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Horan MediaTech Advisors
Peter C. Horan founded Horan MediaTech Advisors after serving as CEO of About.com, which he sold to The New York Times for $426 million in 2005.
Horan MediaTech Advisors
Peter C. Horan founded Horan MediaTech Advisors after serving as CEO of About.com, which he sold to The New York Times for $426 million in 2005. Pam Horan, his wife and co-founder, joined the firm in 2014 following her tenure as President of the Online Publishers Association. The wealth origin behind the firm is not publicly disclosed. The firm invests directly and through several early-stage venture funds in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon Venture Fund, Cascade Seed Fund, and Portland Seed Fund. Its portfolio spans media, ad tech, and consumer products, with known investments in Kevel (a retail media network), Skift (travel industry intelligence), and Chela Media (a Hispanic media company). The firm also co-invests alongside Portland Seed Fund in companies like Chela Media and Prelude Early Learning. Horan MediaTech Advisors has relationships with private equity funds ABS Capital and Star Mountain Capital. Geographic focus includes the Pacific Northwest and the United States broadly. The firm employs approximately two professionals: Peter and Pam Horan. In 2023, the firm received a Community Catalyst Award from the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network for work with the startup community. Pam Horan serves on the boards of MEDIASMITH and the Shorty Awards Academy. The firm maintains a portfolio of direct investments and fund commitments, and participates in the Bend Venture Conference and InventOR. The firm's structural differentiator is its dual role as both investor and advisor, working with companies from concept stage through public markets. It emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing strategic guidance on corporate strategy, fundraising, product development, and go-to-market plans, rather than relying on financial engineering.
General information
Firm type
Single Family Office
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Chapel Hill
Corporate office
Chapel Hill, Durham, Craighall, New York, United States
Principals
Peter C. Horan
Founder
Pam Horan
Co-Founder
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Horan MediaTech Advisors?
Investment decisions are led by Peter C. Horan, Founder, and his wife Pam Horan, Co-Founder. Peter Horan has a background as CEO of About.com, which he sold to The New York Times for $426 million. Pam Horan previously served as President of the Online Publishers Association.
How does Horan MediaTech Advisors source proprietary deal flow?
The firm sources deals through direct relationships with founders and its active involvement in early-stage venture funds in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon Venture Fund, Cascade Seed Fund, and Portland Seed Fund. It also participates in events like the Bend Venture Conference and InventOR.
Is Horan MediaTech Advisors structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
It is structured as a family office but operates with a hybrid model, functioning as both an investor and advisor. The firm makes direct investments in early-stage companies and also invests as a limited partner in multiple venture funds.
Does Horan MediaTech Advisors participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm does both. It is a limited partner in funds such as Oregon Venture Fund, Cascade Seed Fund, Portland Seed Fund, and Elevate Capital Fund 2. It also makes direct investments in early-stage media, ad tech, and consumer product companies.
What investment stages does Horan MediaTech Advisors typically target?
The firm works with companies from concept stage through public markets. Its direct investments tend to be early-stage, while its relationships with private equity funds like ABS Capital and Star Mountain Capital allow it to participate in later-stage companies.
Which sectors does Horan MediaTech Advisors focus on?
The firm focuses on media and consumer internet companies, with additional experience in B2B services and consumer products. Its portfolio includes companies in ad tech, travel intelligence, and Hispanic media.
How is Horan MediaTech Advisors related to the Pacific Northwest startup ecosystem?
The firm is deeply embedded in the Pacific Northwest startup community through its investments in Oregon Venture Fund, Cascade Seed Fund, and Portland Seed Fund. It received a 2023 Community Catalyst Award from the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network for its work with the startup community.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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