About WebTV Networks
WebTV Networks is a Media & Entertainment company based in Redmond (United States) founded in 1995, and was acquired by Microsoft in April 1997. It operates as a TV channels are streamed via internet using IPTV services. WebTV Networks has raised $14 million across 1 funding round from investors including Microsoft and Seagate. Its focus areas include OTT Video, OTT Streaming Platforms and IPTV. Its legal entity is WEBTV NETWORKS INC. Its competitors include MobiTV, YuppTV, Osn, Zapping and PPTV and 3 more; 6 of its 8 listed competitors have raised funding.
Company details
WebTV Networks was founded in 1995 in Redmond, United States, as a provider of IPTV streaming services. Operations focus on enabling users to access television channels through internet-based delivery. The sector involves digital media and broadcasting, with services supporting on-demand and live streaming for various devices. Geographic emphasis remains on the U.S. market, where internet protocol television infrastructure is utilized to distribute content.
Funding Insights of WebTV Networks
WebTV Networks has successfully raised a total of $14M through 1 strategic funding round. The most recent funding activity was a Series A round of $14 million completed in March 1997. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.
- Total Funding $14M
- Total Rounds 1
- Last Round Series A β $14M
- First Round $14M
(Mar 1997)
- Investors Count 1
All 1 funding rounds of WebTV Networks with amounts and investors; the two latest post-money valuations are shown, the rest are part of the premium plan.
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1997 | $14M | Series A | β | β |
2 investors in total: 2 institutional.
Investors in WebTV Networks
WebTV Networks has secured backing from 2 investors, including institutional investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Microsoft and Seagate.
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DAS storage devices are supplied for enterprise and client applications. | 1979 | seagate.com | Scotts Valley, United States | |
Microsoft is recognized for software, hardware, and gaming solutions. | 1975 | microsoft.com | Redmond, United States |
Investor details for WebTV Networks
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Timeline of WebTV Networks
3 dated milestones of WebTV Networks across 2 years, from founding to its latest funding, stage changes and deals.
- Founded WebTV Networks is founded.
- Funding First funding round of $14.0M.
- Exit Acquired by Microsoft.
Competitors of WebTV Networks
WebTV Networks has 8 listed competitors in our database, 6 of them funded. They include MobiTV, YuppTV, Osn, Zapping and PPTV, among others.
| Company Name | Domain | Founded | HQ Location | Total funding | Employees | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mobitv.com | 1999 | Emeryville, United States | $269.34M | 104 | Online platform for delivering live and on-demand video | |
| yupptv.com | 2006 | Atlanta, United States | $67.5M | – | Live and on-demand Indian television channels are streamed globally. | |
| osn.com | 2009 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | $57M | – | Satellite TV provider based in Dubai | |
| zapping.com | 2017 | Santiago, Chile | $6.85M | – | IPTV services for live TV streaming are provided via subscriptions. | |
| pptv.com | 2005 | Shanghai, China | $301.01M | – | IPTV-based streaming platform | |
| mybundle.tv | 2019 | Fort Lauderdale, United States | $10.81M | – | Provider of IPTV streaming platform | |
| rotana.net | 1987 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | – | – | Subscription-based satellite TV services are provided to regional audiences. | |
| directvgo.com | 2012 | Saint Louis, United States | – | – | Provides IPTV streaming services for live and on-demand content. |
Detailed competitors of WebTV Networks
The full competitor set, operating metrics and side-by-side benchmarks require an active premium plan.
- Full competitor set
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Verified entity values are shown only after access is granted.
Web traffic of WebTV Networks
Websites that share an audience with WebTV Networks (webtv.net).
Websites whose visitors overlap most with WebTV Networks. Affinity shows how closely the audiences match.
| Website | Domain | Audience affinity | Monthly visits | Global rank | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
web.tv | web.tv | 100% | – | #320,882 | β |
playnet.com | playnet.com | 35% | – | – | β |
| microsoft.com | 26% | 1.2B | #33 | View details | |
msntv.com | msntv.com | 25% | – | – | β |
Top companies in OTT & Streaming Media
10 companies that operate in the same segment as WebTV Networks (OTT & Streaming Media), ranked by their profile score on The Company Check.
| Company | Description | Founded | Location | Total funding | Revenue | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Video content is streamed through subscription-based OTT platform. | 2007 | Santa Monica, California, United States | USD 100 M | – | 2,314 | |
ESports social video streaming platform | 2006 | San Francisco, California, United States | USD 35.12 M | – | – | |
Subscription-based platform for streaming soccer content is offered. | 2015 | New York, New York, United States | USD 154.63 M | USD 1.62 B | 590 | |
Ad-supported live and on-demand video streaming is provided. | 2013 | Los Angeles, California, United States | USD 51.8 M | – | – | |
Subscription-based anime streaming is offered across devices and languages. | 2006 | San Francisco, California, United States | USD 55.55 M | – | – | |
Video streaming devices and platforms are provided by Roku. | 2008 | San Jose, California, United States | USD 213.56 M | USD 4.74 B | 4,473 | |
Video hosting, creation, management, and streaming services are provided. | 2004 | New York, New York, United States | USD 450 M | USD 417.01 M | 1,100 | |
Provider of streaming services for TV shows, movies, and documentaries | 1997 | Los Gatos, California, United States | USD 80 M | USD 45.27 B | 14,000 | |
User-generated videos and content are shared and streamed online. | 2005 | San Bruno, California, United States | USD 11.5 M | – | – | |
Movies, shows, and on-demand content are streamed via mobile app. | 2007 | Palo Alto, California, United States | USD 127.16 M | – | 520 |
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Related news about Webtv Networks
Complete news archive for WebTV Networks
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Frequently Asked Questions about WebTV Networks
WebTV Networks was founded in 1995 and raised its 1st funding round 2 years after it was founded.
WebTV Networks is headquartered in Redmond, United States. It is registered at Redmond, Washington, United States.
WebTV Networks is a funded company, having raised a total of $14M across 1 funding round to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series A of $14M, raised on Mar 1997.
WebTV Networks was founded in 1995 in Redmond, United States, as a provider of IPTV streaming services. Operations focus on enabling users to access television channels through internet-based delivery. The sector involves digital media and broadcasting, with services supporting on-demand and live streaming for various devices. Geographic emphasis remains on the U.S. market, where internet protocol television infrastructure is utilized to distribute content.
WebTV Networks operates through Webtv Networks Inc.
Yes. WebTV Networks was acquired by Microsoft in April 1997.

