Sky backs online video startup Pluto.TV

Sky has invested $500,000 in LA-based online video aggregator Pluto.TV as part of its strategy to drive innovation by partnering with pioneering technology companies.

Pluto.TV is an online television platform that aggregates video content from across the web and programs it into themed TV channels. By using a combination of technology, data and a team of specialist editors, Pluto.TV offers viewers the best of online video through a portfolio of TV channels spanning traditional genres including music, news, sports, comedy and entertainment as well as dedicated channels catering to specific interests such as hip-hop, surfing, video gaming, stand-up comedy, art and fashion.

The service is currently available in the US across a range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Google Chromecast, Amazon Kindle Fire and Fire TV, as well as through the web.

Sky is the biggest investor in TV content in Britain, spending a total of £2.6bn each year across entertainment, sport, movies and news. The relationship with Pluto.TV will provide Sky with valuable insight into the way new forms of content are shaping emerging trends in the way people find and watch TV. At the same time, Pluto.TV will leverage Sky's experience in packaging and promoting content, particularly through strong and engaging channel brands.

The partnership with Pluto.TV builds on Sky's on-going programme of investment in innovative startups and follows an investment in the US ad tech firm Sharethrough announced last week. Sky has previously invested in a number of other pioneering US technology companies, including the IP streaming service provider Roku, the immersive 360 video specialists Jaunt and the video delivery firm 1 Mainstream.

Earlier this year, Sky also opened up a dedicated office in San Francisco to help it continue to forge new partnership with tech startups.

Emma Lloyd, Director, Corporate Business Development, Sky, commented: This partnership enables Sky to draw on the ground-breaking work Pluto.TV are doing to help viewers discover and enjoy the best of online TV through an intuitive and editorially rich TV platform. As we learn about new trends in the way people watch TV, we look forward to sharing our own expertise in content creation, packaging and promotion.

Tom Ryan, CEO, Pluto.TV, commented: Were excited to have one of the worlds leading entertainment and communications companies as an investor in Pluto.TV. Skys considerable strengths in TV content and distribution and their leading position in Europe will be invaluable to us as we scale our business. We look forward to collaborating broadly with Sky to rapidly grow and deliver our online video platform globally across web, mobile and connected TVs.

For more information:

Matt Beake

Corporate Communications, BSkyB

0207 032 2895

matt.beake@bskyb.com

About Sky

Sky is the UK and Ireland's leading home entertainment and communications company. Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.

Sky is the UK's biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.6 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News. Around two-thirds of Sky's content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes. More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.

Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator. Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.

Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi. NOW TV, Sky's second consumer brand, builds on the company's leadership in internet TV. Sky is also the UKs fastest-growing home communications company and favourite triple-play' provider of TV, broadband and home phone.

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts. Sky employs 25,000 people, has annual revenues of £7.6 billion and is estimated to support a £6.0 billion contribution to UK GDP. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY).

About Pluto.TV

Pluto.TV is an online video platform that offers a new way to experience the most entertaining and engaging content on the web all in once place. Curated by a team of experts, using sophisticated technology and data, Pluto.TV is organized into popular common interest categories like music, sports, news, entertainment, comedy, lifestyle, tech, art & culture, education and kids, and features over 100 channels available for free, 24/7 on any device. Pluto.TV combines the best of both television and the Internet, with its near infinite wealth of content, to create the ultimate entertainment experience. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles.

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