The Free Press Company Profile

Background

Overview

The Free Press is an American digital media company founded in 2021 by journalist Bari Weiss and her wife, Nellie Bowles. Established in Los Angeles, California, the company is dedicated to publishing investigative journalism, opinion pieces, and cultural commentary that often challenge mainstream narratives. Originally launched as a Substack newsletter named "Common Sense," The Free Press has since expanded into a comprehensive media platform.

Mission and Vision

The Free Press is built on the ideals that were once the bedrock of great journalism: honesty, doggedness, and fierce independence. The company aims to publish investigative stories and provocative commentary about the world as it actually is—with the quality once expected from the legacy press, but the fearlessness of the new. It focuses on stories that are ignored or misconstrued in the service of an ideological narrative, emphasizing curiosity as a necessity. The Free Press seeks to revive fearless, independent journalism in service of a singular aim: the truth.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Independent Journalism: Delivering investigative reporting and commentary that challenge prevailing narratives.

Audience Engagement: Building a community of readers who value free inquiry and robust debate.

Content Diversification: Expanding into various media formats, including newsletters, podcasts, video content, and live events.

Areas of Specialization

Investigative Reporting: Uncovering stories overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream media.

Cultural Commentary: Providing perspectives on contemporary cultural and societal issues.

Opinion Pieces: Featuring diverse viewpoints to foster open dialogue.

Primary Markets

The Free Press targets a politically diverse audience seeking alternative viewpoints and in-depth analysis on current events, culture, and politics.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Funding (March 2022): Raised between $1 million and $5 million from investors such as venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and David Sacks; former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz; Allen & Company; and former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick.

Series A Funding (September 2024): Secured approximately $15 million, valuing the company at about $100 million. Investors included venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and David Sacks, as well as Paul Marshall's Old Queen Street Ventures.

Revenue

As of December 2024, The Free Press had over 136,000 paid subscribers, generating at least $10 million annually from subscription revenue.

Pipeline Development

Content Expansion

Newsletters: Continued growth of subscription-based newsletters covering various topics.

Podcasts: Expansion of podcast offerings, including the "Honestly" podcast launched in June 2021.

Video Content: Development of video programming to reach broader audiences.

Live Events: Hosting debates and discussions in multiple cities to engage with the community.

Milestones

September 2023: Hosted the first live debate event in Los Angeles, attended by 1,600 people.

December 2024: Hired Dennis K. Berman as the first publisher and president to guide the next phase of growth.

April 2025: Added five new columnists, including economist Tyler Cowen and legal scholar Jed Rubenfeld, reflecting significant audience growth.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The Free Press utilizes the Substack platform for newsletter distribution, allowing for direct engagement with subscribers.

Scientific Methodologies

While not a technology company, The Free Press employs rigorous journalistic methodologies, including in-depth investigative reporting and fact-checking processes.

Leadership Team

Bari Weiss: Founder and Editor. Former New York Times columnist who launched The Free Press to promote independent journalism.

Nellie Bowles: Co-founder. Former New York Times correspondent, instrumental in shaping the company's editorial direction.

Dennis K. Berman: Publisher and President (appointed December 2024). Former Wall Street Journal editor and banker, overseeing business operations and growth strategies.

Daniel Hallac: Chief Growth Officer. Former product leader at Hearst and Bloomberg, focusing on audience expansion and product development.

Leadership Changes

December 2024: Appointment of Dennis K. Berman as Publisher and President to lead the company's next growth phase.

April 2025: Addition of five new columnists, including Tyler Cowen and Jed Rubenfeld, to diversify content offerings.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital media landscape is highly competitive, with numerous platforms vying for audience attention. The Free Press differentiates itself by focusing on independent journalism and challenging mainstream narratives, appealing to readers seeking alternative viewpoints.

Competitor Analysis

Substack: A platform hosting various independent writers and publications, including The Free Press.

UnHerd: A media company offering diverse perspectives on politics and culture.

National Review: A conservative magazine covering news and commentary.

The Dispatch: A news organization providing fact-based reporting and analysis.

RealClearPolitics: An independent media company aggregating news and analysis.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Free Press has secured investments from notable individuals and venture capitalists, including Marc Andreessen, David Sacks, Howard Schultz, and Bobby Kotick, providing financial support and strategic guidance.

Operational Insights

The Free Press's commitment to independent journalism and diverse viewpoints positions it uniquely in the media landscape. Its subscription-based model ensures financial sustainability and editorial independence, while investments in content diversification and audience engagement strategies enhance its competitive edge.