Pongalo

Pongalo is a pioneering streaming service tailored for Latino audiences, earning recognition as one of the 101 best startups in Los Angeles. In 2019, Pongalo merged with Discovery Communications-backed VIX and rebranded as VIX. The company was subsequently acquired by TelevisaUnivision, a US Hispanic media leader, in 2021. Pongalo, now known as TelevisaUnivision's VIX, was the first and largest platform specifically created for global Spanish-speaking markets. Through a roll-up led by Rich Hull and Avalanche! Capital, Pongalo aggregated multiple Spanish-language content libraries and media companies, incorporating Mexican film libraries representing over $50 million of production costs. Initially launched with a subscription model, Pongalo transitioned into a fully ad-supported streaming service, capturing the top spot as the #1 Latino streamer in both the U.S. and Latin America. This success was supported by partnerships with major distributors like Apple, Google, Roku, and Amazon. Additionally, Pongalo became a major supplier of Spanish-language content to platforms such as Amazon Channels and The Roku Channel. The streaming service offered an extensive catalog of Spanish-language films and TV shows, including original, owned, and licensed titles from major content producers in Latin America and Hollywood. Pongalo was propelled by prominent investors including Avalanche! Capital, Revolution Studios (Carlyle/Content Partners), Canyon Creek Capital, Digital Bridge, and 500 Global. The company's journey began in 2014 within the Digital Media industry and received a Seed Round investment from SeedInvest on 03 November 2018. Pongalo's unique positioning and strategic alliances paved the way for its impactful presence in the streaming landscape, catering to a substantial and underserved Latino digital media audience.