MetaMedia Tech Inc., a content distribution network for movie theaters, has found new investment from private equity firm Dimensional Associates, which has purchased a controlling interest in the company. MetaMedia’s business is based upon its cloud-based platform that provides content delivery to cinemas, drive-ins, arenas and other venues.

The Pasadena-based company said that it fills a void in content delivery that was left when the entertainment industry, particularly movie theaters, switched from analog to digital. It said that broadband and cloud services, such as MetaMedia’s, support quick and efficient distribution of media content.

“I founded MetaMedia based on the belief that cinemas will continue to be the primary out-of-home entertainment destinations around the world,” MetaMedia Chief Executive Jason Brenek said. “Our platform will help cinemas and content producers build on this success and generate new revenue streams at the box office with access to new types of fan-based, live and immersive events.” 

The company notably supported the streaming of the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, esports tournaments for games such as “Call of Duty” and “Overwatch” from Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard Inc. and concerts from artists including BTS, Coldplay and Metallica. 

MetaMedia’s network provides content to more than 400 cinemas throughout the U.S. and Canada with partners that include Cinemark Holdings Inc., Landmark Theaters, Emagine Entertainment Inc., Cinépolis and the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The company said that with the new capital it expects to raise its number of cinema partnerships to 1,500 and add about 35 new full-time employees to its team by next summer.

“We are at a watershed moment in cinema, where broadband and the cloud have been proven to benefit cinemas and premium content producers by expanding box office opportunities and providing massive operational cost savings,” Brenek said.