIGHTENING.  ONE OF THOSE NYC VCS DIDN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE NYC ENTREPRENEURIAL SCENE.  HE FOCUSED ON LA. “THE START-UP SCENE IS HOT HOT HOT IN LA,” HE SAID.  THAT’S WHY HE NOW FOCUSES HIS NEW INVESTMENTS RIGHT HERE.   I MET WITH A MAJOR NYC-BASED MEDIA COMPANY.  THEY ARE SETTING UP THEIR NEW VENTURE ARM RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP’S CEO JUST MOVED HEADQUARTERS FROM NEW YORK TO LA.  IN HIS WORDS, “IF YOU WANT TO BUILD AN ENTERTAINMENT BRAND, THIS IS WHERE YOU NEED TO BE.”  THAT’S WHY GOOGLE IS HERE.  AMAZON IS HERE.  TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES ARE TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO NEW MEDIA COMPANIES.

THIS ISN’T AN LA V. NEW YORK THING, THOUGH.  NOR IS IT AN LA V. SILICON VALLEY THING.  BUT, LET’S FACE IT, ONLY LOS ANGELES CAN STAKE THE CLAIM OF BEING THE HOME OF DIGITAL MEDIA – THE MARRIAGE OF MEDIA/CONTENT WITH TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE ENTIRELY NEW CONSUMER EXPERIENCES, AND ENTIRELY NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.  WHY?  BECAUSE CONTENT IS ABSOLUTELY KING.  AND RELATIONSHIPS DO MATTER.  TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT SUBSTANCE IS USELESS.  AND, LA STANDS APART WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS– NO OTHER PLACE COMES CLOSE.

THIS TIME – RIGHT NOW-- IS A SPECIAL TIME FOR LOS ANGELES.  WE ARE ABSOLUTELY IN THE MIDST – RIGHT NOW -- OF A DISRUPTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA REVOLUTION.  FREQUENTLY UNCOMFORTABLE.  SOMETIMES UNSETTLING.  BUT, ULTIMATELY REWARDING.  AND WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE IN A POSITION TO DRIVE THAT CHANGE! 

THINK ABOUT IT.  DIGITAL MEDIA ULTIMATELY IS ABOUT HARNESSING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO SEND YOUR MESSAGES -- TELL YOUR STORIES  … TO VIRTUALLY ANYONE ON THIS PLANET -- ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.  THAT’S WHY THE THIRD SCREEN – THE SMART PHONE -- IS SO REVOLUTIONARY – IT IS WITH EACH OF US VIRTUALLY 24/7.  THINK ABOUT THAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!

BUT ALSO THINK ABOUT WHAT STORIES YOU WANT TO TELL, BECAUSE THIS REVOLUTIONARY FORM OF NEW DIRECT GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT CAN GO MUCH FURTHER THAN EXCITING NEW BUSINESS MODELS. 

 SOMETHING THAT IS PARTICULARLY EXCITING TO ME, IS DIGITAL MEDIA’S POWER TO ENABLE EACH OF US TO GENERATE GREATER SOCIAL IMPACT THAN EVER BEFORE POSSIBLE.  TO AMPLIFY OUR INDIVIDUAL VOICES.  TO REACH A GLOBAL AUDIENCE.  TO ESTABLISH NEW COMMUNITIES.   TO DO GOOD.  REAL TANGIBLE “GOOD” … AT SCALE.   WORLD-CHANGING GOOD.  

THAT’S WHAT LA-BASED PARTICIPANT MEDIA IS DOING.  IT IS A “DOUBLE BOTTOM LINE” MEDIA COMPANY WHERE SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY BOTH PROFIT ANDSOCIAL IMPACT … THE GREATER GOOD.  YES, IT IS OKAY TO LEAD REAL CHANGE, AND MAKE MONEY IN THE PROCESS.   THE COMPANY’S SELF-PROCLAIMED MISSION IS TO CREATE “ENTERTAINMENT THAT INSPIRES AND COMPELS SOCIAL CHANGE.”  I LOVE THAT WORD – “COMPELS.”  THEY ARE TRULY SUCCESSFUL ONLY IF THEY MOTIVATE ACTION.   THE FOUNDERS COME FROM SILICON VALLEY.  BUT THEIR OPERATIONS, CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION ARE BASED RIGHT HERE – IN LA.   AND THEIR IMPACT IS GLOBAL IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.   

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS LA-BASED DIGITAL MEDIA START-UP GATHR, WHICH UNIQUELY HARNESSES THE CONNECTIVITY OF THIS BRAVE NEW ONLINE WORLD TO DRIVE DEMAND FOR GROUNDBREAKING INDEPENDENT FILMS.   TO FIND AN AUDIENCE FOR INSPIRING STORIES THAT OTHERWISE WOULD GO UNHEARD.

THAT’S WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LA RIGHT NOW. 

SO HOW CAN WE BE PART OF THAT ENERGY?  HOW CAN WE ACCELERATE IT?  MULTIPLY IT?

HERE’S MY ANSWER -- BY IMMERSING YOURSELF IN IT.  BY BEING ENTREPRENEURS.   BY PURSUING EVERYTHING YOU DO WITH PASSION.  THATULTIMATELY IS WHAT ENTREPRENEURIALSIM IS ALL ABOUT.  PASSION IN OUR WORK.  IN COMPANIES BIG AND SMALL.  IN FOR PROFITS AND NON PROFITS.   IN OUR PLAY.  OUR FAMILIES.  OUR COMMUNITIES.  

 FOR ME, SUCCESS MEANS THE PURSUIT OF PASSION – NOT JUST THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FINANCIAL GAIN.   IT IS THE DAY-TO-DAY JOURNEY – THE “WHY” AND “HOW” YOU DO WHAT YOU DO.  THAT’S WHAT MATTERS MOST.

SO EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURIALISM.  EMBRACE SERENDIPTITY.  INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU.  BUILD YOUR NETWORK … AUTHENTICALLY.   DON’T JUST LOOK FOR HELP.  HELP OTHERS … ENTHUSIASTICALLY.   AND, DON’T LOOK FOR IMMEDIATE PAY-BACK.  IT FREQUENTLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.

… AND, OWN THE FACT THAT WE ARE FORTUNATE TO BE DOING THIS ALL IN THIS GREAT CITY OF LOS ANGELES. 

Tesla -- The Experience -- A Review

Tesla is the next Apple.  That's certainly what it feels like.  Same obsessively innovative products.  Same obsessively clean "user-friendly" products.  Same obsessively rabid customers.

I am now one of them.

Saturday morning, I picked up my new Tesla S -- after waiting about 6 weeks from the time I ordered  (the picture below shows my joy at pick-up time -- wearing a shirt that my kids don't want me to wear ever again, especially when driving the car -- "daddy, that looks like the kind of guy who loves their car more than their kids!").

Here's my review of the entire Tesla customer experience from start to finish.  I absolutely believe it is a digital media/technology story and relevant to all of us on many levels.  This company is disruptive.  Defines disruptive.

First, why did I buy a Tesla?

I saw one -- drove one -- wanted one.

I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that Teslas are eco-friendly -- am doing something for the environment.  I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that I now will be able to use the HOV lanes on my long commutes back and forth from San Diego to LA for my new gig as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures.  I justified the overall price tag by reminding myself that I no longer will need to buy gas (saving at least $400/month) and will receive both a $7500 federal tax credit and a $2500 state rebate.

But, most of all, I simply wanted one.  Let's be honest here.

I made my first call to Tesla on April 17th -- connecting with product specialist and sales team lead Sean LaFond.  This first conversation began a different kind of customer relationship and different level of customer engagement than I believe I have experienced for any kind of product.  Sean simply was a very different kind of car sales specialist.  He was deeply knowledgable.  He was engaging and patient.  He was incredibly helpful.  And, most importantly, he was filled with pride and passion for what he does ... what Tesla does ... and what Tesla and its products represent.  Sean clearly felt empowered and privileged to be part of the Tesla family.  Very Apple-like indeed.

Sean and I interacted throughout my six weeks from start to finish.  He walked me through my initial configuration and online purchase (yes, you purchase this car online -- there are no dealerships, only showrooms).  He helped me with my ongoing questions (I had several).  He introduced me to all of the various personalities involved in my Tesla experience team.  And, once he did, they frequently reached out to me -- called me!  In addition to great guy Sean, there were "Credit Specialist" Mark Paul (financing), "Inside Delivery Experience Specialist" Vassha Lutchman (my personal Tesla ambassador) and, finally, Mike Cornwell  and Christina Breitenberg-Scavuzzo who brought it all home when I picked up my car on Saturday (Mike and Christina are pictured with me below in a very Elon Musk-like pose).

Again, these were real people.  These were people who really cared.  It was a very personal experience.

When I ordered my car 6 weeks back, I was given an estimate of time for start-to-finish -- a possible mid-June date was given.  I pushed back hard -- really wanted my car prior to my upcoming big bday (those who know me, know what that number is).  My update about one week ago was a pick-up date on June 7.  But, then, on Thursday, I received a call from Vaasha -- she left a message with "good news."  Good news indeed.  I picked up my car June 1.

(Below is a picture of my two kids, Hunter and Luca -- Hunter holding our new dog Cooper -- in the San Diego service center).

By now, you likely know all about the Tesla Model S.  It is beautiful in virtually every respect.  One of the most beautiful high-performance cars on the road today (I chose black) -- you will not believe the car's power and acceleration until you drive one.  The future of electric cars is here now.  That's what the Model S represents.  The interior is dominated by the large tablet-style screen in the middle -- incredible.  Not just a gimmick -- it is a highly functional and efficient work of art.  And, of course, Tesla is the first car company to feature continuous automatic software updates during the ownership of your car, meaning that your overall feature set and experience never become obsolete (even if the battery ultimately may be).  You can even download an app to remotely control certain actions (such as cooling the interior of your car) and to access certain critical diagnostics (most importantly, amount of charge in the battery).  Need to know where the nearest charging station is?  There's an app (multiple apps, actually) for that!

Do I have some quibbles with the Tesla S and my overall Tesla experience?  Of course.  First, for a car that aims for perfection, I was surprised that there were no auto "comfort-doors" that gently pull the doors inward to close with a light touch (I had this technology 8 years ago in my BMW 750Li).  Instead, old-world slamming is necessary.  Second, the overall interior definitely feels a bit cold and tech-y.  Don't get me wrong, I generally like it.  But, other luxury cars certainly are "warmer."  Third, Tesla definitely is experiencing some growing pains (which, by the way, is a very good thing; I'd rather have growing pains than the alternative -- Tesla is no Fisker).  Here's an example, I was originally told my car would be available on Memorial Day (May 27), but then subsequently was informed that the May 27 date was mistaken (which then took me to the June 7th date -- which then, as indicated above, pleasantly moved back to June 1st).  And, in the final two weeks -- and for the first time -- a few of my phone calls and emails languished uncharacteristically for a couple days (which led to some frustration on my part and a candid conversation or two).  One more thing, my delivered car was not flawless.  I noticed a small "ding" on one of the doors.  And, on pick-up day at the end of my "guided tour" of my new Model S, my Tesla team informed me that the detailing team was unable to remove a few water spots from the hood of my car.  They reassured me, however, that Tesla would take care of those issues on their dime and at my convenience.  So, "what, me worry?"  Not a chance.

Those are fairly small quibbles in the scheme of things and in an otherwise transformative car buying experience.  Just like Apple disrupted the technology business and consumer hardware, Tesla is disrupting the automobile market.  Brilliant technology, driven by brilliant design, passion and dedication to the cause of great customer experience.  And, oh yes, to the cause of accelerating adoption of electric cars for the sake of the planet.

I firmly believe that this is just the beginning for Tesla -- and the beginning of the Tesla revolution.  This really feels like Apple back in 2002-2003 when it had just introduced the first iPod and launched iTunes.  And, if Tesla performs anywhere near Apple, then all of we believers will be pleased.  Very.  In myriad respects.  Lines will be out the showroom doors -- just like Tesla cars are lining up all around San Diego (I am seeing them everywhere).

My kudos to Elon Musk and the entire Tesla team.

I am a believer.  So much so that I didn't just buy the car, I also bought the stock 6 weeks back.  Am pleased to own a small piece of what Tesla represents.

Vator's Splash LA Event -- VCs & Entrepreneurs Unite!

This Thursday night, May 30 -- at the storied Hollywood Roosevelt hotel -- I will attend my first "Splash" event hosted by Vator (which bills itself as the "Voice of the Entrepreneur").  In fact, it is my first LA-based event since I announced my new role as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures (where I help drive digital media investments, among other things).  Many such VC & entrepreneurial-focused networking events exist.  I attend these very selectively.  But, this one rises above the din for a number of reasons.

First, after being based in San Diego for a number of years, I am now based in LA and am immersing myself in the local entrepreneurial scene -- which is vibrant.  Very.  And increasingly.  Particularly on the digital media side of things (hence, my new role and new Manatt Digital Media).

Second, the agenda is full and compelling -- yes, you have your basic networking.  But, this one looks like the networking actually could be meaningful because Splash has a history of drawing the right mix of creative newbies and "movers and shakers."  Second, there is a full and varied slate of keynotes and panels -- not just one theme.  Third, there should be plenty of food and drink!  And finally, the venue is a good one.

In fact, here is an interesting bit of trivia.  The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is especially near and dear to me because my grandmother-in-law, Luise Rainer (still kicking at age 103!), is the legendary Hollywood actress who picked up two back-to-back "Best Actress" Academy Awards at the hotel (which served as the venue for the Oscars at that time).

I will take several meetings -- and meet with several promising start-ups -- at the event.  I also will take notes for a post-event review.  Click this link to reach out and set something up.

Manatt Digital Media, My New CEO Gig -- TechCrunch, Variety, Billboard, Bloomberg, Others

On Wednesday, the cat was out of the bag -- I formally announced that I accepted the position of CEO at new Manatt Digital Media Ventures, which is part of new Manatt Digital Media (MDM) which is chaired by Hale Boggs.  Hale developed the vision for MDM, and we are partners driving it -- he on the legal side, and me on the business side/investment side (Hale oversees all Manatt investments).

And, that vision has resonated -- which is extremely heartening, exciting.  The news coverage by major publications was significant -- all the big names, and virtually all with major feature stories.  Here is just a slice, together with direct links to the stories:

TechCrunch -- "Sorenson Media CEO Peter Csathy Tapped to Lead Manatt's Digital Media Group"

Variety -- "Law Firm Manatt Taps Csathy to Head Digital Media Venture Arm"

Billboard -- "Manatt Launches Digital Media Investment Fund"

Bloomberg -- "Manatt ... Business of Law"

Dow Jones VentureWire -- "Law Firm Manatt Phelps Launches VC Arm for Digital Media Investments"

Los Angeles Business Journal -- "Manatt Launches Digital Media Investment Arm"

Daily Journal -- "Manatt Launches Consulting, Venture Arm for Digitally Minded" (front page story)

SocalTECH -- "Sorenson Media's Csathy Departs to New Digital Media Effort from Manatt"

Xconomy -- "Sorenson CEO Peter Csathy Goes Hollywood to Lead Manatt Venture Fund"

StreamingMediaBlog -- "Sorenson Media's CEO Steps Down, Takes On CEO Role of New VC Startup"

My New Gig -- My New Hats ... Or, Csathy Goes (Back) to Hollywood

Today is a big day for me, a very big day.  As of today, I am now officially CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures (here is the official press release).  That means I am now officially a VC.  And a business connector ... and a negotiator ... and deal-maker ... and consultant ... and ....  You get the point.

Where previously -- and for the past 4+ years -- I have worn one hat as CEO of online video innovator Sorenson Media (and have been honored to wear that hat), now I wear multiple hats.  Where before I was internally focused on the success of one storied company (and we had many), now I am primarily externally focused to help build successes for multiple companies.  I have simply chosen to move my career forward on a very different path at this point in my career.  And, it is a very exciting one for me -- layered, and with multiple ways to add value.  To make a difference.

So, what exactly is Manatt Digital Media Ventures?

It is a division of Manatt Digital Media, a disruptive new full-service digital media professional services business for entrepreneurs, ranging from individuals to companies of every size and stage –- start-up, growth, mature public.  Think of Manatt Digital Media as being a one-stop shop for empowering venture capital, strategic business consulting and partnerships, aggressive and smart negotiating, and unrivaled direct access to A-list artists and global brands.  There is nothing else like it.  And, all these services are grounded in the experience and resources of of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, one of the most respected and storied law firms for the media, entertainment and advertising industries.  Manatt's roots run deep in the centers of media, entertainment, advertising and technology -- in Los Angeles, New York, and Silicon Valley -- and with the talent that makes it all possible within those centers.  In a word, Manatt is "connected."  That is very attractive to me.

As CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures, I am fortunate to help lead the charge at Manatt Digital Media with highly respected, connected, long-time digital media and VC specialist Hale Boggs, who will serve as Chairman of Manatt Digital Media and whose passion it was in the first place to create this new organization.  It was Hale's ambitious, aggressive and bold vision that attracted me to go this very different direction at this point in my career.  Put simply, it was an opportunity that I simply couldn't pass up.  

Hale, I and the rest of the Manatt Digital Media team are ready to hit it out of the park -- to provide unmatched value to every type of player in the digital media eco-system.  We feel bold about what we intend to do -- so bold, in fact, that we wrote a "Manifesto" on our new Manatt Digital Media website that just launched today in conjunction with this news (here is the link to our Manifesto).

And, for me, it gets event better.  I am not leaving Sorenson Media behind.  Not at all.  I will continue to help drive future successes for Sorenson Media -- and for Jim Sorenson -- as a board member.  Sorenson Media is near and dear to me and continues to be an important part of my professional life.  I absolutely believe in the company and the talent within it.  I absolutely respect and believe in Jim Sorenson and his passion for that company (a passion that already has resulted in a massive "win" when part of Sorenson Media spun-out in 2005 in what is still today the largest private equity deal in Utah history).  Sorenson Media team will achieve even greater things going forward in this increasingly video-driven multi-screen world.

But wait, there's still more!  (But, no, there are no ginzu knives part of this deal).  In my new role -- and at this point in my career -- I am able to focus on other types of pursuits that mean much to me.  Pursuits of passion that have significant non-profit and "give back" components.  Pursuits of passion that involve positive social action and achieve positive social impact.  Pursuits of passion that hopefully make a difference -- make the world a better place.  Make me and my family -- our kids and our friends -- more properly guided and internally rewarded and fulfilled.  Some of these projects include my wife, Luisa's, non-profit Giving Tree Movement, and my own passion project -- FM3 Experience, a world-class music festival that I am developing with an A-list team for launch in the Fall of 2014.  We have heavy-hitters aligned in both -- because they too are dreamers ... believers.

It is an exciting new time for me.  And, I feel fortunate -- very fortunate -- to be in this position at this point in my career and in my life.  People -- both professionally and personally (most of all, my wife, Luisa, and our two wonderful kids, Hunter and Luca) -- have made it all possible of course.  That is the most fortunate part of all of it -- the people with whom I am (and have been) connected.

Time to get started.  Attention all you digital media entrepreneurs out there, PITCH ME!