What Recurrent Ventures does

Recurrent Ventures is a private digital media company headquartered in Miami, FL, founded in 2018 by Andrew Perlman and Matt Sechrest. The company operates a portfolio of approximately 15 enthusiast media brands — including Donut Media, The Drive, Popular Science, Task & Purpose, TWZ (The War Zone), We Are The Mighty, Futurism, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, BobVila.com, MilSpouseFest, and the Military Influencer Conference — across vertical categories including automotive, military and veteran, science and technology, home design, and outdoor recreation. The company reaches 30M+ monthly unique visitors, 11M+ social followers, 15M+ combined YouTube subscribers, and 513M+ email subscribers. Distribution spans owned websites, YouTube channels, podcasts (Donut Media's Past Gas and The Big Three are top automotive podcasts on Apple Podcasts), FAST/CTV channels (Tubi, Underknown), mobile apps, print magazines, and live events.

The core technology is an AI-assisted content cataloging and remixing system that repurposes creator-driven video content across the portfolio's media properties and platforms. Recurrent's products are organized around its acquired brands, each of which maintains a distinct editorial voice while leveraging shared infrastructure. Monetization is diversified across six revenue streams: digital advertising (primary), consumer subscriptions (PopSci+ at $12/year, Dwell+), branded content and sponsorships (Allstate, Hankook, USAA), merchandise and physical products (Donut Media apparel, Real Mechanic Scrub in 2,000 retail stores, STOCKY collectibles), live events and conferences (Military Influencer Conference with 1,500+ attendees, MilSpouseFest 8 events in 2025, Donut Cruise-In), and marketplace/commerce (Dwell Shop, Dwell House ADUs in partnership with Abodu starting at $389,000). The company is venture-equity-backed, having raised over $400M cumulatively including a $300M Blackstone Tactical Opportunities round in May 2022. CEO Alex Vargas (formerly COO of Bleacher Report) leads the company following a 2022 leadership transition. In May 2026, the company divested Dwell, Domino, Business of Home, and Popular Science to Ziff Davis for an estimated under $20M, pruning the portfolio and refocusing on core enthusiast verticals.

Name

Recurrent Ventures

Legal name

Recurrent Ventures Inc.

Website

https://recurrent.io

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Recurrent Ventures is a private digital media company operating a portfolio of approximately 15 enthusiast media brands across automotive, military, home design, science, and outdoor verticals, reaching 30M+ monthly visitors through owned websites, YouTube, podcasts, events, and streaming channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Media Publishing

NAICS

Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)

SIC

Services-Advertising (7310), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Paid Live Events & Virtual Tickets (Webinars/Streams) (MPACAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lead Generation & Performance Media (B2B/B2C) (MPAAACAK), Social Commerce & Creator Storefronts (Shoppable Links) (MPACAGAI)

Keywords

• Digital media publishing
• Enthusiast content brands
• Online video production
• Media acquisitions
• Advertising sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Digital Advertising: Recurrent generates primary revenue through digital advertising across its portfolio of 15+ enthusiast media brands. Ad placements include display, video, sponsored content, and programmatic advertising across websites, YouTube channels, and email newsletters reaching 30M+ monthly visitors.
2. Subscriptions and Memberships: Recurrent offers premium subscription products such as PopSci+ ($12/year) providing ad-lite access to premium content, archives, and exclusive newsletters. Dwell offers Dwell+ membership with exclusive home tours, the Dwell Home Guide, and archive access. Premium subscriptions represent a growing revenue stream across the portfolio.
3. Consumer Products and Merchandise: Donut Media operates a successful automotive apparel business and merchandise line. Donut Media launched 'Real Mechanic Scrub' product in nearly 2,000 stores (2024). The brand also executes world-class brand partnerships and licensing deals internationally.
4. Live Events and Conferences: Recurrent hosts multiple live event series including Military Influencer Conference (1,000+ attendees), MilSpouseFest (200+ per event, 8 events nationwide in 2025), Donut Cruise-In at the Petersen Automotive Museum, and Donut Media Initial D premiere. Events generate ticket revenue and sponsorship income.
5. Marketplace and Commerce: Dwell operates a marketplace (Dwell Shop) for curated home design products. The Dwell House (in partnership with Abodu) represents a high-ticket physical product offering starting at $389,000 for backyard homes (ADUs).
6. Branded Content and Sponsorships: Donut Media produces branded content campaigns for sponsors including Allstate (exclusive insurance partnership for HiLow series), Hankook (exclusive tire sponsorship), and Forza Horizon 5 (gaming collaboration). Corporate clients include USAA, A24, Caresource, and others for military portfolio campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Recurrent Ventures operates a portfolio of 15+ enthusiast digital media brands across automotive (Donut Media, The Drive, Field & Stream), military (Task & Purpose, TWZ, We Are The Mighty), home design (Dwell, BobVila.com, Business of Home), science/technology (Popular Science, Futurism), and outdoor (Outdoor Life) verticals. The company produces and distributes editorial, video, and podcast content across owned websites, YouTube (15M+ subscribers), social media, email newsletters, and live events reaching 30M+ monthly unique visitors. Revenue is generated through digital advertising, subscriptions (PopSci+, Dwell+), branded content sponsorships, live event ticketing, merchandise (Donut Media, STOCKY), marketplace commerce (Dwell Shop), and physical product sales (Dwell House ADUs starting at $389,000).

Product overview

Recurrent Ventures is a digital media company that operates a portfolio of over 15 enthusiast media brands across verticals including automotive, home design, military, science/technology, and outdoor recreation. The company has built its portfolio through acquisitions, with brands including The Drive, Outdoor Life, BobVila.com, Donut Media, Task & Purpose, Futurism, Dwell, Popular Science, Business of Home, Field & Stream, TWZ (The War Zone), and MilSpouseFest. The portfolio reaches 30M+ monthly unique visitors and 11M+ social followers. Brands operate across multiple platforms including owned websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, print magazines, and live events such as the Military Influencer Conference.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Donut Media Top automotive entertainment brand on YouTube producing comedic and informative car culture video content for young enthusiasts, with 8.5M+ YouTube subscribers and 2B+ video views.
• The Drive Automotive news, reviews, and culture media brand covering car news and purchasing guides for enthusiast audiences; relaunched YouTube channel in 2024.
• Popular Science One of America's oldest science and technology publications producing award-winning content on innovations and discoveries, with digital, print, mobile app, and FAST channel distribution.
• Dwell Home design media brand covering contemporary architecture and interior design with digital and print assets, Dwell+ membership program, Dwell Shop marketplace, and Dwell House ADU product line.
• Task & Purpose Military-focused digital media outlet specializing in news, analysis, and storytelling for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members, and their families.
• TWZ (The War Zone) Defense and military journalism outlet covering national security, autonomous systems, military technology, and defense policy, reaching approximately 8 million readers per month.
• We Are The Mighty Veteran-led digital publisher and media agency producing military-focused content and branded content campaigns for military audiences and corporate partners.
• Futurism Science and technology news outlet covering AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and emerging technologies; won the 2024 Mirror Award for reporting on Sports Illustrated's misuse of AI.
• Outdoor Life Outdoor recreation and hunting media brand providing expert advice, gear recommendations, conservation news, and hunting/fishing guides.
• BobVila.com Home improvement and DIY media brand providing trusted renovation and repair guidance, plus an annual Tool of the Year Awards program.
• Business of Home B2B digital media brand and leading resource for interior design and home furnishings industry professionals, offering industry news, business intelligence, and newsletters.
• Field & Stream Outdoor recreation and fishing/hunting media brand providing expert content on hunting, fishing, and wilderness skills for outdoor enthusiasts.
• PopSci+ Premium Subscription Premium annual subscription product at $12/year providing ad-lite access to PopSci+ content, 20-year archive of Popular Science magazine, 5% off merchandise, and exclusive newsletters.
• MilSpouseFest Event series for military spouses providing networking, resources, and community support across 8 nationwide events in 2025 with USAA as presenting sponsor.
• Military Influencer Conference (MIC) Annual military-focused conference bringing together 1,500+ service members, veterans, entrepreneurs, advocates, and military spouses for networking and thought leadership.
• Dwell House (Backyard ADU) 540-square-foot turnkey backyard home (ADU) developed with Abodu and Norm Architects, delivered in as little as six months; pricing starts at $389,000 all-in, initially in Los Angeles, Bay Area, and Seattle.
• STOCKY Collectible Car Brand Wholly-owned collectible car brand operated by Donut Media, extending the brand's automotive content into physical collectibles and merchandise.
• JancisRobinson.com Wine media brand specializing in wine reviews, guides, and educational content with subscribers across 82 countries; Jancis Robinson continues as Editor-in-Chief.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30M+ unique monthly visitors across portfolio
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and major.

• National UniversityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 September 2025National University (sponsor) was the sponsor of We Are The Mighty's 2023 Mighty 25 class, which honors influential veterans, military spouses, and changemakers. The Mighty 25 announcement was made at the Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta.
• UnderknownminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 March 2025Underknown launched the Popular Science streaming channel, bringing Popular Science's science content to viewers worldwide via FAST channels. This extends Popular Science's reach beyond its own platforms and YouTube into the streaming/OTT ecosystem.
• eMerge AmericasminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2025Recurrent's Military Portfolio partnered with eMerge Americas 2025 eGOV Summit. The partnership connects military-focused content with government and technology innovation audiences.
• The Warrior Alliance (TWA)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 September 2024The Warrior Alliance (TWA) is the presenting partner for Military Influencer Conference 2024 in Atlanta. TWA provides customized resources for service members, veterans, and families in Georgia, partnering with the VA and Georgia Department of Veterans Service for PACT Act claims filing and veteran legal services.
• AllstatemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 May 2024Allstate is the official insurance partner of Donut Media. As the exclusive sponsor of the HiLow series, Allstate integrates custom content across Donut's YouTube channels, podcasts, and social media platforms. The partnership includes podcast, video, and other brand integrations. The partnership was orchestrated by Donut's Director of Client Partnerships, Amanda Klein.
• HankookmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 April 2024Donut Media announced exclusive tire sponsorship with Hankook. The partnership involves Donut's automotive content featuring Hankook tires across video content, likely including HiLow series episodes and other automotive testing content.
• Blackbird Products GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 April 2024Outdoor Life partnered with Blackbird Products Group to produce a custom line of knives. Blackbird Products Group manufactures and distributes the products while Outdoor Life provides brand licensing and marketing reach to its outdoor enthusiast audience.
• Studio71minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 March 2024Studio71 expanded its Facebook network through agreements with Trevor Wallace, Ronda Rousey, and Donut Media. Studio71 serves as a distribution and monetization partner for Donut Media's content on Facebook platforms.
• Forza Horizon 5 / Xbox Game Studios / Playground GamesmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 November 2022Donut Media partnered with Forza Horizon 5 for the 'Donut Media @ Horizon' series — a free downloadable Horizon Story featuring Donut hosts, a custom test track, and themed challenges. Players could access Donut Media content within the game, and the partnership extended Donut's reach into gaming audiences.
• Quantcast and dentsu MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 November 2022Quantcast and dentsu Media partnered with Recurrent to promote Quantcast Academy certification and dentsu's 'The Media Experience' program among the military veteran community, creating pathways for veterans to enter the advertising industry.
• USAAmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 October 2022USAA is the presenting sponsor of MilSpouseFest events. The partnership provides military families with resources for financial readiness, employment, mental health, and more at each MilSpouseFest stop. USAA sponsored 8 MilSpouseFest events nationwide in 2025.
• AbodumajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2022Dwell partnered with Abodu, a full-service Bay Area-based ADU company, to launch the Dwell House — a 540-square-foot backyard home. Abodu manages the entire customer experience from purchase to delivery, including permitting and installation. Houses are delivered turnkey in as little as six months.
• Norm ArchitectsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2022Dwell partnered with award-winning Danish design studio Norm Architects to design the Dwell House. Norm Architects brought their Scandinavian design philosophy — balance between richness and restraint, timeless aesthetics, and natural materials — to create a California-meets-Copenhagen aesthetic for the backyard home.
• Premier ProductionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 April 2022Donut Media and Premier Productions announced their first live tour. Premier Productions serves as the production partner for Donut Media's touring live events.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bleacher Report: Bleacher Report (owned by Warner Bros. Discovery) is a vertical digital media brand focused on sports enthusiasts with strong social video presence. CEO Alex Vargas previously served as COO of Bleacher Report, making this a directly relevant peer in terms of vertical digital media operating model.
• Group Nine Media (NowThis, The Dodo, Seeker): Group Nine Media operated a portfolio of social-first vertical brands (NowThis, The Dodo, Seeker, Thrillist) before merging with Vox Media. It directly parallels Recurrent's model of digital-native, video-first brands monetized through social distribution, branded content, and live events.
• BuzzFeed: BuzzFeed operates a portfolio of digital media brands (BuzzFeed, HuffPost, Tasty) targeting enthusiast and lifestyle audiences through social/video distribution and branded content. Comparable to Recurrent in audience model and revenue diversification.
• Ziff Davis: Ziff Davis is a vertically-focused digital media company that recently acquired 4 brands from Recurrent (Dwell, Domino, Business of Home, PopSci). Both companies pursue M&A-driven roll-up strategies of enthusiast and vertical digital media brands, and Ziff Davis's willingness to acquire Recurrent assets signals direct competitive overlap in target categories.
• The Arena Group: The Arena Group operates a portfolio of enthusiast media brands including Sports Illustrated, Parade, and The Street. It shares Recurrent's M&A-driven approach to building a vertical media portfolio with sponsorship, advertising, and event-based monetization.
• Vox Media: Vox Media operates a portfolio of vertical digital media brands (The Verge, Vox, SB Nation, Eater, New York Magazine) and shares Recurrent's model of building passionate enthusiast audiences across multiple verticals with branded content, live events, and commerce monetization.
• IAC (Dotdash Meredith): IAC's Dotdash Meredith operates a portfolio of digital media brands (Investopedia, The Spruce, People, Better Homes & Gardens) and shares Recurrent's strategy of building vertically-organized media brands with strong SEO/content distribution and diversified monetization.
• MotorTrend Group (Warner Bros. Discovery): MotorTrend Group operates enthusiast automotive media brands (MotorTrend, Hot Rod, Roadkill) across digital, video, and live events. It directly competes with Recurrent's automotive portfolio (Donut Media, The Drive) for automotive enthusiast audience and sponsorships.

Broad incumbents

• Penske Media Corporation: PMC operates a portfolio of premium digital media brands (Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, WWD) with strong live events and awards business. It is comparable as a larger, established vertical media roll-up with overlapping revenue model (advertising, events, branded content).

Emerging players

• Gear Patrol: Gear Patrol is a digital media brand focused on men's lifestyle, gear, and enthusiast verticals with strong e-commerce and affiliate monetization. Comparable to Recurrent's vertical media approach with similar audience and revenue model, though smaller in scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/recurrentventures

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A9 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Recurrent Ventures