eNews
Minute Media snaps up VideoVerse to sharpen AI-driven sports highlights
LONDON: Minute Media has acquired VideoVerse, the AI-powered video technology firm best known for its flagship product Magnifi, which automatically detects key sporting moments, creates highlights in real time, and distributes them across platforms.
The deal comes a year after Minute Media bulked up its sports-tech and content portfolio, building towards a 360-degree solution for rights holders, teams, leagues, publishers and brands. By folding in VideoVerse, the company aims to offer a fully integrated creation-to-distribution-to-monetisation stack.
For existing Magnifi clients, the tie-up promises seamless access to Minute Media’s distribution muscle and monetisation tools. For Minute Media, it means sharper AI capabilities across its ecosystem, from STN Video to owned outlets like Sports Illustrated and The Players’ Tribune.
Powered by computer vision, machine learning and natural language processing, Magnifi analyses visual and audio cues to pick out highlights. GenAI features such as multilingual subtitling, thumbnail and metadata generation, and automated workflows turn it into a one-stop editorial engine for sports content teams.
“We are thrilled to bring the passionate teams and robust capabilities of VideoVerse into the Minute Media family,” said founder and chief executive Asaf Peled. “This is about delivering the very best in AI-powered creation to our partners, clients, and brands.”
In an industry where speed, precision and monetisation matter as much as storytelling, the acquisition bolsters Minute Media’s ambition to be the go-to tech and content partner for global sport.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
