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Ionic Studios Unveils the Emerging Channels Fund

Ionic Studios has announced a groundbreaking initiative with the launch of the Ionic Emerging Channels Fund, aimed at revolutionizing the FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) channel landscape. This new fund is set to invest in, underwrite, and operate promising FAST channels, positioning Ionic Studios as a pivotal player in this growing market segment.

With a strong debut at CES 2026, Ionic's commitment to the open streaming ecosystem was highlighted as it introduced itself as the premier CTV (Connected TV) studio equipped to unify and standardize the buying process for advertisers. The Emerging Channels Fund marks a significant step in Ionic's strategy, enhancing its channel portfolio to meet high consumer demand in fast-growing verticals such as sports and fashion.

Partnership with Urban Edge Network

One of the fund's inaugural collaborations is with the Urban Edge Network (UEN), a dynamic live sports platform that covers over 2,000 events across more than 10 sports categories, including collegiate games from HBCUs and NAIA institutions. The partnership aims to enhance UEN's distribution by leveraging Ionic's established networks and expertise in audience engagement.

“We have a deeply engaged audience that often gets overlooked,” explained Hardy Pelt, Chief Revenue Officer of UEN. “Our collaboration with Ionic will help us increase our distribution and deliver premium experiences to fans while providing authentic and clean brand placements.” This strategy includes introducing new advertising formats designed specifically for live viewing scenarios, ensuring that brands can resonate with audiences during moments that truly matter.

Global Fashion Channel Collaboration

In addition to sports, the fund also collaborates with the Global Fashion Channel (GFC), recognized as the leading channel for fashion and lifestyle content. GFC’s programming showcases high-end fashion showcases, backstage access, and exclusive lifestyle content. Ionic aims to expand GFC's reach and monetization strategies by pairing its captivating programming with effective sponsorship opportunities.

GiGi, Creative Director at GFC, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership: “Ionic enables us to make a more significant impact in the open streaming arena. This expands our ability to educate and inspire a global audience while solidifying our monetization process.” The collaboration is set to streamline GFC's offerings in the competitive fashion industry, paving the way for greater visibility among advertisers.

Future Opportunities for Channels

The Ionic Emerging Channels Fund is actively on the lookout for additional channel opportunities that align with viewer interests and advertiser demand within the open streaming ecosystem. As streaming continues to evolve, Ionic aims to fill the void in the marketplace where supply is lacking despite increasing viewer interest.

“FAST channels are evolving from a model where anyone can launch a channel to a new paradigm where only the best-operated channels will thrive,” stated Shafi Mustafa, Managing Director of Ionic Studios. “Our fund is an avenue for fostering the next wave of successful channels, ensuring they are well-supported operationally and financially.”

For those interested in joining this innovative movement, Ionic is now accepting submissions for emerging channel ideas, signaling a call to action for creators and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the streaming space.

To discover more about the Emerging Channels Fund and potential partnership opportunities, visit ionic.tv/emerging-channels-fund.

About Ionic Studios

Ionic Studios is revolutionizing the CTV landscape with a unified system designed for advertisers seeking to scale effectively within the open streaming ecosystem. Its diverse portfolio includes a range of exclusive, brand-safe FAST channels that leverage data and audience insights to facilitate efficient planning and execution across platforms. Ionic is committed to making independent CTV a more streamlined experience for buyers, ensuring consistency and reliability at scale.