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§ Private Profile · Los Angeles, CA, USA
Automotive content producer creating videos and podcasts for car enthusiasts, focused on history, maintenance, and culture.
Founded in 2015 by Ben Conrad, Matt Levin, and Nick Moceri, Donut Media is a Los Angeles-based digital media company producing automotive videos, podcasts, and merchandise for broad enthusiast audiences. The organization generates revenue through advertising, content licensing, and branding deals, reaching nearly 5.89 million YouTube subscribers and generating 60 million monthly views. Across its other social platforms, the brand maintains 4 million Facebook fans and 1.2 million Instagram followers, operating with a workforce of over 30 full-time employees. Donut Media was acquired by Recurrent Ventures in 2021, and its broader ecosystem includes the STOCKY collectible brand alongside popular weekly shows like Up to Speed and Wheelhouse. Key figures include CEO Matt Levin, Editor-in-Chief James Pumphrey, and former hosts Zach Jobe and Jeremiah Burton, who left in late 2024 to launch the spinoff channel BigTime.
Donut Media has raised $920K across 2 funding rounds.
Donut Media has raised $920K in total across 2 funding rounds.
Donut Media has raised $920K in total across 2 funding rounds.
Donut Media's investors include Long Journey Ventures, Pitbull Ventures, Thom Ruhe, Ryan Tuerck, 3311 Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, Ari N..
Donut Media is not a technology company; it is a Los Angeles-based automotive entertainment and digital media company founded in 2015, specializing in YouTube content, merchandise, and brand partnerships for millennial and Gen Z car enthusiasts.[1][2][4] The company produces "edutainment" videos that make car culture accessible through authentic storytelling, blending education and entertainment to lower barriers for newcomers who lack technical knowledge from traditional outlets.[1][2] It serves a digitally native audience via multi-platform content like the "Up to Speed" series, generates revenue from YouTube ads, sponsorships (e.g., Hankook, Allstate, NASCAR), merchandise sales via Shopify, and membership programs, and was acquired by Recurrent Ventures in 2021 after raising $1.85M in funding.[1][2][4][7]
Since its acquisition, Donut Media has sustained growth with over 8 million YouTube subscribers (implied from historical data and ongoing partnerships), partnerships like Forza Horizon games, and a loyal community driving organic sharing.[2][5] Its multi-revenue model avoids platform dependency, differentiating it in automotive media.[1]
Donut Media was founded in 2015 by Matt Levin (former product head at AwesomenessTV and current CEO), Nick Moceri, and Ben Conrad in Los Angeles.[1][2][4][5] The idea emerged to democratize car culture for younger audiences underserved by technical, enthusiast-focused traditional media, starting with a video on the 24 Hours of Lemons race.[1][2]
Early traction came from viral hits like the 2016 "Two Grannies, One Lamborghini" video and the debut of "Up to Speed" in February 2016, hosted by James Pumphrey, which shifted the channel from one-off virals to sustainable series on car models like the Nissan 240SX.[2] Pivotal moments included $800K seed funding from Techstars Ventures in 2018, NASCAR partnerships, a Tesla Roadster Hot Wheels stunt, and acquisition by Recurrent Ventures on November 9, 2021, integrating it with brands like The Drive.[2][4]
Donut Media stands out in automotive media through these key strengths:
Donut Media rides the creator economy and digital media consolidation wave, capitalizing on YouTube's dominance in long-form video and the shift from traditional automotive publishing (e.g., MotorTrend) to influencer-led content for Gen Z/millennials.[1][2][4] Timing aligns with rising influencer marketing, where brands seek authentic partnerships amid fragmented attention spans—averaging 5 hours daily on mobile—with Donut's 1.8M+ Facebook followers, near-1M YouTube subscribers (historical), and 150K+ Instagram as of earlier data.[5]
Market forces like platform algorithms favoring shareable "edutainment" and acquisitions by firms like Recurrent Ventures favor its model, influencing the ecosystem by proving creator scalability: from viral videos to empires with merch, gaming tie-ins (Forza Horizon), and vertical integration.[1][2][4] It bridges automotive passion with tech-enabled distribution, mentoring the next wave of digital-native media.
Donut Media's trajectory points to expanded multi-platform dominance and deeper brand integrations, leveraging Recurrent's resources for original programming under leaders like new GM Colby Mann, who produced "Up to Speed.".[1][4] Trends like gaming crossovers, AR/VR car experiences, and EV-focused content will shape it, especially as automotive shifts electric amid Gen Z's sustainability push.
Its influence may evolve into a full media franchise—potentially launching apps, podcasts, or live events—solidifying its role as the accessible gateway to car culture that began with three founders breaking down barriers for newcomers.[1][2]
Donut Media has raised $920K across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $800K Seed in May 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2017 | $800K Seed | — | Long Journey Ventures, Pitbull Ventures, Thom Ruhe, Ryan Tuerck, 3311 Ventures, Fontinalis Partners, ARI N. | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2016 | $120K Seed | — | — | Announced |