TechCrunch, a Silicon Valley-based technology-focused media outlet for nearly two decades, is changing ownership once again. According to the company, Yahoo has struck a deal
to sell the influential tech news site to Regent, a media investment firm
targeting to boost its presence in digital publishing.
Regent’s Growing Media Portfolio
Regent’s acquisition of TechCrunch followed its recent
purchase of Foundry, a company that owns several well-known tech publications
such as PCWorld, Macworld, and TechAdvisor. The financial details of the deal have not been
disclosed, though it is confirmed that no regulatory approval was
required—suggesting the deal’s value was under $100 million.
TechCrunch has personal news! https://t.co/14QQpEFIQ0
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) March 21, 2025
TechCrunch, founded in 2005 by Michael Arrington and
Keith Teare, has experienced multiple ownership changes. It first became part of AOL in 2010 and then transitioned under Yahoo when Verizon acquired AOL. In 2021, Verizon sold Yahoo (along with TechCrunch) to Apollo Global Management. This latest transaction marks yet another shift, raising questions about the publication’s long-term editorial direction.
A Newsroom in Transition
Beyond ownership changes, TechCrunch has undergone
significant internal shifts. Over the past 18 months, the publication has lost
much of its senior leadership and editorial staff, Axios.com reported.
Many were laid off, while others left voluntarily. The
departures included senior editors, reporters, marketing managers, and sales
personnel, signaling a period of uncertainty for the publication.
Yahoo’s Changing Priorities
Yahoo, now owned by Apollo, continues to streamline
its operations. The company has been focusing on its key consumer platforms, such as Yahoo Mail, Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo News, while leaning
more heavily on content aggregation.
Despite selling TechCrunch, Yahoo stated that it will
maintain a long-term partnership with Regent and TechCrunch, aimed at audience
expansion and financial growth. While Regent’s intentions appear to align with
fostering growth in tech journalism, questions remain about how TechCrunch will
evolve under its new ownership.
Given the publication’s history of providing deep
insights for tech investors and entrepreneurs, industry watchers will be keen
to see whether Regent preserves that legacy or steers it in a new direction.
One thing is certain—TechCrunch’s story is far from over.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
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