NEW YORK, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Refinery29, the number one lifestyle platform that delivers non-stop inspiration to live a more stylish and creative life, continues its growth and brand expansion and today announced the acquisition of award-winning Brooklyn based creative technology studio Socialbomb. The executive team of Socialbomb, a First Round Capital portfolio company, will assume senior leadership positions in product and technology, augmenting the resources and experience to accelerate Refinery29’s mobile and social initiatives.

Joining Refinery29’s team are Socialbomb co-Founders Scott Varland and Adam Simon, Chief Technology Officer Adam Parrish, and Software Engineers Gregory Shakar and Axel Esquite.

“Socialbomb is an innovative digital agency with a track record of creating best-in-class mobile campaigns and brand experiences,” said Philippe von Borries, CEO and co-Founder of Refinery29. “As Refinery29 continues to expand its product offering in social and mobile, there was no better time to bring the Socialbomb team on board to push the boundaries of our vision for a 21^st century digital media brand.”

“We’ve been early investors in both companies, and have seen how Socialbomb has done amazing work for their clients over the years, and how Refinery29 is redefining fashion, beauty and shopping for a new generation. It’s really exciting to see them combine forces to help take Refinery29 to the next level,” said Chris Fralic, Partner, First Round Capital.

Founded in 2008, Socialbomb is a creative technology studio developing cutting-edge interactive experiences that connect people with the brands, products and content they love – goals that are directly in sync with Refinery29’s. Socialbomb has created stellar work for clients including HBO, Red Bull, MTV and BBC America and developed relationships with more than two-dozen brands, agencies and media companies. The team will use its extensive expertise in developing interactive software for the social web, bridging networks, interests, ideas and user-generated content through massively scalable, distributed software platforms, taking Refinery29’s award-winning content to the next level.

“Refinery29 has built an amazing brand and is recognized as a true innovator in the fashion and lifestyle space,” said Scott Varland, co-Founder of Socialbomb. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to join at this point in their trajectory. This is a hugely exciting opportunity to revolutionize how people discover, consume and enjoy all things fashionable.”

For more information or to speak with a Refinery29 representative, please contact Jill Meisner, jill.meisner@refinery29.com or 646.568.1672.

ABOUT REFINERY29

Refinery29, the largest independent fashion and style website in the United States, is a lifestyle platform that delivers nonstop inspiration to live a more stylish and creative life. Through award-winning original programming, Refinery29 connects a fast-growing audience of users with content, commerce, and community, giving them all the tips, tricks, and tools they need to live a more beautiful life – and share it with the world. www.Refinery29.com

SOURCE Refinery29