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Unwell Media, the company co-founded by Alex Cooper and Matt Kaplan, has secured its first major outside investment from WTSL, an investment vehicle launched by Patrick Whitesell, the co-founder of WME and former Endeavor executive chairman. The funding round values Unwell at $500 million, marking a significant milestone for the media platform that targets Gen Z women audiences.
The married co-founders, who launched Unwell in 2023 with their own capital, will maintain majority ownership following the investment. Cooper and Kaplan emphasized that the company has been profitable since inception and plans to use the new capital to fuel expansion, including potential acquisitions and platform investments. The company currently reaches approximately 70 million women monthly and boasts nearly 100 million followers across social media platforms.
Whitesell highlighted Unwell’s ability to connect with audiences and anticipate cultural trends, stating the company is positioned to shape media’s future. Kaplan noted that brands increasingly recognize the limitations of traditional advertising and seek authentic creator-led strategies to engage Gen Z consumers. The platform’s audience comprises 89 percent women, with 72 percent between ages 18 and 35, making it an attractive investment opportunity for those targeting this demographic.
The funding announcement comes months after reports of workplace challenges at Unwell, which Cooper addressed at an industry event, questioning the credibility of allegations and suggesting gender-based scrutiny of female leaders.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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