Overview

In 2019, Pongalo merged with Discovery Communications-backed VIX, and rebranded its streaming service as VIX. In 2021, the combined company was acquired by US Hispanic media leader TelevisaUnivision. Pongalo's streaming service (now known as TelevisaUnivision's ViX) was the first and largest streaming platform created specifically for global Spanish-speaking markets. With Latino digital media audiences being drastically underserved, Pongalo was formed through a roll-up, led by Rich Hull and his Avalanche! Capital, of multiple Spanish-language content libraries and media companies. After aggregating multiple Mexican film libraries representing over $50 million of production costs, the company began utilizing these film IP catalogs’ valuable, never-before-utilized digital rights to form the Pongalo streaming service. Rolled-up companies included Latin Anywhere, Manana Media, Latin Mex, Latin Media, Inmoo and others Originally launched with a subscription model, the Pongalo streaming service quickly followed its English-language peers, such as Pluto and Tubi, and evolved into a fully ad-supported streaming offering, becoming the #1 Latino streamer in both the U.S. and Latin America. The service offered the then-largest catalog of streamed Spanish-language films and TV shows, featuring original, owned and licensed titles from major content producers throughout Latin America and Hollywood. Pongalo’s key distribution partnerships included major players such as Apple, Google, Roku and Amazon, and it also became one of the largest suppliers of Spanish-language content to, in particular, Amazon Channels and The Roku Channel. Pongalo received numerous accolades, including being named as one of the 101 Best Startups in Los Angeles by Best Startup. The company was backed by Avalanche! Capital, Revolution Studios (Carlyle/Content Partners), Canyon Creek Capital, Digital Bridge, 500 Global, and others.