Evan Nisselson, founder and CEO of Digital Railroad and I always meet at least twice a year, before and after summer, during industry meetings. His company connects professional photographers with image buyers and Evan reinvented the traditional picture business. In a $2.5 billion industry, dominated by Getty Images and Corbis who hold 40% market share, Evan firmly believes that there is room for new comers. The company received so far $15.2 million by venture firms Morgenthaler Ventures and Venrock Associates, and DN Capital, one of Eyeka‘s investor whom i introduced to Evan.
On one hand, Digital Railroad brings its technology to professional photographers and photo agencies who want to showcase their archives online. The clients pay a monthly subcription fee and contribute to promote DR. 65 agencies in 62 countries have joined Digital Railroad, and many of the most famous, including VII and Noor, launched early september At Visa pour L’Image.
On the other hand, they bring these images to pictures buyers through their marketplace, promoted through a smart web marketing strategy. As part of this marketplace, Digital Rairoad buyers can list stock photo requests which photographers can meet if they digg the right picture from their archives : it’s the Research Network launched early September.
DR’s weblog here
Evan Nisselson, founder and CEO of Digital Railroad, interviewed on September 7, 2007