Unwell, the media company co-founded by renowned influencer Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan, has secured a strategic investment from WTSL, an investment firm led by former Endeavor executives. According to a report by Axios, this investment values Unwell at $500 million (approximately 690 billion Korean Won) on a pre-money basis, marking the company's first external funding since its establishment in 2023.
WTSL's Strategic Investment and Unwell's Valuation
WTSL, an investment firm led by former Endeavor executives Patrick Whitesell and Jason Lublin, has made a strategic investment in Unwell, the media company co-founded by Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan. While the exact investment amount was not disclosed, Unwell's pre-money valuation of $500 million highlights the significant potential of influencer-driven media companies.
Established in 2024 with support from Silver Lake, WTSL focuses its investments on the media, entertainment, and sports sectors. Its portfolio includes Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions and Diamond Baseball Holdings, among others. Unwell announced that the WTSL investment would accelerate its growth through acquisitions and further strategic investments.
Combining Creator Platform with Hollywood Production Expertise
Unwell operates a unique business model that integrates Alex Cooper's creator platform with Matt Kaplan's Hollywood production infrastructure, built through ACE Entertainment. Kaplan has a proven track record in content creation, having been involved in producing Netflix's "To All the Boys" franchise and its spin-off series, "XO, Kitty."
Unwell's podcast network currently hosts over 12 programs, including Madeline Argy's "Pretty Lonesome," and has a $125 million deal with SiriusXM for "Call Her Daddy" and other network programs. The company is also diversifying its business areas, including operating a creative agency, selling consumer products like hydration and energy drinks, and producing film and television projects, thereby expanding its footprint within the media ecosystem.
Unwell's Position in the Media Industry and Challenges Ahead
Patrick Whitesell of WTSL praised the Cooper and Kaplan team, stating they have "shown an exceptional ability to predict where audiences are headed and create entertainment experiences that resonate deeply." He added that Unwell is uniquely positioned to define the present and future of media, underscoring the perceived influence and potential of creator-based content in the mainstream media market.
However, this investment comes at a time when Unwell is facing criticism regarding its workplace culture. In June, Vanity Fair published an article based on interviews with over 40 current and former employees, alleging a toxic work environment at Unwell and erratic behavior from Kaplan. Cooper denied these accusations in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, stating that working as a woman in the industry is incredibly difficult, often leading to judgment by entirely different standards.
