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{{short description|American media and entertainment company}}
{{short description|American media and entertainment company}}
{{distinguish|Complexly}}
{{about-distinguish|an American media and entertainment company|complex networks|Complexly}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Complex Networks
| name = Complex Networks
| image = Complex networks.jpg
| image = [[File:Complex networks.jpg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| former_name = Complex
| former_name = Complex
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| num_locations =
| num_locations =
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = *Rich Antoniello, CEO<ref name="Dumenco"/>
| key_people = {{ubl
*Christian Baesler, President<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/complex-networks-christian-baesler-president-1202739162/|title=Complex Networks Taps Bauer Xcel Media's Christian Baesler as President|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=March 29, 2018}}</ref>
|Aaron Levant ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/buzzfeed-complex-ntwrk-1235831424/ |title=BuzzFeed Sells Complex to Live Stream Shopping Platform NTWRK in $109M Deal |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 21, 2024 }}</ref>
|Noah Callahan-Bever (Chief Content Officer) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/complex-aria-hughes-noah-callahan-bever-1236002582/ |title=After BuzzFeed Sale, Complex Names Aria Hughes Editor in Chief and Noah Callahan-Bever Returns as Chief Content Officer |date=May 14, 2024 }}</ref>
*Celine Perrot-Johnson, CFO
*Edgar Hernandez, CRO<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digiday.com/media/complex-branching-product-development/|title=Complex is branching into product development|first=Tim|last=Peterson|date=November 4, 2019|website=Digiday}}</ref>
|Aria Hughes (Editor-in-Chief) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/complex-aria-hughes-noah-callahan-bever-1236002582/ |title=After BuzzFeed Sale, Complex Names Aria Hughes Editor in Chief and Noah Callahan-Bever Returns as Chief Content Officer |date=May 14, 2024 }}</ref>
⚫
|Donnie Kwak (GM)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Complex Networks Taps GMs To Align Creative, Business Efforts|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/349407/complex-networks-taps-gms-to-align-creative-busin.html|access-date=2021-04-10|website=mediapost.com|language=en}}</ref>|
*Endi Piper, General Counsel<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.besla.org/endi-piper-esq|title=Besla: Endi Piper, Esq.}}</ref>
|Joe LaPuma ([[Senior vice-president|SVP]] content strategy)
*Jonathan Hunt, EVP, Marketing<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/08/12/complex-hires-production-marketing-branded/|title=Complex Hires Key Execs On Production, Marketing, And Branded Content Teams|date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>
⚫
Aleksey Baksheyev (CTO, Head of Product)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|date=2020-03-12|title=Complex Networks Names Nick Wang Head Of International Business Development|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/complex-networks-nick-wang-hired-head-of-international-business-development-1202880954/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref>
*Justin Killion, EVP, Development, Production & Business Affairs
}}
*Chris Schonberger, GM, First We Feast<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/12/style/celebrity-talk-shows.html|title=There Are Too Many Celebrities. Here's How We're Dealing With Them as a Society.|first=Jonah E.|last=Bromwich|work=The New York Times |date=March 12, 2020|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>
⚫
| industry = {{ubl|Media|[[Entertainment]]}}
*Joe LaPuma, SVP, Content Strategy
*Maurice Peebles, Editor-in-Chief <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9451026/complex-maurice-peebles-editor-in-chief|title=Complex Names Maurice Peebles New Editor-In-Chief|date=17 September 2020|first1=Dan|last1=Rys|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>
⚫
*Donnie Kwak, General Manager<ref>{{Cite web|title=Complex Networks Taps GMs To Align Creative, Business Efforts|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/349407/complex-networks-taps-gms-to-align-creative-busin.html|access-date=2021-04-10|website=www.mediapost.com|language=en}}</ref>
⚫
*Aleksey Baksheyev, CTO, Head of Product<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tartaglione|first=Nancy|date=2020-03-12|title=Complex Networks Names Nick Wang Head Of International Business Development|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/complex-networks-nick-wang-hired-head-of-international-business-development-1202880954/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Marc Ecko]], Founder
⚫
| industry = Media, [[entertainment]]
| products =
| products =
| revenue =
| revenue =
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| assets =
| assets =
| equity =
| equity =
| owner = [[BuzzFeed, Inc.]]
| owner =
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
| parent = NTWRK
| divisions =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| subsid =
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}}
}}


'''Complex Networks''' is an American media and entertainment company for [[youth culture]], based in New York City.<ref name="STV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/verizon-hearst-complex-networks-rich-antoniello-1201860433/|title=Verizon, Hearst Form 'Complex Networks' Digital-Video Business, Headed by Rich Antoniello|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=14 September 2016|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref> It was founded as a bi-monthly magazine, '''''Complex''''', by fashion designer [[Marc Ecko|Marc (Ecko) Milecofsky]].<ref name="BB">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/complex-media-shutters-print-magazine-14-years-7604456/|title=Complex Media Shutters Print Magazine After 14 Years|first=Dan|last=Rys|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name="dool">[https://www.foliomag.com/complex-shuts-print-magazine/ FolioMag: Complex Shuts Down Print Magazine]</ref><ref name="Sternberg">{{cite web|last=Sternberg|first=Josh|title=How Complex Straddles The Ad Network Publisher Divide|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/how-complex-straddles-the-ad-network-publisher-divide/|work=[[Digiday]]|date=30 April 2012|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Complex Networks reports on popular and emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports and [[pop culture]].<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/complex-networks-partners-with-bonsai-to-launch-the-complex-shop-a-curated-marketplace-that-seamlessly-blends-content-and-commerce-300970987.html|title=Complex Networks Partners With Bonsai To Launch The Complex SHOP, A Curated Marketplace That Seamlessly Blends Content And Commerce|website=www.prnewswire.com}}</ref> Complex Networks reached over 90 million unique users per month in 2013<ref name="Spangler">{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|title=Complex Expands to Give Dudes Their Due|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/complex-media-expands-to-give-dudes-their-due-1200923355|work=Variety|date=6 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> across its owned and operated and partner sites, socials and [[YouTube]] channels.<ref name=pluto>{{cite magazine|last1=Robbins|first1=Roni|title=Pluto.TV Expands Its Lineup of Web Channels, Including Complex Boosts programming as it takes on traditional TV|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/plutotv-expands-its-lineup-web-channels-including-complex-media-159760|magazine=AdWeek}}</ref><ref name=daily>{{cite web|title=Premium Content Creators AOL, Network A, Complex, Deca, Maker Studio & Whalerock Bring Original Series & Video Libraries to Dailymotion|url=http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921000134/http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-09-21|publisher=Daily Motion}}</ref> The print magazine ceased publication with the December 2016/January 2017 issue.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Tyler McCall|title=Complex to end print publication|url=http://fashionista.com/2016/12/complex-ends-print|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=Fashionista|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> Complex currently has 6.02 million subscribers and 1.8 billion total views on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE_--R1P5-kfBzHTca0dsnw|title=Complex|website=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2020-01-21}}</ref> As of 2019, the company's yearly revenue was estimated to be US$200 million, 15% of which came from commerce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/sole-collector-complex-sneaker-marketplace-30f3d258-ec21-4547-8ac8-34958cf09c6e.html|title=Complex launching new sneaker marketplace called Sole Collector}}</ref>
'''Complex Networks''' is an American media and entertainment company for [[youth culture]], based in [[New York City|New York City.]]<ref name="STV">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/verizon-hearst-complex-networks-rich-antoniello-1201860433/|title=Verizon, Hearst Form 'Complex Networks' Digital-Video Business, Headed by Rich Antoniello|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=14 September 2016|access-date=17 March 2020}}</ref> It was founded as a bi-monthly magazine, '''''Complex''''', by fashion designer [[Marc Ecko|Marc (Ecko) Milecofsky]].<ref name="BB">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/complex-media-shutters-print-magazine-14-years-7604456/|title=Complex Media Shutters Print Magazine After 14 Years|first=Dan|last=Rys|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name="dool">[https://www.foliomag.com/complex-shuts-print-magazine/ FolioMag: Complex Shuts Down Print Magazine]</ref><ref name="Sternberg">{{cite web|last=Sternberg|first=Josh|title=How Complex Straddles The Ad Network Publisher Divide|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/how-complex-straddles-the-ad-network-publisher-divide/|work=[[Digiday]]|date=30 April 2012|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Complex Networks reports on popular and emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports and [[pop culture]].<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/complex-networks-partners-with-bonsai-to-launch-the-complex-shop-a-curated-marketplace-that-seamlessly-blends-content-and-commerce-300970987.html|title=Complex Networks Partners With Bonsai To Launch The Complex SHOP, A Curated Marketplace That Seamlessly Blends Content And Commerce|website=prnewswire.com}}</ref> Complex Networks reached over 90 million unique users per month in 2013<ref name="Spangler">{{cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|title=Complex Expands to Give Dudes Their Due|url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/complex-media-expands-to-give-dudes-their-due-1200923355|work=Variety|date=6 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> across its owned and operated and partner sites, socials and [[YouTube]] channels.<ref name=pluto>{{cite magazine|last1=Robbins|first1=Roni|title=Pluto.TV Expands Its Lineup of Web Channels, Including Complex Boosts programming as it takes on traditional TV|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/plutotv-expands-its-lineup-web-channels-including-complex-media-159760|magazine=AdWeek}}</ref><ref name=daily>{{cite web|title=Premium Content Creators AOL, Network A, Complex, Deca, Maker Studio & Whalerock Bring Original Series & Video Libraries to Dailymotion|url=http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921000134/http://press.dailymotion.com/us/?p=605|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-09-21|publisher=Daily Motion}}</ref> The print magazine ceased publication with the December 2016/January 2017 issue.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Tyler McCall|title=Complex to end print publication|url=http://fashionista.com/2016/12/complex-ends-print|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=Fashionista|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> Complex currently has 6.02 million subscribers and 1.8 billion total views on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE_--R1P5-kfBzHTca0dsnw|title=Complex|website=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2020-01-21}}</ref> {{As of|2019|post=,}} the company's yearly revenue was estimated to be US$200 million, 15% of which came from commerce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/sole-collector-complex-sneaker-marketplace-30f3d258-ec21-4547-8ac8-34958cf09c6e.html|title=Complex launching new sneaker marketplace called Sole Collector}}</ref>


Complex Networks has been named by ''[[Business Insider]]'' as one of the Most Valuable Startups in New York,<ref name="Business Insider">{{cite web|title=The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups in New York|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/most-valuable-new-york-startups-2011-10#22-complex-media-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> and Most Valuable Private Companies in the World.<ref name="Shontell">{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=DIGITAL 100 REVISED: The Most Valuable, Private Companies In The World|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/digital-100-revised-the-most-valuable-private-companies-in-the-world-2012-11|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Complex Networks [[CEO]] Rich Antoniello was named among the Silicon Alley 100.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rose Rickey|first=Megan|title=SA 100 2013: The Coolest People in New York Tech|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-alley-100-2013-2013-10?op=1|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2012, the company launched Complex TV, an online broadcasting platform.
Complex Networks has been named by ''[[Business Insider]]'' as one of the Most Valuable Startups in New York,<ref name="Business Insider">{{cite web|title=The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups in New York|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/most-valuable-new-york-startups-2011-10#22-complex-media-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> and Most Valuable Private Companies in the World.<ref name="Shontell">{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=DIGITAL 100 REVISED: The Most Valuable, Private Companies In The World|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/digital-100-revised-the-most-valuable-private-companies-in-the-world-2012-11|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Complex Networks [[CEO]] Rich Antoniello was named among the Silicon Alley 100.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rose Rickey|first=Megan|title=SA 100 2013: The Coolest People in New York Tech|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-alley-100-2013-2013-10?op=1|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> In 2012, the company launched Complex TV, an online broadcasting platform.


In 2016, it became a [[joint-venture]] subsidiary of [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] and [[Hearst Corporation|Hearst]].<ref name="hearst.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.hearst.com/entertainment-syndication/verizon-hearst-media-partners|title=Verizon Hearst Media Partners - Hearst|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> Subsequently in 2021, [[BuzzFeed|BuzzFeed, Inc.]] announced the acquisition of the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005669/en/BuzzFeed-Announces-Acquisition-of-Complex-Networks-Joining-BuzzFeed-BuzzFeed-News-HuffPost-and-Tasty|title=BuzzFeed Announces Acquisition of Complex Networks, Joining BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, and Tasty|website=Business Wire|date=June 24, 2021}}</ref>
In 2016, it became a [[joint-venture]] of [[Verizon Communications|Verizon]] and [[Hearst Corporation|Hearst]].<ref name="hearst.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.hearst.com/entertainment-syndication/verizon-hearst-media-partners|title=Verizon Hearst Media Partners - Hearst|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> Subsequently in 2021, [[BuzzFeed|BuzzFeed, Inc.]] announced the acquisition of the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210624005669/en/BuzzFeed-Announces-Acquisition-of-Complex-Networks-Joining-BuzzFeed-BuzzFeed-News-HuffPost-and-Tasty|title=BuzzFeed Announces Acquisition of Complex Networks, Joining BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, and Tasty|website=Business Wire|date=June 24, 2021}}</ref> In 2024, NTWRK acquired Complex Networks from BuzzFeed for $108 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2024-02-21 |title=BuzzFeed Sells Complex to Ntwrk for $108.6 Million, Will Lay Off 16% of Remaining Workforce |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/buzzfeed-sells-complex-ntwrk-layoffs-1235918498/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
''Complex'' was established in 2002<ref>{{cite news|first=Greg|last=Allard|title=The Top 20 Selling Fashion Magazines|url=http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|access-date=September 18, 2016|work=Tune Groover|date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> by the founder of the [[Ecko Unlimited|Eckō Unltd.]] brand, [[Marc Ecko]], as a print magazine aimed at providing young men a report of the latest in [[hip hop]], [[fashion]] and [[popular culture|pop culture]] without regard to race.<ref name="Sternberg"/> The name ''Complex'' evolved from a slogan developed to promote the Eckō Unltd. website: "Ecko.complex".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kenner|first=Rob|title=The Oral History of Complex|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/the-oral-history-of-complex/2000|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> The idea was to create a men's magazine that combined Eckō's [[streetwear]] and hip hop attitude along with the style of Japanese men's magazines by providing [[consumer]] guides. This was achieved by creating a magazine in two sections: one traditional magazine, and the other a shopping guide.
''Complex'' was established in 2002<ref>{{cite news|first=Greg|last=Allard|title=The Top 20 Selling Fashion Magazines|url=http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|access-date=September 18, 2016|work=Tune Groover|date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919034831/http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|url-status=dead}}</ref> by the founder of the [[Ecko Unlimited|Eckō Unltd.]] brand, [[Marc Ecko]], as a print magazine aimed at providing young men a report of the latest in [[hip hop]], [[fashion]] and [[popular culture|pop culture]] without regard to race.<ref name="Sternberg"/> The name ''Complex'' evolved from a slogan developed to promote the Eckō Unltd. website: "Ecko.complex".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kenner|first=Rob|title=The Oral History of Complex|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/the-oral-history-of-complex/2000|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> The idea was to create a men's magazine that combined Eckō's [[streetwear]] and hip hop attitude along with the style of Japanese men's magazines by providing [[consumer]] guides. This was achieved by creating a magazine in two sections: one traditional magazine, and the other a shopping guide.


In 2005, ''Complex'' was joined by senior publishing executive turned future CEO, Rich Antoniello<ref name="Dumenco"/> and the former senior editor of [[Vibe (magazine)|''Vibe'' magazine]], Noah Callahan-Bever, who became [[editor-in-chief]] and [[chief content officer]] a year later.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|title=Complex Names New Editor-in-Chief|url=http://observer.com/2006/09/complex-names-new-editorinchief/|work=New York Observer|date=26 September 2006|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> By 2006, ''Complex'' had begun to turn a profit which allowed the magazine to consider an expansion of their online presence. In April 2007, ''Complex'' soft-launched a media network with four websites: NahRight, Nice Kicks, SlamxHype and MoeJackson.<ref name="Dumenco">{{cite web|last=Dumenco|first=Simon|title=The Print Guy Who's Going 45% Digital|url=http://adage.com/article/the-media-guy/magazines-print-guy-45-digital/138039/|work=Ad Age|date=21 July 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>
In 2005, ''Complex'' was joined by senior publishing executive turned future CEO, Rich Antoniello<ref name="Dumenco"/> and the former senior editor of [[Vibe (magazine)|''Vibe'' magazine]], Noah Callahan-Bever, who became [[editor-in-chief]] and [[chief content officer]] a year later.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|title=Complex Names New Editor-in-Chief|url=http://observer.com/2006/09/complex-names-new-editorinchief/|work=New York Observer|date=26 September 2006|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> By 2006, ''Complex'' had begun to turn a profit which allowed the magazine to consider an expansion of their online presence. In April 2007, ''Complex'' soft-launched a media network with four websites: NahRight, Nice Kicks, SlamxHype and MoeJackson.<ref name="Dumenco">{{cite web|last=Dumenco|first=Simon|title=The Print Guy Who's Going 45% Digital|url=http://adage.com/article/the-media-guy/magazines-print-guy-45-digital/138039/|work=Ad Age|date=21 July 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>
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===Funding===
===Funding===
In 2009, Complex raised $12.8 million from Accel Partners and Austin Ventures.<ref name=gigaom>{{cite web|last1=Kee|first1=Tameka|title=Updated: Marc Ecko's Complex Media Gets $12.8 Million, Spins Off Into Standalone Company|date=4 December 2009|url=https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|publisher=Gigaom}}</ref> In September 2013, it secured $25 million in a second round of funding from [[Iconix Brand Group]], who own [[Rocawear]], [[Starter Clothing Line|Starter]], [[Ecko Unlimited|Eckō Unltd.]] and [[Umbro]], among others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=Complex Media Raises $25 Million From The Powerhouse Behind Umbro And Rocawear, Iconix Brand Group|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-raises-25-million-from-iconix-brand-group-2013-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>
In 2009, Complex raised $12.8 million from Accel Partners and Austin Ventures.<ref name=gigaom>{{cite web|last1=Kee|first1=Tameka|title=Updated: Marc Ecko's Complex Media Gets $12.8 Million, Spins Off Into Standalone Company|date=4 December 2009|url=https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|publisher=Gigaom|access-date=November 12, 2014|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925010020/https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2013, it secured $25 million in a second round of funding from [[Iconix Brand Group]], who own [[Rocawear]], [[Starter Clothing Line|Starter]], [[Ecko Unlimited|Eckō Unltd.]] and [[Umbro]], among others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=Complex Media Raises $25 Million From The Powerhouse Behind Umbro And Rocawear, Iconix Brand Group|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-raises-25-million-from-iconix-brand-group-2013-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref>


===Verizon Hearst Media Partners subsidiary===
===Verizon Hearst Media Partners subsidiary===
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==Covers==
==Covers==
''Complex'' became known early on for its double-sided covers and split format.<ref name="Hirschman">{{cite web|last=Hirschman|first=David|title=So what do you do, Noah Callaghan-Bever, EIC, Complex?|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|work=mediabistro|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002445/http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Complex'' covers often combined celebrities from across music, film and sports. For example, [[Mos Def]] and [[David Bowie]] appeared together on the cover of the August/September 2003 issue. Some of ''Complex''{{'s}} early covers included [[Nas]] (May 2002), [[Tony Hawk]] and [[Xzibit]] (June/July 2002), [[Ludacris]] and [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] (April/May 2003), and Mos Def and David Bowie (August/September 2003). In 2007, ''Complex'' gave [[Kim Kardashian]] her first-ever magazine shoot and cover.<ref>{{cite web|last=Denver|first=Nate|title=Kim Kardashian: Almost Famous (2007 Cover Story & Gallery)|url=http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>
''Complex'' became known early on for its double-sided covers and split format.<ref name="Hirschman">{{cite web|last=Hirschman|first=David|title=So what do you do, Noah Callaghan-Bever, EIC, Complex?|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|work=mediabistro|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002445/http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Complex'' covers often combined celebrities from across music, film and sports. Some of ''Complex''{{'s}} early covers included [[Nas]] (May 2002), [[Tony Hawk]] and [[Xzibit]] (June/July 2002), [[Ludacris]] and [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] (April/May 2003), and [[Mos Def]] and [[David Bowie]] (August/September 2003). In 2007, ''Complex'' gave [[Kim Kardashian]] her first-ever magazine shoot and cover.<ref>{{cite web|last=Denver|first=Nate|title=Kim Kardashian: Almost Famous (2007 Cover Story & Gallery)|url=http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701002415/http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|url-status=dead}}</ref>


''Complex'' has since expanded to interactive digital covers.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Digital Covers|url=http://www.complexmediainc.com/About-Us/Digital-Covers/2014|magazine=Complex}}</ref> In September 2019, the American rapper [[Kid Cudi]] and the Japanese designer [[Nigo]] were interviewed by ''Complex'' and also appeared jointly on a digital cover and told the stories of their careers and rise in the entertainment and streetwear industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailyrapfacts.com/5626/kid-cudi-has-more-complex-magazine-covers-than-any-other-artist/|title=DailyRapFacts: Kid Cudi has more Complex Magazine covers than any other artist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|title=COMPLEX COVER}}</ref>
''Complex'' has since expanded to interactive digital covers.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Digital Covers|url=http://www.complexmediainc.com/About-Us/Digital-Covers/2014|magazine=Complex}}</ref> In September 2019, the American rapper [[Kid Cudi]] and the Japanese designer [[Nigo]] were interviewed by ''Complex'' and also appeared jointly on a digital cover and told the stories of their careers and rise in the entertainment and streetwear industries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dailyrapfacts.com/5626/kid-cudi-has-more-complex-magazine-covers-than-any-other-artist/|title=DailyRapFacts: Kid Cudi has more Complex Magazine covers than any other artist|date=September 17, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|title=COMPLEX COVER|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204182050/https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Complex shows==
==Complex shows==
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On November 10, 2017, a block of Complex TV series began airing on the U.S. cable network [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] under the ''Complex x Fuse'' banner.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2017/11/complex-fuse-programming-block-partnership|title=Complex and Fuse Partner for Special TV Programming Block|website=Complex Networks|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/20/complex-x-fuse-hot-ones-sneaker-shopping/|title=Complex Brings 'Hot Ones' And 'Sneaker Shopping' To TV|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref>
On November 10, 2017, a block of Complex TV series began airing on the U.S. cable network [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] under the ''Complex x Fuse'' banner.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2017/11/complex-fuse-programming-block-partnership|title=Complex and Fuse Partner for Special TV Programming Block|website=Complex Networks|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/20/complex-x-fuse-hot-ones-sneaker-shopping/|title=Complex Brings 'Hot Ones' And 'Sneaker Shopping' To TV|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}</ref>


Complex Networks has produced more than two dozen original shows,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/tv/|title=Complex - Making Culture Pop|website=Complex Networks|access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|last=VideoInk|date=21 November 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153340/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> which include ''[[Hot Ones]]'' and ''[[Desus vs. Mero]]''.
Complex Networks has produced more than two dozen original shows,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/tv/|title=Complex - Making Culture Pop|website=Complex Networks|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013110159/http://www.complex.com/tv/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|last=VideoInk|date=21 November 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153340/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> which include ''[[Hot Ones]]'' and ''[[Desus vs. Mero]]''.


==Podcasts==
==Podcasts==
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==ComplexCon==
==ComplexCon==
In Spring 2016, Complex Networks announced a new project, "ComplexCon", an annual festival in the form of thematics exhibitions, music concerts, discussion panels, streetwear culture and content related to [[pop culture]] and mass audience entertainment. The first two-day event took place at the [[Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center]] in November 2016 and featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Kid Cudi and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shawnsetaro/2016/05/19/marc-ecko-on-complexcon/|title=Marc Ecko On ComplexCon: 'This Has Never Been Done Since The World's Fair'|first=Shawn|last=Setaro|website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/marc-ecko-talks-complexcon-two-day-festival-942122/|title=Marc Ecko Talks ComplexCon Ahead of Two-Day Festival|first=Stephanie|last=Chan|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=November 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-fashion-style-complex-con-2016-story.html|title=ComplexCon: Fashion, pop culture and activism come together in Long Beach this weekend|first=Khanh T. L.|last=Tran|date=November 5, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In 2019 the festival was held twice. The first event took place at [[McCormick Place]] in collaboration with a focus on local artists, designers and musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-complexcon-debuts-in-chicago-saturday-0721-20190721-oxnq65d73jhwjm2l7hykqgowvu-story.html|title=ComplexCon debuts in Chicago, and it's a hypebeast's world at McCormick Place|date=July 21, 2019|website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The second festival occurred in the traditional Long Beach, CA and included appearances by [[Selena Gomez]], [[LL Cool J]], [[Lil Kim]], [[Offset (rapper)|Offset]], [[Kid Cudi]], [[Lil Yachty]], [[Timothée Chalamet]], [[Yara Shahidi]] and [[Tyga]]. These events, both virtual and in-person have managed to draw in large crowds of young adults who relate and connect with the growing street wear and rising hip-hop artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|first=Max|last=Berlinger|date=November 15, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
In Spring 2016, Complex Networks announced a new project, "ComplexCon", an annual festival in the form of thematics exhibitions, music concerts, discussion panels, streetwear culture, and content related to [[pop culture]] and mass audience entertainment. The first two-day event took place at the [[Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center]] in [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach, CA]] in November 2016 and featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Kid Cudi, and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shawnsetaro/2016/05/19/marc-ecko-on-complexcon/|title=Marc Ecko On ComplexCon: 'This Has Never Been Done Since The World's Fair'|first=Shawn|last=Setaro|website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/marc-ecko-talks-complexcon-two-day-festival-942122/|title=Marc Ecko Talks ComplexCon Ahead of Two-Day Festival|first=Stephanie|last=Chan|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=November 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-fashion-style-complex-con-2016-story.html|title=ComplexCon: Fashion, pop culture and activism come together in Long Beach this weekend|first=Khanh T. L.|last=Tran|date=November 5, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> In 2019 the festival was held twice. The first event took place at [[McCormick Place]] in [[Chicago]], IL in collaboration with a focus on local artists, designers, and musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-complexcon-debuts-in-chicago-saturday-0721-20190721-oxnq65d73jhwjm2l7hykqgowvu-story.html|title=ComplexCon debuts in Chicago, and it's a hypebeast's world at McCormick Place|date=July 21, 2019|website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The second festival occurred in the traditional Long Beach, CA location and included appearances by [[Selena Gomez]], [[LL Cool J]], [[Lil Kim]], [[Offset (rapper)|Offset]], [[Kid Cudi]], [[Lil Yachty]], [[Timothée Chalamet]], [[Yara Shahidi]] and [[Tyga]]. These virtual and in-person events have drawn in large crowds of young adults who relate and connect with the growing streetwear and rising hip-hop artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|first=Max|last=Berlinger|date=November 15, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>


==ComplexLand==
==ComplexLand==
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===Wale threatens ''Complex'' staff===
===Wale threatens ''Complex'' staff===
On December 11, 2013, ''Complex'' writer Insanul Ahmed received a call from rapper [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]] complaining that his latest album, ''[[The Gifted (album)|The Gifted]]'', had not been included on ''Complex''{{'s}} "50 Best Albums of 2013" list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> A portion of the conversation was recorded and posted on the ''Complex'' website and on Complex TV on December 13. Wale could be heard threatening: "Get the security ready." According to ''Complex'', Wale refused requests to meet, but he did post a humorous [[Instagram]] video that day which made light of the situation. Wale, later appearing on [[WQHT|Hot97]], said that his fall-out with [[Kid Cudi]] had something to do with the snub, and that he was not "begging Williamsburg hipsters" to like his music.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=Wale Threatens Complex Staff Over Our "50 Best Albums of 2013" List|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/wale-threatens-complex|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Millard|first=Drew|title=A few words about this whole "Wale threatening Complex" thing|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/wale-complex-threat-the-gifted|work=Noisey|date=December 16, 2013 |publisher=Vice Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|title=Wale Vs. Complex Magazine: I Won't Apologize To 'Williamsburg Hipsters'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|work=MTV|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick|title=Wale threatens Complex magazine after omission from year-end list|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wale-threatens-complex-after-omission-from-yearend-list-20131214,0,1799648.story#axzz2q5geAvTr|newspaper=LA Times|date=14 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Vann|first=Douglas|title=Video: Wale Throws Temper-Tantrum Over Complex Magazine Article|url=http://www.vanndigital.com/2013/12/13/video-wale-throws-temper-tantrum-over-complex-magazine-article/|work=VannDigital.com|publisher=Vann Digital Networks|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Wale was referring to the October/November 2010 issue of Complex in which Kid Cudi said: "We don't fuck with you musically." The quote quickly went viral.<ref>{{cite web|last=Muhammed|first=Latifah|title=Wale Blames Complex Magazine Snub on Kid Cudi Beef|url=http://www.bet.com/news/music/2013/12/17/wale-blames-complex-magazine-snub-on-kid-cudi-beef.html|work=BET|access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>
On December 11, 2013, ''Complex'' writer Insanul Ahmed received a call from rapper [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]] complaining that his latest album, ''[[The Gifted (album)|The Gifted]]'', had not been included on ''Complex''{{'s}} "50 Best Albums of 2013" list.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> A portion of the conversation was recorded and posted on the ''Complex'' website and on Complex TV on December 13. Wale could be heard threatening: "Get the security ready." According to ''Complex'', Wale refused requests to meet, but he did post a humorous [[Instagram]] video that day which made light of the situation. Wale, later appearing on [[WQHT|Hot97]], said that his fall-out with [[Kid Cudi]] had something to do with the snub, and that he was not "begging Williamsburg hipsters" to like his music.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=Wale Threatens Complex Staff Over Our "50 Best Albums of 2013" List|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/wale-threatens-complex|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Millard|first=Drew|title=A few words about this whole "Wale threatening Complex" thing|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/wale-complex-threat-the-gifted|work=Noisey|date=December 16, 2013 |publisher=Vice Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|title=Wale Vs. Complex Magazine: I Won't Apologize To 'Williamsburg Hipsters'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217212351/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2013|work=MTV|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick|title=Wale threatens Complex magazine after omission from year-end list|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wale-threatens-complex-after-omission-from-yearend-list-20131214,0,1799648.story#axzz2q5geAvTr|newspaper=LA Times|date=14 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Vann|first=Douglas|title=Video: Wale Throws Temper-Tantrum Over Complex Magazine Article|url=http://www.vanndigital.com/2013/12/13/video-wale-throws-temper-tantrum-over-complex-magazine-article/|work=VannDigital.com|publisher=Vann Digital Networks|access-date=February 9, 2014}}</ref> Wale was referring to the October/November 2010 issue of Complex in which Kid Cudi said: "We don't fuck with you musically." The quote quickly went viral.<ref>{{cite web|last=Muhammed|first=Latifah|title=Wale Blames Complex Magazine Snub on Kid Cudi Beef|url=https://www.bet.com/article/58gpmi/wale-blames-complex-magazine-snub-on-kid-cudi-beef|work=BET|access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}

{{Hip hop websites}}
{{Hip hop websites}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Complex Networks (media)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Complex Networks (media)}}
[[Category:2002 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in New York City]]
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[[Category:Street culture]]
[[Category:Street culture]]
[[Category:Youth culture]]
[[Category:Youth culture]]
[[Category:Joint ventures]]
[[Category:Former joint ventures]]

Revision as of 10:42, 16 November 2024

This article is about an American media and entertainment company. Not to be confused with complex networks or Complexly.

Complex Networks
FormerlyComplex
Company typeSubsidiary
Industry
PredecessorComplex (magazine) (last issue: December 2016/January 2017)
Founded2002; 22 years ago (2002)
FoundersMarc Ecko
Headquarters
New York City
,
U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Aaron Levant (CEO)[1]
  • Noah Callahan-Bever (Chief Content Officer) [2]
  • Aria Hughes (Editor-in-Chief) [3]
  • Donnie Kwak (GM)[4]
  • Joe LaPuma (SVP content strategy) Aleksey Baksheyev (CTO, Head of Product)[5]
ParentNTWRK
Websitecomplexnetworks.com

Complex Networks is an American media and entertainment company for youth culture, based in New York City.[6] It was founded as a bi-monthly magazine, Complex, by fashion designer Marc (Ecko) Milecofsky.[7][8][9] Complex Networks reports on popular and emerging trends in style, sneakers, food, music, sports and pop culture.[10] Complex Networks reached over 90 million unique users per month in 2013[11] across its owned and operated and partner sites, socials and YouTube channels.[12][13] The print magazine ceased publication with the December 2016/January 2017 issue.[14] Complex currently has 6.02 million subscribers and 1.8 billion total views on YouTube.[15] As of 2019, the company's yearly revenue was estimated to be US$200 million, 15% of which came from commerce.[16]

Complex Networks has been named by Business Insider as one of the Most Valuable Startups in New York,[17] and Most Valuable Private Companies in the World.[18] Complex Networks CEO Rich Antoniello was named among the Silicon Alley 100.[19] In 2012, the company launched Complex TV, an online broadcasting platform.

In 2016, it became a joint-venture of Verizon and Hearst.[20] Subsequently in 2021, BuzzFeed, Inc. announced the acquisition of the company.[21] In 2024, NTWRK acquired Complex Networks from BuzzFeed for $108 million.[22]

History

Complex was established in 2002[23] by the founder of the Eckō Unltd. brand, Marc Ecko, as a print magazine aimed at providing young men a report of the latest in hip hop, fashion and pop culture without regard to race.[9] The name Complex evolved from a slogan developed to promote the Eckō Unltd. website: "Ecko.complex".[24] The idea was to create a men's magazine that combined Eckō's streetwear and hip hop attitude along with the style of Japanese men's magazines by providing consumer guides. This was achieved by creating a magazine in two sections: one traditional magazine, and the other a shopping guide.

In 2005, Complex was joined by senior publishing executive turned future CEO, Rich Antoniello[25] and the former senior editor of Vibe magazine, Noah Callahan-Bever, who became editor-in-chief and chief content officer a year later.[26] By 2006, Complex had begun to turn a profit which allowed the magazine to consider an expansion of their online presence. In April 2007, Complex soft-launched a media network with four websites: NahRight, Nice Kicks, SlamxHype and MoeJackson.[25]

Complex

In September 2007, Complex launched Complex Media in order to fully capitalize on the trend toward digital content.[27] In 2010, ad sales grew 154%.[28] According to comScore, Complex got 12 million unique hits in March 2012. This encouraged large brands such as Coors, AT&T, Ford, McDonald's, Nike, Adidas and Apple to advertise within the collective. Complex now includes over 100 sites.[9]

In 2011, Complex acquired Pigeons & Planes, an indie music and rap blog, and brought their total sites to 51 with monthly traffic of 25 million uniques.[29] In 2012, Complex launched Four Pins, a humorous menswear site, edited by Fuck Yeah Menswear author Lawrence Schlossman;[30] Sneaker Report, a performance footwear site;[31] and First We Feast, a food culture site edited by former Time Out New York food editor Chris Schonberger.[32] In 2013, Complex launched the dance music site Do Androids Dance[33] and Green Label, a branded content site presented by Mountain Dew.[34] That year, Complex also acquired the sneakerhead culture magazine and website Sole Collector.[35]

On November 4, 2013, Complex premiered a new logo and cover design on Instagram that would appear online, as well as on the December 2013 Eminem cover issue.[36][37]

In 2013, Complex partnered with Mountain Dew to launch "Green Label" an entertainment and culture website.[38] In 2014, Complex launched an NBA-themed website called "Triangle Offense" in a partnership with Bacardi rum.[39]

In August 2014, Complex ranked #3 in the United States in a ComScore survey of unique visitors between the ages of 18 and 34 with 20.3 million in that demographic per month.[40] In January 2015, it announced its acquisition of Collider, the online source for movies, television, breaking news, incisive content, and imminent trends. Collider.com reaches over 3 million monthly unique readers (comScore, December 2014) powered by a team of ten writers, including founder and Editor in Chief Steve Weintraub. In February 2018, Complex sold Collider.com to former head-of-video Marc Fernandez.[41][42]

In 2015, Do Androids Dance was merged into Complex.[43] In 2016, Four Pins was closed.[44]

Funding

In 2009, Complex raised $12.8 million from Accel Partners and Austin Ventures.[45] In September 2013, it secured $25 million in a second round of funding from Iconix Brand Group, who own Rocawear, Starter, Eckō Unltd. and Umbro, among others.[46]

Verizon Hearst Media Partners subsidiary

On April 18, 2016, Complex was acquired by a joint venture of Hearst Communications and Verizon Communications, Verizon Hearst Media Partners. The venture emphasized a goal of building "a portfolio of the emerging digital brands of the future for the millennial and Gen-Z audience", and proposed that Complex would develop content for Verizon-owned AOL and go90.[47]

After a failure to reach expectations, on June 29, 2018, Verizon announced that go90 would shut down.[48]

Covers

Complex became known early on for its double-sided covers and split format.[49] Complex covers often combined celebrities from across music, film and sports. Some of Complex's early covers included Nas (May 2002), Tony Hawk and Xzibit (June/July 2002), Ludacris and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (April/May 2003), and Mos Def and David Bowie (August/September 2003). In 2007, Complex gave Kim Kardashian her first-ever magazine shoot and cover.[50]

Complex has since expanded to interactive digital covers.[51] In September 2019, the American rapper Kid Cudi and the Japanese designer Nigo were interviewed by Complex and also appeared jointly on a digital cover and told the stories of their careers and rise in the entertainment and streetwear industries.[52][53]

Complex shows

Complex TV launched in 2012 as an online broadcaster of original content. Nathan Brown, a long-time video development and production executive, serves as general manager of Complex TV and Video.[54] In December 2013, a subsidiary of Complex TV, Complex News, was launched, focusing on day-to-day news.[11][55][56] In 2014, Pluto.tv added Complex Media as a content partner.[12] Complex Content Studio is supported by an 18-person editorial team.[57] According to WNIP source, "by 2016, Complex Networks had shifted 80% of its content budget to video and was launching dozens of individual shows under Complex's YouTube channel and a number of spin-off properties".[58] On November 10, 2017, a block of Complex TV series began airing on the U.S. cable network Fuse under the Complex x Fuse banner.[59][60]

Complex Networks has produced more than two dozen original shows,[61][62] which include Hot Ones and Desus vs. Mero.

Podcasts

Complex Networks launched three original podcasts at the end of 2019 in collaboration with a Swedish podcast firm Acast. Watch Less, covering such topics as movies and pop culture, hosted by Khris 'Khal' Davenport and Frazier Tharpe. The Complex Sports Podcast (formerly Load Management), hosted by Zach 'Chopz' Frydenlund, Zion Olojede, and Adam Caparell discusses sports and sports culture.[63] The Complex Sneakers Podcast covers the history and present day of sneaker culture and is hosted by Joe La Puma, Matthew Welty, and Brendan Dunne.[64]

ComplexCon

In Spring 2016, Complex Networks announced a new project, "ComplexCon", an annual festival in the form of thematics exhibitions, music concerts, discussion panels, streetwear culture, and content related to pop culture and mass audience entertainment. The first two-day event took place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, CA in November 2016 and featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Kid Cudi, and more.[65][66][67] In 2019 the festival was held twice. The first event took place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL in collaboration with a focus on local artists, designers, and musicians.[68] The second festival occurred in the traditional Long Beach, CA location and included appearances by Selena Gomez, LL Cool J, Lil Kim, Offset, Kid Cudi, Lil Yachty, Timothée Chalamet, Yara Shahidi and Tyga. These virtual and in-person events have drawn in large crowds of young adults who relate and connect with the growing streetwear and rising hip-hop artists.[69]

ComplexLand

In lieu of ComplexCon during the COVID-19 pandemic, Complex Networks launched a five-day virtual festival named "ComplexLand" in December 2020. The game took place in a video game format where users could visit virtual shops and order products that would be shipped to them in real life. Players could also access video content such as panels and performances. The event included virtual appearances by T-Pain, Fat Joe, Lil Yachty, Jack Harlow, and Donatella Versace. The interactive experience was accessible through web browser and was developed by Jam3 in WebGl.[70][71]

The Complex Shop

In December 2019, Complex Networks launched an online store called the Complex Shop. At launch, the store included items from 70 different clothing brands, including some exclusive collaborations.[72]

The store also carries merchandise from Complex's various brands and content.[73]

The Complex Shop has partnered with the Google News Initiative to measure audience engagement and consumer behavior.[73] They also partnered with Neighborhood Spot[74] and UNION x Dodgers to sell branded products.[75]

Brand partnerships

In 2013, Digiday stated Complex was one of the publishers that "acts like an agency" based on their branded content and brand partnerships.[76] In 2013 alone, Complex created an average of 47 pieces of content a month on behalf of major brands, including McDonald's, Gillette, Levi's, Toyota, Adidas and others.[76] It also partnered with PepsiCo to launch GreenLabel.com, a Mountain Dew-branded lifestyle site that's staffed by Complex's editorial employees. Green Label currently attracts over twice as much traffic as MountainDew.com.[76] Later in 2013, Complex worked with Dr. Pepper to a series of videos aimed at young males featuring producer/songwriter The-Dream.[77]

Awards

Year From Award For
2011 Business Insider The 30 Most Valuable Internet Startups In New York[17]
2014 Digiday Video Awards Best Original Non-Scripted Video Series "Magnum Opus"[78]
2015 Digiday Video Awards Best Video Destination – Entertainment for Complex TV[79]
2018 2018 Webby Awards Best Web Personality/Host Sean Evans – First We Feast's "Hot Ones"[80]
2019 2019 Webby Awards Video: Fashion & Beauty "Sneaker Shopping"[81]
2019 2019 Webby Awards Video: Food & Drink First We Feast's "Hot Ones"[82]
2019 BET Hip-Hop Awards 2019 Best Hip-Hop Online Site/App (winner) Complex[83]
2019 James Beard Foundation Awards 2019 Online Video, on Location (winner) First We Feast's "Food Skills: The Mozzarella Kings of New York"[84]
2020 AdAge Best Experiential of 2020 Best Streetwear Summit (winner) [85]
2020 Fast Company Most Innovative Companies 2020 Most Innovative Media Company (winner) [86]
2021 32nd GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Online Journalism - Video or Multimedia "Stop Killing Us: Black Transgender Women's Lived Experiences"[87]

Controversies

Kim Kardashian photo

In 2009, AnimalNewYork.com reported that Complex had posted a digitally unenhanced version of April/May issue cover star Kim Kardashian. Complex swapped the enhanced image on their site, but not before the unenhanced version had gone viral. Kardashian responded to the incident on her blog, saying: "So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!?"[88] She went on to say that she was "proud" of her body, posting behind-the-scenes pictures of the shoot on her website.[89] The incident was covered by a variety of online publications including Huffington Post, NY Daily News, Business Insider, Gawker, and others.[89][90]

Wale threatens Complex staff

On December 11, 2013, Complex writer Insanul Ahmed received a call from rapper Wale complaining that his latest album, The Gifted, had not been included on Complex's "50 Best Albums of 2013" list.[91] A portion of the conversation was recorded and posted on the Complex website and on Complex TV on December 13. Wale could be heard threatening: "Get the security ready." According to Complex, Wale refused requests to meet, but he did post a humorous Instagram video that day which made light of the situation. Wale, later appearing on Hot97, said that his fall-out with Kid Cudi had something to do with the snub, and that he was not "begging Williamsburg hipsters" to like his music.[92][93][94][95][96] Wale was referring to the October/November 2010 issue of Complex in which Kid Cudi said: "We don't fuck with you musically." The quote quickly went viral.[97]

See also

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