Sign in Subscribe
Financial services

The Rise of iVillage.com: A Trailblazing Women's Online Community

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Candice Carpenter, co-founder and CEO of iVillage.com, has cultivated a thriving online community for women, attracting over 2 million visitors in June alone. With a mission to provide a forum for women to share their experiences and advice, iVillage.com has become a leading destination for women's content on the web. The company's success can be attributed to its unique approach, focusing on user-generated content and community building, rather than relying on traditional editorial offerings. Investors have taken notice, with iVillage.com securing $32.5 million in its fourth round of venture capital financing in May, bringing the total raised to $67 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • iVillage.com's focus on user-generated content and community building has resonated with its target audience, attracting over 2 million visitors in June.
  • The company's demographic, women aged 25-44, is a highly sought-after group for advertisers, with 77% of women using the internet for information and communication (Source: @Plan).
  • iVillage.com's revenue streams include advertising, sponsorship, and product sales, with plans to expand into e-retailing and venture capital.
  • As the managing director of Rho Management notes, "They picked a category that's very interesting" - the trend of women's online communities continues to grow, with women now making up half of all new internet users.
  • Candice Carpenter's leadership and vision have been instrumental in the company's success, attracting investors with her media celebrity status and ability to raise financing.
  • iVillage.com has positioned itself as an "un-content provider," focusing on user-generated content rather than traditional editorial offerings.

Statistics:

  • iVillage.com attracted over 2 million different visitors in June, according to Relevant Knowledge.
  • The company's user-generated content is compatible with over 2/3 of all internet devices (Source: Jane Sullivan, Relevant Knowledge).
  • Women now make up half of all new internet users, up from just a third two years ago (Source: Habib Kairuz, Rho Management).
  • iVillage.com's total funding raised is $67 million, with the latest round securing $32.5 million in May.

Sources:

  • @Plan
  • Relevant Knowledge
  • Habib Kairuz, Rho Management
  • The New York Times
  • Jane Sullivan, Relevant Knowledge

Read more