Scripps, Turner invest in Refinery29

Time Warner-owned Turner has led a US$45m funding round in a digital media company focused on women, which has also received investment from Scripps Networks Interactive.

Christina Miller

Refinery29 will use the funding to expand its video production business across a range of new formats and channels online.

Turner and Refinery29 will also work together on content creation and development tied to programming across Turner’s networks, specifically targeting millennial women.

Christina Miller, president and general manager of Turner’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang networks, will take a seat on Refinery29’s board of directors.

“In order to achieve success in today’s quickly evolving digital environment, we believe in partnering with brands that have distinct voices and loyal, engaged audiences,” said David Levy, president of Turner.

Refinery29 claims a following of more than 27 million unique visitors on its website and a reach of more than 225 million users across all other platforms.

The company announced its international expansion plans in September 2015 and has since opened offices in Germany and the UK.

The investment is Turner’s latest in the digital space, following deals with digital media company Mashable and online video specialists StreamPlanet in 2015.