Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg's Journey with theSkimm, Now Under Ziff Davis' Everyday Health Group (EHG)
Co-Founders of TheSkimm Share Insights on Acquisition and Future Directions for the Media Company
More than a decade ago, Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg embarked on a daring adventure, launching theSkimm from their couch in their NYC apartment. Little did they know they'd be selling their beloved company to EHG, as announced on March 19. Although the financial details remain under wraps, theSkimm had raised approximately $29 million from key investors such as Shonda Rhimes, Tyra Banks, Goldman Sachs, and Google Ventures, according to Variety.
In an email exchange with me on March 20, Danielle reveals her emotions about the acquisition, stating, "We took a leap of faith, quitting our jobs at NBC to build a newsletter with very little money. So, looking back on our journey, joining forces with EHG is both humbling and exhilarating. We're proud of what we've achieved and eager for what's next."
TheSkimm started with its popular daily newsletter in 2012 and has since expanded its offerings to include Skimm Money, Skimm Your Life, and Skimm Well, as well as a podcast imprint featuring shows like "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" and "WellPlayed." Beyond being a media company, the dynamic duo views themselves as an audience company, with around 5 million millennial and Gen Z female readers invested in their content[1][2].
Aligning with the Mission
For Carly and Danielle, partnering with EHG was a natural fit, as it aligns with their primary goal of serving their audience effectively. Carly states, "Although our initial vision didn't necessarily lead us here, this partnership offers immense growth opportunities that will serve our audience even better."
Following the acquisition, Carly and Danielle are committed to guiding the company's strategic direction and amplifying growth. Their plans include a deeper focus on health and wellness content, offering more in-depth resources to their readers while staying true to their unique tone[1].
Embracing the acquisition, EHG said in a March 19 statement that partnering with theSkimm represents an opportunity to serve the expanding women's health and wellness sector. Nan Forte, EHG's executive vice president, underscored the potential of the partnership, stating, "We're excited to satiate the voracious appetite of theSkimm audience for trusted information in the fast-growing intersection of women's wellness content, community, and commerce."
Growing Together
TheSkimm, which takes great pride in its highly engaging audience, remains committed to growth. Danielle mentions health and wellness as a focus area that resonates deeply with their audience. With EHG's resources and expertise, theSkimm aims to offer enriched content and deepen its impact in this category without altering its distinct voice[1].
Despite the acquisition, theSkimm's beloved "9 to 5ish" podcast and its focus on remaining true to its identity will remain unchanged. The company's staff of over 75 full-time employees will also continue their hard work, with no current plans to reduce the team[2].
As theSkimm enters its next chapter, Carly and Danielle express gratitude to their audience and emphasize that the company remains dedicated to delivering valuable content and services. The acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new journey for theSkimm, providing expanded resources and opportunities to serve an even broader audience, all the while remaining true to its core mission.
For Carly and Danielle, it's been a wild ride, from that tiny apartment and the couch to where they are now. But at their core, they remain driven by the same vision, values, and a commitment to helping women live smarter lives.
If asked what she'd tell her younger self on the brink of this exciting adventure, Danielle says, "We knew that starting and building our own business would take us to unexpected places. But looking back, we'd tell our younger selves to trust their instincts, embrace the challenges, and know that their dedication will lead to incredible opportunities like this one."
References:1. Government Executive2. Axios3. Variety4. Everyday Health Group5. What to Expect6. BabyCenter
- In their email exchange with me, Danielle revealed that the partnership with Ziff Davis' Everyday Health Group (EHG) was both humbling and exhilarating, echoing Carly Zakin's sentiment that it offers immense growth opportunities for theSkimm, a company they founded with very little money.
- As theSkimm enters its next chapter under EHG, the company aims to deepen its focus on health and wellness content, offering more in-depth resources to its readers while remaining true to its unique tone, a goal that aligns well with EHG's mission to serve the expanding women's health and wellness sector.
- TheSkimm's partnership with EHG represents a significant step in their journey, providing expanded resources and opportunities to serve an even broader audience, all the while staying true to their core mission of helping women live smarter lives, much like the partnerships they had formed earlier with investors like Shonda Rhimes, Tyra Banks, Google Ventures, and theSkimm's distinct style and beauty, as encapsulated by its Skimm Your Life, Skimm Money, and Skimm Well offerings.
