Thumbplay News

 
Mobile Entertainment Company Identified as Leading Vital Sector in Global 250

NEW YORK – July 30, 2008Thumbplay® (www.thumbplay.com), the #1 mobile entertainment content destination in the U.S.*, today announced that is has been selected by Silicon Valley venture organization AlwaysOn (AO) as one of the top 250 private technology companies in the world. This is the fifth consecutive AlwaysOn award for the company. AO Global’s 250 list of Top Private Companies is comprised of companies selected by AlwaysOn editors and their global panel of industry experts and is based on a set of five criteria: innovation, market potential, commercialization, stakeholder value and media interest.

“It is an honor to have our efforts recognized by the AlwaysOn team, said Are Traasdahl, CEO and Founder, Thumbplay. “Our focus on customer service, technological innovation and building an extraordinary library of content has made us the destination-of-choice for millions of customers and the partner-of-choice for some of the world’s largest entertainment organizations.”

"The Global 250 winners have proven themselves to be leaders in pursuing strategic new business opportunities in the global technology industries," said Tony Perkins, founder and CEO of AlwaysOn. "We congratulate them for demonstrating significant market traction and pursuing game-changing technology in the following sectors: Consumer and Entertainment, Devices and Components, Enterprise, Greentech, Mobile and Wireless, Network and Infrastructure, and Services and Enablers."

In recognition for its exemplary direct-to-consumer services, the company was also recently honored with a 2008 Meffy (the mobile industry’s highest honor), as well two Webby Awards (dubbed “The Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times), including the “People’s Voice Award” – given by the general public.

Thumbplay has maintained and grown its leadership position in the mobile industry by providing its consumers with the best possible customer experience, including live, “24/7” customer service and a commitment to delivering the largest catalog of music, videos, games and more. Thumbplay’s “locker” service also allows users to automatically back-up and store purchased items. Thumbplay is available on more than 2,000 mobile devices from every major U.S. carrier.

Thumbplay features licensed music content from some of the world’s largest entertainment companies, including Universal Music Group, EMI and Sony BMG Music Entertainment, among others; as well as several independent labels and artists. Thumbplay has announced deals to integrate its mobile entertainment content catalog into Clear Channel Radio, AOL and MSN Mobile sites, as well as iLike.com, one of the Web’s leading social music discovery services.


Thumbplay, along with the rest of the Global 250 select, will be honored at the The AlwaysOn & STVP Summit at Stanford, July 22-24 at the Arrillaga Alumni Center at Stanford University. All winners are also featured in AO's quarterly print "blogozine" and on the AlwaysOn website.


About AlwaysOn
AlwaysOn ignited the open-media revolution in early 2003 by being the first media brand to launch a community blog network. In 2004, AlwaysOn continued to lead the industry in innovation by engaging its bloggers in a social network. AlwaysOn is also revolutionizing the media business by applying its open-media principles to its executive event series (Stanford Summit, OnHollywood, OnMedia, GoingGreen, NordicGreen, and Venture Summit East and West) and quarterly print "blogozine". No other media brand has dared to create such open interaction with its readers and event participants.

For more information about AlwaysOn Summit at Stanford 2008 and the AOGlobal250, please visit: http://alwayson.goingon.com/permalink/post/24549

About Thumbplay
Thumbplay, Inc. is defining the mobile entertainment experience for U.S. consumers. As the largest and fastest growing mobile entertainment content destination, Thumbplay gives consumers access to the broadest and deepest catalog in the industry, spanning audio, video and gaming content from the leading music labels and artists, game publishers and media companies. Its innovative delivery and marketing platform makes it easy for users to discover, manage, store and share mobile content online and on their wireless devices.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are TraasdahlEvan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital. More information can be found at www.thumbplay.com or at m.thumbplay.com from a mobile phone. and

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THUMBPLAY HIRES VETERAN MEDIA EXECUTIVE, SUSAN LIETZ,
TO HEAD CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

NEW YORK – July 28, 2008 Thumbplay® (http://www.thumbplay.com/), the leading mobile entertainment provider in the U.S.,* announces the appointment of Susan Lietz to serve as Vice President of Corporate Communications. Effective immediately, Lietz will drive all communications efforts for the company. She reports directly to co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Evan Schwartz.

Lietz previously served as Vice President of Public Relations at Rodale Inc., where she helped shift the perception of the company and its products, contributing to record-setting years in profits and revenues for the company. Prior to Rodale, Lietz headed corporate communications departments at both BMG Entertainment International and EMI Records North America where she drove significant corporate initiatives and special projects for key artists and oversaw industry relations, internal communications and more. She has also worked in various capacities on the agency side, handling public relations and communications for clients ranging from Microsoft (for the launch of Xbox) to Nintendo to Mazda Motors of America.

Are Traasdahl, CEO and Founder of Thumbplay, said: “Susan makes a great addition to our team. Our rapid expansion combined with the number of significant developments in the Thumbplay pipeline – ranging from major partnerships to new product launches -- call for someone to lead this area with enthusiasm, creativity and a clear strategic vision for our brand.Susan’s talents and background fit the bill to a tee.”

About Thumbplay
Thumbplay, Inc. is defining the mobile entertainment experience for U.S. consumers. As the largest and fastest growing mobile entertainment content destination, Thumbplay gives consumers access to the broadest and deepest catalog in the industry, spanning audio, video and gaming content from the leading music labels and artists, game publishers and media companies. Its innovative delivery and marketing platform makes it easy for users to discover, manage, store and share mobile content online and on their wireless devices.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are Traasdahl and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital. More information can be found at http://www.thumbplay.com/ or at m.thumbplay.com from a mobile phone.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Mitch Rotter's New Role

THUMBPLAY’S MITCH ROTTER UPPED
TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT ACQUISITION AND STRATEGY

Exec Has Played Key Role in Building Company’s Expansive Entertainment Catalog

NEW YORK – July 22, 2008 – Mitch Rotter has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Content Acquisition and Strategy at Thumbplay®(www.thumbplay.com), the leading mobile entertainment provider in the U.S.* Rotter, who was previously Vice President of Content Acquisition, reports to Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer Scott Marshall. The promotion is effective immediately and was announced today.

Rotter is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years in music and entertainment. He joined Thumbplay in 2005 with a charge to create the company’s content library. In that short time, Rotters’ efforts have contributed to a vast and ever-expanding catalog of more than 100,000 items in music, video, games and more. His new role has been expanded to include oversight of content promotion and overall strategy for content acquisition.

Are Traasdahl, CEO and Founder of Thumbplay, said: “We’ve built a large and loyal fan-base in large part because of the tremendous breadth and scope of entertainment we offer. Mitch has led the charge for us on that front, making sure we consistently offer the freshest, most dynamic content available. We’re proud to have him on our team and I have no doubt that in his new position, he will continue to play an important role in taking our company to even greater heights.”

Recent additions to Thumbplay’s library under Rotter’s purview have included exclusive content from Jay-Z, Coldplay and Michael Jackson; as well as content from the Godfather and Vivendi Games, among numerous others.

Rotter joined Thumbplay after serving at Infospace Mobile where he oversaw all of their media distribution agreements as Director of Content Licensing and Acquisition. Prior to that, Rotter was Senior Vice President of Soundtracks and Music Development for New Line Cinema, where among other accomplishments, he was executive producer for the Grammy nominated soundtracks I Am Sam and Lord of the Rings.

*Source: Nielsen Mobile’s “Mobile Content Storefront Revenue” Report, Q3 and Q4 2007 and Q1 2008
(based on non-carrier revenue generation at the top 4 U.S. carriers)

About Thumbplay

Thumbplay, Inc. is defining the mobile entertainment experience for U.S. consumers. As the largest and fastest growing mobile entertainment content destination, Thumbplay gives consumers access to the broadest and deepest catalog in the industry, spanning audio, video and gaming content from the leading music labels and artists, game publishers and media companies. Its innovative delivery and marketing platform makes it easy for users to discover, manage, store and share mobile content online and on their wireless devices.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are Traasdahl and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital. More information can be found at www.thumbplay.com or at m.thumbplay.com from a mobile phone.

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Never Before Available Mobile Content from Rap/Hip-Hop Legend Takes Center Stage

NEW YORK – July 7, 2008 – Thumbplay® (www.thumbplay.com), the #1 mobile entertainment content service in the U.S.*, and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, today announced the exclusive launch of ringtones and other mobile content by legendary Def Jam recording artist and music icon Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter.

Starting today, only Thumbplay customers can personalize their mobile phones with a collection of ten chart-shattering singles that have never been made available in the mobile marketplace. Encompassing some of the greatest hits from the past ten years from this cultural icon, Thumbplay’s customers will enjoy exclusive access to Jay-Z’s biggest hits, including:
o 1-900-Hustler, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000)
o Can I Get A, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)
o Encore, The Black Album (2003)
o Excuse Me Miss, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse (2002)
o Girls, Girls, Girls, The Blueprint (2001)
o Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love), The Blueprint (2001)
o IZZO (H.O.V.A.), The Blueprint (2001)
o Jigga What, Jigga Who, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life (1998)
o Roc Boys (And The Winner Is), American Gangster (2007)
o S. Carter, Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter (1999)

“UMG is committed to ensuring that fans are provided with new and innovative ways to access the music of their favorite artists,” stated Adam Flick, Vice President of Marketing, Digital, Universal Music Group Distribution. “And our partnership with Thumbplay provides an engaging and dynamic means of doing just that.”

“The availability of exclusive content from Jay-Z marks the continuation of Thumbplay’s leadership and commitment to delivering excellence to its consumers in the mobile music arena,” commented Are Traasdahl, Thumbplay’s CEO and founder. “We are pleased that Universal Music Group has chosen Thumbplay to be the first to launch this exclusive collection of Jay-Z’s chart-topping hits and look forward to sharing more exclusive UMG content with our consumers in the future.”

Thumbplay and UMG inked a deal in April of 2006 that significantly increased the mobile entertainment content leader’s offerings through access to the full UMG catalog of music tones from artists such as Eminem, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Sheryl Crow, 50 Cent, Jack Johnson, Gwen Stefani, blink-182 and The Killers. By targeting diverse communities of consumers and creating strong partnerships with major online brands and content providers, Thumbplay has been able expand its Web site traffic to over 4 million unique visitors each month.

With more than 100,000 pieces of mobile entertainment content under license, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, videos, voice tones and text-based services, Thumbplay has built a strong consumer following and gained broad recognition as a leader in the direct-to-consumer mobile content space.

During the last quarter of 2007, Thumbplay announced deals to integrate its mobile entertainment content catalog into the Web and mobile portals of AOL and MSN Mobile, as well as iLike, one of the Web’s leading social music discovery services. Earlier this year, Thumbplay signed a digital distribution agreement to roll out mobile content stores on the Web sites for Entertainment Tonight (etonline.com) and more than 650 of Clear Channel Radio’s local music, news and sports stations throughout the U.S.

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's leading global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group's record labels include Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Philips, Polydor Records, Universal Motown Records Group, Universal Music Latino, Universal Records South, and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division; and Helter Skelter, its live music agency.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

About Thumbplay
Thumbplay, Inc. is defining the mobile entertainment experience for U.S. consumers. As the largest and fastest growing mobile entertainment content destination, Thumbplay gives consumers access to the broadest and deepest catalog in the industry, spanning audio, video and gaming content from the leading music labels and artists, game publishers and media companies. Its innovative delivery and marketing platform makes it easy for users to discover, manage, store and share mobile content online and on their wireless devices.

Headquartered in New York City, Thumbplay was founded in September 2004 by Are Traasdahl and Evan Schwartz. It is backed by Bain Capital Ventures, SoftBank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures, Redwood Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Meritech, Brookside Capital Partners and Cross Creek Capital. More information can be found at www.thumbplay.com or at m.thumbplay.com from a mobile phone.

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