Thrillist Media Group is a digital media company consisting of leading men’s digital lifestyle publication Thrillist.com; members-only shopping club Jackthreads.com; and fashion, music and culture publication TheCrosbyPress.com. The three brands collectively reach over 5 million daily subscriptions, targeting a young, urban, male demographic locally and nationally, online and offline, through content and commerce.

 

History

Thrillist was founded in 2004 by college friends Ben Lerer and Adam Rich, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and shortly after moving to New York City, recognized the need for a city guide that catered to guys like them. Lerer and Rich sent the first Thrillist e-mail newsletter in 2005 to 600 friends. In its first year, Thrillist attracted 30,000 subscribers and by the end of 2008, had expanded into seven cities and became profitable, bringing in approximately $5 million in revenue. As of 2011, Thrillist posted revenue upwards of $40 million a year. The company is estimated to double in revenue in 2012. Lerer is the CEO and oversees business development, advertising sales and marketing efforts for Thrillist, in addition to managing the company’s 200+ employees. Rich serves as editor-in-chief. 

 

Expansion of Thrillist

Since its launch in 2005 in New York City, Thrillist has expanded into 20 additional markets including: Los Angeles (launched in 2006), San Francisco (launched in 2007), Chicago (launched in 2007), Las Vegas (launched in 2007),[9] Boston (launched in 2008), Miami (launched in 2008),[11] Atlanta (launched in 2008), Philadelphia (launched in 2009), Washington D.C. (launched in 2009), Dallas (launched in 2009), Seattle (launched in 2009), Austin (launched in 2009), London (launched in 2010), San Diego (launched in 2010), Denver (launched in 2010), Portland (launched in 2010),[18] Minneapolis (launched in 2011),[19] Detroit (launched in November, 2011). and Atlantic City (launched in May, 2012). Thrillist also publishes a daily “Thrillist Nation” edition.

 

In August 2010, Thrillist was listed as no. 93 on Inc Magazine’s 2010 list of the top 500 fastest-growing privately owned companies. Thrillist has remained on the list for three years.

 

Acquisition of Jackthreads

In May 2010, Thrillist acquired members-only online retailer JackThreads, expanding its footprint into e-commerce. Thrillist now offers its user base exclusive access to JackThreads’ private shopping community as an added benefit to subscribing. Jackthreads was listed fourth in AdAge's 2011 "America's Hottest Brands" feature and as of 2012, is growing approximately 20 percent month-over-month. Jackthreads was also named Internet Retailer's Fastest Growing Company in 2012. 

 

Creation of Thrillist Media Group

In February 2012, Thrillist CEO Ben Lerer announced the creation of the Thrillist Media Group, a convergence of leading men’s lifestyle brand Thrillist and members-only shopping club JackThreads. In August 2012, the media group led a $13 million fundraising round, from OAK, the Pilot Group and Lerer Ventures.