pocstock Company Profile

Background

pocstock is a diversity-focused stock media company dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through positive images, content, and stories of people of color. Founded in 2019 by Steve Jones and DeSean Brown, the company aims to change the way the world sees Black, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, differently-abled people of color, and the way these communities see themselves by ensuring access to positive, authentic images.

Key Strategic Focus

pocstock's strategic focus encompasses:

• Content Creation and Curation: Building a comprehensive library of high-quality, authentic stock images, videos, and illustrations featuring people of color.

• Technological Innovation: Developing an Artificial Intelligence platform to enhance competitive edge and provide cutting-edge, diversity-imaging solutions.

• Global Expansion: Scaling operations into new markets, both domestically and internationally, to better serve a growing customer base.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with major corporations, advertising agencies, and AI companies to ensure inclusive representation in media and technology.

Financials and Funding

pocstock has successfully raised a total of $1.4 million in seed funding to date. Key funding milestones include:

• Seed Round 1 (2022): Raised $745.5k from private investors.

• Seed Round 2 (2023): Raised $126.5k from 179 investors via WeFunder equity crowdfunding platform.

• Seed Round 3 (2023-2024): Raised $775k, with $500k from 9.58 Venture Partners, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm.

The capital is allocated towards developing an AI platform, expanding technology platforms and operations into new markets, and attracting top talent to execute the company's vision.

Pipeline Development

pocstock's key developments include:

• Inclusive AI Imaging Platform: Initiated development in 2023 to provide inclusive imagery and metadata as datasets to AI companies.

• Content Library Expansion: Grew the curated stock library to over 325,000 assets from over 900 contributors worldwide.

• Global Partnerships: Launched a global partnership with Canva to enhance content accessibility.

Technological Platform and Innovation

pocstock distinguishes itself through:

• Proprietary Technologies: Development of a bespoke tech platform for photographers and contributors.

• AI Integration: Building an AI platform to enhance diversity-imaging solutions and provide inclusive datasets to AI companies.

• Global Contributor Network: Establishing a network of over 900 contributors in over 50 countries to produce authentic content.

Leadership Team

• Steve Jones: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman.

• DeSean Brown: Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer.

• Derrick Larane: Chief Operating Officer.

• Dr. dt ogilvie: Board Member.

• Fred Toney: Board Observer.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, pocstock expanded its board of directors by adding Dr. dt ogilvie and DeSean Brown, and launched its first advisory board.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The stock media industry is experiencing a growing demand for diverse and inclusive content. Traditional stock media platforms have been criticized for lacking authentic representation of people of color, creating an opportunity for companies like pocstock to fill this gap.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Getty Images: A leading stock media company with a vast library but criticized for lack of diversity.

• Shutterstock: Offers a large collection of stock images but has faced similar diversity challenges.

• iStock: A subsidiary of Getty Images, providing affordable stock images with ongoing efforts to improve diversity.

• Alamy: Known for a diverse collection but still working towards more inclusive representation.

• Depositphotos: Offers a wide range of stock images with initiatives to enhance diversity.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

pocstock has established significant partnerships to strengthen its market position:

• Canva: Launched a global partnership to enhance content accessibility.

• 9.58 Venture Partners: Secured a $500k investment to support growth and innovation.

• Audible: Collaborated through Audible's Business Attraction program to build headquarters in Newark.

Operational Insights

pocstock's strategic considerations include:

• Market Positioning: Positioning as a leader in diversity-focused stock media to address the demand for authentic representation.

• Competitive Advantages: Leveraging a global network of contributors and proprietary technology to offer unique, high-quality content.

• Differentiators: Commitment to authentic representation, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships to stand out in the industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

pocstock's strategic roadmap includes:

• Global Expansion: Scaling operations into new international markets to reach a broader audience.

• AI Platform Development: Continuing the development of the Inclusive AI Imaging Platform to provide inclusive datasets to AI companies.

• Content Diversification: Expanding the content library to include more diverse and authentic representations of people of color.

• Talent Acquisition: Attracting top talent to drive innovation and execute the company's vision effectively.

Contact Information

• Website: pocstock.com

• LinkedIn: pocstock on LinkedIn

• Instagram: pocstock on Instagram

• YouTube: pocstock on YouTube

• Headquarters: Newark, New Jersey, United States