Refinery29
{{short description|American digital media and entertainment company}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Refinery29
| logo = File:Refinery29 logo.svg
| screenshot =
| founder = Philippe von Borries
Justin Stefano
Piera Gelardi
Christene Barberich{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/refinery29-a-true-entrepreneurship-story-2013-4|title=How Two First-Time Founders Went From $28,000 Salaries To Owning A $100 Million Media Brand|publisher=Business Insider|access-date=January 17, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120549/https://www.businessinsider.com/refinery29-a-true-entrepreneurship-story-2013-4|url-status=live}}
| owner = Sundial Media Group
| parent =
| url = {{URL|Refinery29.com}}
| advertising =
| registration =
| language = English
| genre =
| foundation = {{start date and age|2005|11}}
| launch_date = Summer 2005
| location_city = 225 Broadway, New York, New York
| area_served =
| key_people =
| website_type = Media and entertainment
| current_status = Active
}}
Refinery29 (R29) is an American multinational digital media and entertainment website focused on young women. It is owned by Sundial Media Group.
History
Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries, Piera Gelardi, and Christene Barberich co-founded Refinery29 in 2005 as a city guide, emphasizing fashion local to New York City.{{Cite web|title=Refinery29 launches in Germany|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/06/refinery29-launches-in-germany/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=TechCrunch|date=6 June 2016 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Moses|first=Lucia|title=Inside the Vice Media-Refinery29 deal and what it means for the future of digital media|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/vice-media-refinery29-deal-acquisition-explained-2019-10|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Business Insider|language=en-US|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120725/https://www.businessinsider.com/vice-media-refinery29-deal-acquisition-explained-2019-10|url-status=live}} The name of the website alludes to the website distilling information into its essence.{{cite web|url=http://theblock-mag.com/interview-refinery29/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605035624/http://www.theblock-mag.com/interview-refinery29/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-06-05|title=life's essentials include a budget|website=theblock-mag.com}} The company headquarters is located in the Financial District, Manhattan neighborhood of New York City.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/refinery29-boutique-fashion-design-all-212843|title=Refinery29: Boutique Fashion and Design for All|author=Michael Nunez|date=12 December 2011|work=International Business Times|access-date=2 December 2012|archive-date=28 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120626/https://www.ibtimes.com/refinery29-boutique-fashion-design-all-212843|url-status=live}}
Refinery29 has over 450 employees globally with offices in Los Angeles,{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/refinery29-joanna-bomberg-head-of-talent-1202481528/|title=Refinery29 Hires MTV Vet Joanna Bomberg as Head of Talent (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2017-06-29|work=Variety|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120551/https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/refinery29-joanna-bomberg-head-of-talent-1202481528/|url-status=live}} London,{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/06/refinery29-launches-in-germany/|title=Refinery29 launches in Germany|last=Crook|first=Jordan|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120642/https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/06/refinery29-launches-in-germany/|url-status=live}} and Berlin. In 2015, the company launched a UK edition at www.refinery29.uk and the following year in 2016, a German edition at www.refinery29.de.{{Cite web|date=2016-06-07|title=Willkommen! Refinery29 enters German market|url=https://digiday.com/media/willkommen-refinery29-enters-german-market/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Digiday|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Samios|first=Zoe|date=2021-08-01|title='Diversity and inclusivity': Refinery29 Australia tries a new approach to fashion, lifestyle news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/late-to-market-refinery29-australia-tries-a-new-approach-to-fashion-lifestyle-news-20210727-p58df7.html|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805172612/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/late-to-market-refinery29-australia-tries-a-new-approach-to-fashion-lifestyle-news-20210727-p58df7.html|url-status=live}} In 2016, Refinery29 announced it had raised $45 million in funding led by Turner.{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/11/refinery29-raises-another-45m-led-by-turner-reportedly-500m-valuation/|title=Refinery29 raises $45M more led by Turner at a $500M valuation|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|website=TechCrunch|access-date=2016-12-14|archive-date=2017-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129065000/https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/11/refinery29-raises-another-45m-led-by-turner-reportedly-500m-valuation/|url-status=live}} As of 2017, Refinery29 reaches an audience of over 500 million globally.{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/refinery29-is-aiming-to-help-brands-connect-with-women-irl/|title=Refinery29 Aims to Help Brands Connect With Women IRL|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US}}
On October 2, 2019, Vice Media announced that it would acquire Refinery29. The deal, worth a reported $400 million,{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/vice-media-closes-refinery29-acquisition-sets-new-management-team-1202777474/ |title=Vice Media Closes Refinery29 Acquisition, Sets New Management Team |date=4 November 2019 |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 18, 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702225332/https://deadline.com/2019/11/vice-media-closes-refinery29-acquisition-sets-new-management-team-1202777474/ |url-status=live }} valued the combined company at $4 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/vice-media-acquires-refinery29-1203356073/|title=Vice media to acquire Refinery29, as both digital media players seek scale|last=Spangler|first=Todd|work=Variety|date=October 2, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307121741/https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/vice-media-acquires-refinery29-1203356073/|url-status=live}}
In March 2021, Pedestrian Group announced a multi-year deal with Vice Media and Refinery29 to become the Australian digital publishing home of both brands.{{Cite web|last=Samios|first=Zoe|date=2021-03-14|title=Pedestrian Group signs deals to publish US websites Vice and Refinery29|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/pedestrian-group-signs-deals-to-publish-us-websites-vice-and-refinery29-20210312-p57a44.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414051241/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/pedestrian-group-signs-deals-to-publish-us-websites-vice-and-refinery29-20210312-p57a44.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web | title=Vice Australia and Refinery29 to join Pedestrian Group in a multi-year deal with Vice Media Group | website=Nine Entertainment | date=14 March 2021 | url=https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/vice-australia-and-refinery29-to-join-pedestrian-group-in-a-multi-year-deal-with-vice-media-group/ | access-date=17 March 2022 | archive-date=24 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624231706/https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/vice-australia-and-refinery29-to-join-pedestrian-group-in-a-multi-year-deal-with-vice-media-group/ | url-status=live }} A new team was announced for Refinery29 later that year.{{cite web | last=Shepherd | first=Emma | title=Pedestrian Group appoints new team behind Vice AUNZ | website=Mumbrella | date=18 January 2022 | url=https://mumbrella.com.au/pedestrian-group-appoints-new-team-behind-vice-aunz-720714 | access-date=17 March 2022 | archive-date=27 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127023038/https://mumbrella.com.au/pedestrian-group-appoints-new-team-behind-vice-aunz-720714 | url-status=live }}
On May 15, 2023, Vice Media formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, as part of a possible sale to a consortium of lenders including Fortress Investment Group, which will, alongside Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital, invest $225 million as a credit bid for nearly all of its assets.{{cite web|title=Vice Media Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Jesse|last=Whittock|date=15 May 2023|access-date=15 May 2023|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/vice-media-chapter-11-bankruptcy-1235366640/|archive-date=15 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515081704/https://deadline.com/2023/05/vice-media-chapter-11-bankruptcy-1235366640/|url-status=live}}
In April 2024, Sundial Media Group purchased the company.{{Cite web |last=Sessoms |first=Janelle |date=2024-04-19 |title=Refinery29 Has a New Owner |url=https://fashionista.com/2024/04/refinery29-bought-new-owner-sundial-media-group |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Fashionista |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120552/https://fashionista.com/2024/04/refinery29-bought-new-owner-sundial-media-group |url-status=live }} Refinery29 at the time of the sale had around 100 employees and roughly $100 million in annual revenue.{{Cite web |last=Fischer |first=Sara |date=April 18, 2024 |title=Essence's parent to buy Refinery29 from Vice Media |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/18/essences-refinery29-vice-media-deal |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Axios}}
In July 2024, it was reported that Refinery29 Australia would shut down amid a restructuring at Pedestrian.{{Cite web |last=Jaspan |first=Calum |date=2024-07-08 |title=Pedestrian boss to depart as group slashes staff and titles |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/pedestrian-boss-to-depart-as-group-slashes-staff-and-titles-20240701-p5jq25.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=2024-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708023257/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/pedestrian-boss-to-depart-as-group-slashes-staff-and-titles-20240701-p5jq25.html |url-status=live }}
Content
Refinery29 produces editorial and video programming, live events, and social, shareable content delivered across major social media platforms, and covers a variety of categories.{{cn|date=March 2023}}
Refinery29 was listed three consecutive years on Crain's "Fast 50",{{Cite news|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/gallery/20141012/FEATURES0101/101209996/12|title=No. 12 Refinery29 - 2014 Fast 50 {{!}} Crain's New York Business|work=Crain's New York Business|access-date=2017-10-21|archive-date=2017-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101053544/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/gallery/20141012/FEATURES0101/101209996/12|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20150428/TECHNOLOGY/150429853|title=With $50M funding round, Refinery29 could join the ranks of Buzzfeed and Vox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330013702/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20150428/TECHNOLOGY/150429853|archive-date=2017-03-30|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20161010/ENTERTAINMENT/161019990/seven-media-and-entertainment-companies-make-crains-fast-50|title=Seven media and entertainment companies make Crain's Fast 50|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329095203/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20161010/ENTERTAINMENT/161019990/seven-media-and-entertainment-companies-make-crains-fast-50|archive-date=2017-03-29|url-status=dead}} has won seven Clio Awards,{{Cite news|url=http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13596|title=Refinery29 - 29Rooms|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828120728/https://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13596|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13569|title=Refinery29 - Refinery29's 2016 Stick Out! Calendar|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13570|title=Refinery29 - Daughter of Paradise|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021112045/http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13570|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13604|title=Refinery29 x H&M - In Motion|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021114439/http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13604|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13640|title=Refinery29 - Refinery29 This AM|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021114450/http://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/13640|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/18085|title=Refinery29 Short Cuts x Cancerland - Cancerland|work=Clios|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021114427/https://clios.com/fashion-beauty/winner/18085|url-status=live}} and seven Webby Awards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2014/web/general-website/fashion-beauty/|title=Fashion & Beauty|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2014/web/general-website/email-newsletters/refinery29/|title=Refinery29 {{!}} The Webby Awards|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2016/online-film-video/general-film/drama-long-form-or-series/the-skinny/|title=The Skinny {{!}} The Webby Awards|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2016/websites/general-website/email-newsletters/refinery29/|title=Refinery29 {{!}} The Webby Awards|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021111711/https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2016/websites/general-website/email-newsletters/refinery29/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2017/social/social-content-and-marketing/culture-lifestyle/refinery29-social-content-marketing-submission/|title=Refinery29 Social Content & Marketing Submission {{!}} The Webby Awards|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015201757/https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2017/social/social-content-and-marketing/culture-lifestyle/refinery29-social-content-marketing-submission/|url-status=live}}
The company produces an annual pop-up exhibition, 29Rooms, where visitors can take self-portraits for sharing on Instagram.{{Cite news |last1=Herrington |first1=Nicole |title=Funhouse for Selfies: The Immersive 29Rooms Pops Up (Again) |work=The New York Times |date=2018-11-01 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/arts/design/refinery-29-29rooms-immersive-exhibition.html |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |df=mdy-all |access-date=2019-02-18 |archive-date=2019-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219020153/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/arts/design/refinery-29-29rooms-immersive-exhibition.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Ryzik |first1=Melena |title=29Rooms Is a Creative Playhouse for the Instagram Set |work=The New York Times |date=2017-12-22 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/arts/design/29rooms-is-a-creative-playhouse-for-the-instagram-set.html |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |df=mdy-all }} 29Rooms was launched in 2015 on Refinery29's tenth anniversary.{{Cite web|url=http://www.29rooms.com/history|title=History|website=29Rooms from Refinery29|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=2019-04-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412181933/http://www.29rooms.com/history|url-status=live}} It has been credited as the first "selfie museum".{{cite news|title=Exploring the effects of social media on art and culture, one selfie at a time|work=CNN|first=Aileen|last=Kwun|date=January 11, 2018|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/instagram-installation-art/index.html|access-date=2020-10-31}}{{cite news|title=8 Instagram-ready art attractions that prove the Museum of Ice Cream was just the beginning|work=ArtNet|first=Caroline|last=Goldstein|date=April 25, 2018|url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-children-of-the-museum-of-ice-cream-1258058|access-date=2020-10-31|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828121121/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-children-of-the-museum-of-ice-cream-1258058|url-status=live}}
Notable writers for Refinery29 include Kathleen Newman-Bremang.Clarrie Feinstein, [https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/refinery29-unbothered-canada "Refinery29 expands Unbothered into Canada, uplifting Black women's stories"]. Daily Hive, February 17, 2021.
Workplace culture and pay disparity
In early June 2020, women of color and black employees and freelancers took to social media to tell stories of discrimination while working for Refinery29.{{cite web | url = https://www.vulture.com/2020/06/refinery-29-editor-resigns-racism.html | publisher = Vulture | title = Refinery29 Editor Resigns After Former Employees Speak Out on Racism| date = 8 June 2020 | access-date = 20 June 2020}} A writer for the company wrote on Twitter of "a toxic company culture" and pay disparity [between people of color and white employees].{{cite news |last=Robertson |first=Katie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/business/media/refinery-29-christene-barberich.html |title=Refinery29 Editor Resigns After Former Employees Describe 'Toxic Culture' |work=The New York Times |date=2020-06-08 |access-date=2020-06-10 |quote=I worked at Refinery29 for less than nine months due to a toxic company culture where white women’s egos ruled the near nonexistent editorial processes. One of the founders consistently confused myself and one of our full-time front desk associates & pay disparity was atrocious. |archive-date=2020-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609191102/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/business/media/refinery-29-christene-barberich.html |url-status=live }}
On June 10, 2020, co-founders and CEOs Justin Stefano and Philippe von Borries released a letter addressing the controversy, which read, in part: "After having read these accounts, we recognize how our privilege as two white male CEOs created blinders that kept us from seeing the struggles, exclusion, and aggressions that you felt at R29. This is an earthquake of a wake-up call."{{Cite web|title=A Letter From Our Co-Founders and Former Co-CEOs|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/letter-co-founders-former-co-223546802.html|access-date=2021-08-05|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805165923/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/letter-co-founders-former-co-223546802.html|url-status=live}}
Co-founder Christene Barberich stepped aside as Global Editor-in-Chief, but remained an employee of Refinery29 until November 2020. In Barberich's Instagram announcement post she wrote, "I’ve read and taken in the raw and personal accounts of Black women and women of color regarding their experiences inside our company at Refinery29 and what’s clear from these experiences, is that R29 has to change. We have to do better, and that starts with making room. And, so I will be stepping aside in my role at R29 to help diversify our leadership in editorial and ensure this brand and the people it touches can spark a new defining chapter."{{cite web |date=19 June 2020 |title=Vice Media launches probe into Refinery29's toxic work environment |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/18/media/vice-investigating-refinery29/index.html |access-date=20 June 2020 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619080156/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/18/media/vice-investigating-refinery29/index.html |url-status=live }} On June 11, 2020, author and former Refinery29 employee Sesali Bowen called Barberich a "sacrificial lamb" on Twitter.{{cite tweet |author=Sesali Thee Authoress |user=BadFatBlackGirl |number=1271206518692761601 |date=2020-06-11 |title=Some points were made here, but let's clarify some things. I believe in saying names. First and foremost, Christene Barberich was about to leave Refinery anyway. She was an easy sacrificial lamb for all this.|url= https://t.co/MLlbdvMkzP |language=en |access-date=2021-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805172105/https://twitter.com/badfatblackgirl/status/1271206518692761601 |archive-date=2021-08-05 |url-status=live}} Barberich also faced criticism after a former employee recalled in 2020 that Barberich once cried in a team meeting after being told she seemed "squeamish" when discussing race.{{Cite web|last=Jennings|first=Rebecca|date=2020-06-11|title=Women's media seemed progressive in the 2010s. Black employees say otherwise.|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/21287045/refinery29-black-employees-man-repeller-cosmopolitan-who-what-wear-vogue|access-date=2020-06-15|website=Vox|language=en|archive-date=2020-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614191134/https://www.vox.com/the-goods/21287045/refinery29-black-employees-man-repeller-cosmopolitan-who-what-wear-vogue|url-status=live}} It was stated Barberich had decided to go home earlier that day due to the confrontation.{{Cite web|last=Bauck|first=Whitney|title=Refinery29 Founder Christene Barberich Steps Down as Editor-in-Chief in Response to Accusations of Racism and Toxic Company Culture|url=https://fashionista.com/2020/06/christene-barberich-refinery29-racism|access-date=2020-06-15|website=Fashionista|date=8 June 2020|language=en|archive-date=2024-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828121112/https://fashionista.com/2020/06/christene-barberich-refinery29-racism|url-status=live}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|refinery29.com/}}
- {{official|https://pedestriangroup.com.au/refinery29/|Refinery29 Australia}}
{{Vice Media}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:American entertainment websites
Category:American women's websites
Category:Internet properties established in 2005
Category:2005 establishments in New York City
Category:2019 mergers and acquisitions
Category:2024 mergers and acquisitions
Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023