Dave Nemetz: Founding Bleacher Report, His $175 Million Exit, and Building Online Community Before It Was Cool
New episode every Wednesday & Saturday.
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Ben & Tony Podcast, where the world’s most interesting people tell their stories!
Dave is the Founder of Bleacher Report, Inverse, and GM of Culture + Innovation at Bustle Digital Group. Bleacher Report was started in 2007 and eventually sold to Turner for $175 Million. Over the last two decades, Bleacher Report has been one of the most popular sports websites in the world. From Bleacher Report to Inverse to his current role at Bustle Digital Group, Dave has always been at the epicenter of media and entertainment.
Dave is also an active investor, startup advisor and huge fan of Grateful Dead and Phish. Dave spends a lot of time writing and you can read his newsletter at www.davenemetz.com.
Anthony’s Take:
If you are a sports fan, you have definitely heard of Bleacher Report. And as the founder of Bleacher Report, Dave Nemetz has first hand experience building one of the most successful media companies of the last two decades. After leaving Bleacher Report, Dave has remained at the forefront of the media industry and you should pay attention to his expert analysis on the evolution of digital media. He has some killer insights and anyone with an interest in digital media, building an audience, and the future of content should listen to this.
Ben’s Take:
From sneaking off on his work breaks to take calls for his side hustle (which was later to become Bleacher Report), to building the desks in his first office out of old doors in a nod to Bezos, Dave really has lived his own philosophy of “if you find yourself stuck climbing the career ladder, get off and built the elevator”. And it was a fairly sizable elevator to say the least. Dave sold Bleacher Report sold for $175mn, something that isn’t obvious through his innately humble and down to earth attitude. Anyone looking to build a new media company, to build a community (he did it way before it was hip), or to understand the journey of entrepreneurship… this is a great listen.
What did we talk about?
Starting in the mailroom at Endeavor talent agency
Identifying an opportunity in building a website for sports fans
The story of starting Bleacher Report with his friends from high school
Selling Bleacher Report to Turner and dealing with the intense feelings of selling your company
His sources of inspiration for starting Inverse
Becoming a Dad, starting his second company, and moving from SF to NYC all in one year
Dave’s favorite romcom and Dave’s life advice for his 18 year old self
Building an audience and having direct relationships with your customers
Who he admires in the media industry
Find Dave Here: https://twitter.com/davenemetz
Find Ben Here: https://twitter.com/mrhartben
Find Anthony Here: https://twitter.com/AnthonyMcG2
We’re learning podcasting with you, so do get in touch & let us know if you have any ideas on how we can improve, or guests you’d like to see.
We hope you enjoyed this one & look forward to seeing you next time!
Your friends,
Ben & Tony
