NEW YORK– BuzzFeed, the leading tech-powered media company for digital content and commerce across millennial and Gen Z audiences, announced today that investor and talent manager Anjula Acharia will join its board of directors. Acharia is the founder and CEO of A-Series Management & Investments, a leading firm at the forefront of merging Hollywood and tech. The company’s investment and advisory portfolio focuses on a number of consumer tech startups, including ApartmentList, Bumble, ClassPass, Clubhouse, and Yumi among many others. The company also manages globally acclaimed actress Priyanka Chopra. In her new board role, Acharia will bring her entrepreneurial expertise to help guide BuzzFeed’s e-commerce and licensing strategies as the company enters its next phase as a public company.
On June 24, 2021, BuzzFeed announced that it will merge with 890 5th Avenue Partners, Inc., ($ENFA) a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), to become a publicly traded company. As part of the transaction, BuzzFeed entered into an agreement to acquire Complex Networks, a leading global youth network. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2021, which is when Acharia’s appointment to BuzzFeed’s Board of Directors will become effective. In addition to Acharia, both Adam Rothstein, Executive Chairman of 890 5th Avenue Partners, and Greg Coleman, an advisor to 890 and former BuzzFeed President, will join BuzzFeed’s Board of Directors once the IPO and acquisition of Complex is complete.
“I’m so thrilled and excited for Anjula to join our board. She is a true, proven entrepreneur and innovator, who will bring new perspective and expertise to our licensing and e-commerce businesses and enable collaborations between those businesses, Silicon Valley and the Hollywood community.” said BuzzFeed Founder and CEO Jonah Peretti. “As we get closer to becoming a public company, I couldn’t be more proud of and confident in the board that will be advising us in this next chapter. BuzzFeed will be in better, stronger, and more experienced hands than ever before.”
In addition to launching Priyanka Chopra’s career in the United States, Acharia brings extensive advisory and investment knowledge to BuzzFeed. Her current portfolio of investments also includes Bulletproof Coffee, Cue, FounderMade, Gobble, Health-Ade Kombucha, Hooked, Human Co., Joro App, Mayvenn, Pop & Bottle, The Muse, Thrive Causemetics, Skinny Dipped, Vital Proteins and, most recently, The Well.
“I am honored to join the incredible team at BuzzFeed as I believe strongly in the company’s mission and its disruptive model,” said Acharia. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that has successfully shattered media boundaries by bringing its tech-driven approach to fueling entertainment and pop culture. As the media landscape continues to change, I look forward to contributing to BuzzFeed’s next phase of innovation and helping the company reach its overall growth potential.”
On August 30, 2021 it was announced that Joan Amble joined BuzzFeed’s Board of Directors as Audit Chair. Joan is a seasoned audit expert with financial leadership experience at American Express and General Electric, and significant board director experience.
