The Mark publishes multimedia news commentary written by and featuring a hand-picked community of more than 600 great Canadian thinkers and doers working around the world in politics, business, science, technology, sports and the arts. Media observers have described The Mark as a Canadian version of the Huffington Post.

The round was led by Innovation Grade Capital, an investment company owned by David Ceolin, former CEO of Digital Cement; Thunder Road Capital, a firm owned by Jordan Banks, former CEO of JumpTV, and former managing director of eBay Canada; and Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications and co-host of CBC's The Dragon's Den.

The Mark will use the financing to fund growth.

"We plan to add hundreds of new contributors, expand our multimedia offering, launch a French version, and sign revenue and content distribution partnerships," said Jeff Anders, The Mark's founder and chief executive officer. "The news media landscape in Canada is being redrawn. The opportunities for growth are unlimited."

Jordan Banks added that The Mark's ability to successfully raise money in a tight venture capital market shows that "it has a far more efficient system for creating, producing and delivering content. Its traffic and user base are growing steadily as a result."

Arlene Dickinson sees The Mark as the future of news media.

"Consumers want to engage directly with the people doing the work and making the decisions that ultimately become news. They are increasingly choosing integrated online platforms to watch, listen and read. The Mark will capture audience as these trends accelerate," she said.

David Ceolin, the lead investor, highlights that The Mark is pioneering a new business model for publishing.

"The Mark is building a portfolio of content-based services that have scalable, sustainable revenue potential and don't rely on advertising or subscription," he said.

For More Information:

Maria Cortellucci, Marketing Director

mariac@themarknews.com

192 Spadina Avenue, Suite 313, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2 | +1-647-347-1339

www.themarknews.com | twitter: @themarknews