Tech executive invests in digital news startup launched by veteran D.C. journalists

Tech executive invests in digital news startup launched by veteran D.C. journalists

A digital news start-up that's being launched by veteran journalists received an investment from a top tech executive. The start-up, expected to launch in the fall, is led in part by longtime National Geographic executive Mark Bauman. The endeavor has received funding from tech entrepreneur Brian Edelman who runs RAIN, a firm that specializes in helping companies develop voice technology software. RAIN lists on its website tech companies it has worked with in the past such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Bauman told CNBC in an interview on Friday that Edelman was part of a series A funding round worth over $10 million. The other investor in the company is International Media Investments, a fund based out of the United Arab Emirates with a portfolio that includes other media ventures including The National, Euronews and Sky News Arabia. Edelman's LinkedIn page says he's CEO and founding partner at RAIN. His company's website notes it has offices in New York, Utah and Washington state. Bauman told CNBC that Edelman himself has investments around the globe, with a focus on technology and new media. Bauman also noted Edelman has done some work in the Middle East. Edelman's investment in the company gives