For those seeking relaxation and tranquility in today’s fast-paced world, the Calm app has become a go-to resource. Many people are curious about the ownership of this popular meditation and relaxation app. The truth behind who owns Calm has been the subject of speculation and rumors. To discover the truth, we need to dive into the information available.
Key Takeaways:
- Calm was co-founded by Michael Acton Smith and Alex Tew back in 2012
- As of now, the co-founders still hold significant ownership in the company
- Calm has raised a total of $115 million in funding, demonstrating its success and potential
The Co-Founders: Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith
To understand the ownership structure of the Calm app, we need to take a closer look at its history. Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith, two exceptional entrepreneurs, co-founded Calm.com in 2012, launching a meditation and relaxation app that has revolutionized the wellness industry.
Alex Tew, with his innovative project Million Dollar Homepage, gained immense popularity in 2005, making him a familiar name in the business world. Michael Acton Smith’s contribution to the entertainment industry through Mind Candy and Moshi Monsters won him global recognition. Both entrepreneurs’ remarkable achievements and entrepreneurial skills positioned them as leading figures in the industry.
Together, they brought their expertise to Calm.com, creating an app that offers users guided meditation sessions, soothing music, and sleep stories. Their combination of creativity and business acumen has resulted in the app’s success and popularity worldwide.
Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith stand out for their ability to identify and cater to their target audience’s needs, coupled with their unwavering commitment to creating products that positively impact people’s lives. Their success stories serve as inspiration and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs who share their dreams.
Overall, the co-founders’ legacy extends far beyond the success of their ventures. They are highly respected figures in the industry and continue to inspire others through their visionary approach and dedication to their craft.
Initial Funding and Expansion
Initially, Calm operated as a bootstrapped startup, with Tew and Acton Smith funding the development and growth of the app themselves. As the app gained in popularity and user base, the co-founders sought external funding to support continued growth and expansion.
In 2013, Calm secured its first funding from seed investors, raising $500,000 to support the development of new features and expansion into new markets. This initial funding helped the company establish a solid foundation for future growth and attract additional investors.
The following year, Calm raised $1.5 million in a round led by Jason Calacanis, founder of Launch and an early investor in Uber and Thumbtack. This funding allowed Calm to further develop its product and expand its marketing efforts, resulting in increased traction and user acquisition.
In 2015, Calm raised an additional $1.8 million in seed funding from investors including Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, and Ashton Kutcher’s investment firm Sound Ventures. This funding enabled Calm to continue its rapid growth and expansion, including the launch of its first subscription offering.
Since then, Calm has raised over $143 million in funding from investors including Insight Partners, TPG Growth, and Salesforce Ventures. This funding has supported continued development of the app, expansion into new markets and languages, and strategic partnerships with celebrities and organizations.
Overall, the success and growth of the Calm app can be attributed in part to its strategic use of external funding to support its expansion initiatives and establish a strong position in the rapidly growing mindfulness and wellness industry.
Series B Funding and Celebrity Investments
In 2015, Calm raised its first round of funding, securing $1.5 million from investors such as Ashton Kutcher’s A-Grade Investments and angel investor Matt Mullenweg. Since then, the Calm app has secured a series B funding round worth $27 million.
The series B funding was led by TPG Growth, a well-known investment firm that has previously backed other successful startups such as Spotify and Uber. TPG Growth was attracted to Calm’s strong growth potential in the burgeoning wellness industry.
In addition to TPG Growth, the series B funding round also saw investment from several notable celebrities. Actress and comedian Chelsea Handler, singer and actress Katy Perry, and actor Jared Leto all backed the Calm app, providing not only a significant source of funding but also helping to raise the profile of the app.
The involvement of celebrity investors such as Handler, Perry, and Leto demonstrates the growing trend of celebrities investing in startups. However, it’s important to note that while celebrity endorsements can help bring publicity and attention to a company, they do not always guarantee success. Startups need to be careful to align their brand and values with the interests of their celebrity investors, and ensure that they don’t dilute their core message in the pursuit of fame.
Overall, the series B funding and involvement of celebrity investors has provided Calm with a significant boost, allowing the app to expand and reach new customers. However, it will be interesting to see how Calm balances this newfound attention with the need to maintain its core values and mission.
Valuation and Continued Growth: The Key to Calm’s Success
Fast forward to 2018, and Calm found itself in the spotlight once again as it announced a new round of funding. This funding round, led by TPG Growth, valued the company at $250 million. Since then, Calm’s valuation has continued to soar, reaching $2 billion in December 2020.
The Calm app’s success can also be attributed to its continued growth. The app has steadily expanded its offerings beyond meditation and relaxation tools, adding features such as music, sleep stories, and even mindful workouts. This growth has led to an increase in the app’s user base, which has reached over 100 million users worldwide.
However, Calm’s growth strategy goes beyond just adding new features. The company has also formed strategic partnerships and collaborations with companies such as American Airlines, LeBron James’ media company Uninterrupted, and electronic giant Samsung. These partnerships have helped the company expand its reach and tap into new markets.
Another factor contributing to Calm’s growth is its commitment to innovation. The company’s product development team is constantly working on new features and tools to enhance the user experience and keep the app ahead of the competition. For example, in late 2020, Calm launched a new feature called “Daily Trip,” which allows users to take a virtual walk through scenic locations while listening to guided meditations.
Financial stability also plays a significant role in Calm’s continued growth. The company’s strong financial position has enabled it to invest in new product development and marketing initiatives. In 2020, the company spent $30 million on advertising, including a high-profile partnership with NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics.
In conclusion, Calm’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its high valuation, continued growth, strategic partnerships, commitment to innovation, and financial stability. As the mindfulness and wellness industry continues to grow, Calm’s focus on both valuation and continued growth positions the company for sustained success in the years to come.
Current Ownership Structure
As we approach 2021, recent reports indicate that Calm remains a privately held company. The current ownership structure of Calm is not publicly disclosed, but available records and reports suggest that the company is primarily owned by its co-founders, Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith, as well as institutional and individual investors.
Institutional investors, such as TPG Growth and Insight Venture Partners, have invested significant amounts of capital in Calm, giving them a substantial ownership stake in the company. Additionally, Calm has received funding from high-profile celebrity investors, including Ashton Kutcher and Harry Styles.
The ownership structure of Calm may continue to evolve as the company expands and pursues strategic partnerships and collaborations. However, the co-founders are likely to retain a significant ownership stake and retain decision-making control over the company.
As a privately held company, Calm’s ownership structure is not subject to the same regulatory requirements as public companies. However, the company may choose to disclose ownership information to certain stakeholders, such as investors or potential business partners, to provide transparency and build trust.
Understanding the ownership structure of Calm is important for investors and stakeholders who are interested in the company’s direction and performance. It provides insights into the decision-making power and control held by different stakeholders and can inform investment decisions.
In conclusion, while the current ownership structure of Calm is not publicly disclosed, available information suggests that the company is primarily owned by its co-founders and a mix of institutional and individual investors. As the company grows and pursues strategic partnerships, the ownership structure may continue to evolve. However, the co-founders are likely to retain a significant ownership stake and decision-making control over the company.
Involvement of Celebrity Partners
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Calm’s impressive roster of celebrity partners may also hold some ownership in the company. As previously discussed, celebrity partnerships can play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing consumer behavior. Moreover, they often participate in philanthropic activities, using their fame and resources to raise funds for charitable causes.
Calm has collaborated with a diverse group of celebrity partners, including Lebron James, Harry Styles, and Matthew McConaughey. These partnerships have helped to increase the visibility and credibility of the Calm app, attracting a wider audience and enhancing the brand’s reputation.
While the exact ownership stake held by Calm’s celebrity partners is unclear, their involvement in the company’s operations and marketing suggests that they may have a significant presence. Furthermore, their endorsement of the Calm app could influence their fans and followers to use the app, fueling its continued growth and success.
Calm’s celebrity partnerships are also prominently featured on the company’s social media channels, where they share their experiences with the app and encourage their followers to give it a try. This type of social media endorsement can be highly effective in generating buzz and increasing brand recognition.
In conclusion, Calm’s celebrity partnerships are a valuable asset to the company, enhancing its reputation and increasing its visibility. While the exact ownership stake held by these partners is unclear, their involvement in the company’s marketing and operations suggests that they may have a significant presence.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
In terms of strategic partnerships and collaborations, Calm has also joined forces with major brands and organizations. The mindfulness and meditation app has partnered with companies like American Airlines, Nike, and Universal Studios to provide their customers with access to Calm’s content and services. This not only expands Calm’s reach but also provides their partners with a unique selling point and enhances their customer experience.
Furthermore, Calm has collaborated with research institutions to deepen their understanding of the science behind mindfulness and meditation. They have partnered with Stanford University, the University of California, and the University of Southern California to conduct studies and trials on the efficacy of meditation and mindfulness on mental health. Through these collaborations, Calm aims to advance the field of mindfulness and promote its benefits to a wider audience.
Calm has also entered into strategic partnerships to expand their product offerings and enhance their user experience. They have partnered with XpresSpa to launch a series of Calm-branded meditation and relaxation rooms in airports across the US. They have also teamed up with Sonos to integrate their app with Sonos’ smart speakers, enabling users to control their meditation sessions with voice commands.
Another example of Calm’s strategic partnerships is their collaboration with the NBA. Calm has become the “official mental fitness app” of the NBA, providing players and coaches with access to their content and services to help improve their mental resilience and performance. This partnership not only enhances Calm’s credibility and visibility but also provides the NBA with a valuable tool to support their players’ wellbeing.
In conclusion, Calm’s strategic partnerships and collaborations demonstrate their commitment to expanding their reach, enhancing their product offerings, and advancing the field of mindfulness. By partnering with major brands, research institutions, and industry leaders, Calm is able to leverage their partners’ resources and expertise to achieve shared goals and drive growth. These partnerships also provide a unique selling point for their partners and enhance their customer experience.
The Mission and Impact of Calm App
The Calm App is a meditation and sleep aid app that aims to help people reduce stress and improve their mental well-being. Its mission is to make the world a happier and healthier place by providing accessible tools and resources for mindfulness and relaxation.
One of the main impacts of the Calm App is its ability to help individuals manage stress and anxiety. With soothing music, guided meditations, and breathing exercises, users can find a sense of calm and tranquility amidst their busy lives. The app also offers sleep stories, which are narrated bedtime tales designed to help users relax and fall asleep more easily.
Another important impact of the Calm App is its contribution to mental health awareness. By offering a platform that promotes mindfulness and self-care, the app helps users prioritize their mental well-being and become more aware of their own emotions and thoughts. The app also includes tools to track and log moods and emotions, providing users with a valuable resource for self-reflection and personal growth.
The Calm App has gained significant popularity and recognition for its mission and impact. It has been downloaded by millions of users worldwide, and has received numerous awards for its effectiveness and innovation. The app has also partnered with various organizations and celebrities to promote mental health advocacy and support.
Regardless of the exact ownership structure, Calm remains committed to its mission of providing tranquility and mindfulness to its millions of users worldwide.
In conclusion, the Calm App’s mission is to improve mental well-being by providing accessible tools and resources for mindfulness and relaxation. Its impact is evident in its ability to help users manage stress, anxiety, and improve their overall mental health. With its popularity and recognition, the Calm App has made a significant impact in promoting mental health awareness and prioritizing self-care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, uncovering the truth behind the ownership of the Calm app reveals that the co-founders, Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith, were the driving forces behind its creation. Through initial funding and strategic partnerships, the Calm app has experienced tremendous growth and success, resulting in increased valuation and continued expansion. While celebrity investors and partners have played a role in the app’s development and promotion, the current ownership structure remains primarily in the hands of Tew and Smith.
The mission and impact of the Calm app on the mindfulness and wellness industry cannot be overstated. By providing accessible tools and resources for meditation and relaxation, Calm has helped countless individuals achieve greater levels of peace and clarity in their lives. As the app continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that its founders and current ownership are committed to upholding the app’s core values and mission.
Overall, the investigation into the ownership of the Calm app provides valuable insights into the complex workings of the tech industry and the importance of visionary leadership in creating successful startups. As the app continues to innovate and grow, it will undoubtedly remain a leading force in the wellness and mindfulness space for years to come.
Additional Resources
For more information on the ownership of the Calm app and related topics, check out the following resources:
1. Calm Blog
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments related to Calm by visiting their blog. Here you will find articles on mindfulness, wellness, and updates on the company’s progress.
2. Calm Investor Relations
For those interested in the financial side of Calm, the company’s investor relations page provides the latest news and reports on the company’s performance.
3. Forbes Article
Forbes published an article on the Calm app and its co-founders, which explores the company’s history and growth. This article also touches on the recent series B funding round and celebrity investors.
4. TechCrunch Article
TechCrunch delves into the specifics of Calm’s series B funding, analyzing the company’s valuation and the potential impact of celebrity investors on its growth.
5. Harvard Business Review Article
The Harvard Business Review published an article on the importance of mindfulness in today’s world and how companies like Calm are making a significant impact in this area.
6. Mindfulness Summit
The Mindfulness Summit is an online event that features talks and workshops on mindfulness and meditation. Calm has been a speaker at this summit and their website offers free resources related to mindfulness and health.
By utilizing these additional resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Calm app and its ownership structure, as well as relevant topics and trends in the wellness industry.
FAQ
Q: Who are the co-founders of the Calm app?
A: The co-founders of the Calm app are Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith.
Q: When was the Calm app founded?
A: The Calm app was founded in 2012.
Q: How did the Calm app initially get funded?
A: The Calm app initially operated as a bootstrapped startup, with funding from its co-founders, Alex Tew and Michael Acton Smith.
Q: Who were some of the investors in Calm’s first funding round?
A: Some investors in Calm’s first funding round included Ashton Kutcher’s A-Grade Investments and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.
Q: How much funding did the Calm app raise in its series B funding round?
A: The Calm app raised $88 million in its series B funding round.
Q: Who led the series B funding round for Calm?
A: The series B funding round for Calm was led by TPG Growth, a global investment firm.
Q: What was the valuation of the Calm app after its series B funding round?
A: The Calm app reached a valuation of $1 billion after its series B funding round.
Q: Who are some celebrities involved with the Calm app?
A: Celebrities such as LeBron James and Matthew McConaughey have collaborated with the Calm app.
Q: Is the Calm app a privately held company?
A: Yes, the Calm app is currently a privately held company.
Q: What is the mission of the Calm app?
A: The mission of the Calm app is to provide tranquility and mindfulness to its millions of users worldwide.
Q: Are there any additional resources for more information about the Calm app and its ownership?
A: You can visit the Calm app’s official website or explore related articles and resources for further information.
