While U.S. companies like Intel, Apple and Microsoft have acquired Israel-based video and cloud tech companies, the country’s tech firms have their eyes on U.S. tech companies as well. Tel Aviv-based Beamr, which specializes in compressing video files while preserving quality, agreed to acquire California-based video conversion tech firm Vanguard Video, which works with companies like Netflix, Arris, Sony, Avaya and Intel.

As part of the deal, Beamr’s compression algorithm will be integrated into Vanguard Video’s encoder solutions to enhance video quality at very low bit rates, allowing OTT providers, cable, satellite, telcos and mobile operators to deliver advanced viewing experience over congested networks. Following the acquisition, Beamr will have more than 80 employees in Palo Alto, Tel Aviv and St. Petersburg, Russia. The announcement followed $15 million raised in a private funding round led by Disruptive Growth, with participation from Marker and Innovation Endeavours, which is solely backed by Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.

With Vanguard, Beamr will add HEVC and H.264 encoding technology to its repertoire as it continues to work with OTT partners, including SONY Crackle and M-GO (now Fandango). The new Beamr will be looking to partner with cable operators and other MVPDs. Vanguard Video’s encoders support operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS. “Today’s announcement is exciting on many levels,” said Sharon Carmel, Founder and CEO of Beamr. “From an industry perspective, the combination of Beamr and Vanguard Video brings unmatched solutions for the broadcast and OTT content delivery market.”

The Daily

Subscribe
Friday–December 3

SVOD Slowdown?

Deloitte Global predicts that in 2022, at least 150 million paid subscriptions to SVOD services will be canceled worldwide, with churn rates of up to 30% per market. The churn is a sign of a maturing market

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Dec 7
Most Powerful Women Celebration Register to Join Us in NYC to Celebrate!
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact John@cynopsis.com for more information.