Celebrating its first anniversary December 1, the free streaming platform ‘dedicated to the future of our planet,’ has completed its full worldwide expansion, reaching 194 countries. As part of the roll-out, WaterBear Network’s ‘inspirational content spanning biodiversity, community, climate action, sustainable fashion and more,’ will also now be available to watch on all Apple TV and Roku devices.
WaterBear Network has at the same time expanded its executive leadership team with three strategic roles to lead product and strategy, marketing and growth and finance and business affairs, while founder Ellen Windemuth transitions to full time Chief Executive Officer.
From December 1, Sam Sutaria will assume the group-wide role of VP Strategy and Development, Poppy Mason-Watts will assume the group-wide role of VP Marketing and Communications and Louis Botha will assume the group-wide role of VP Finance and Operations.
Founded by Ellen Windemuth, exec-producer of BAFTA and Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, WaterBear Network launched in December 2020 with the support of Prince Harry, ‘and has since become the go-to destination for documentary lovers and viewers that want to turn intent into action,’ the company says in a statement.
In its first year, WaterBear Network has built a network of over 140 NGOs and brand partners, given its members access to more than 300 campaigns, produced over 50 WaterBear Original Productions and curated over 1000 award-winning documentaries on the platform. ‘WaterBear Network empowers members to dive deeper, learn more about the issues behind the content and take direct action,’ the company statement continues.
WaterBear Network’s brand partnerships ensure the platform remains free to watch, enabling brands to communicate while delivering active engagement with a community of conscious consumers. ‘Sustainability is now a core focus for brands, with investors, financial markets and regulators increasingly factoring ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) criteria into their decisions. WaterBear provides a solution for carefully chosen brands to communicate their purpose and sustainability credentials to a growing audience of value-led consumers,’ the statement reads.
This year WaterBear Network has partnered with brands such as Nikon Europe and Natura &Co to create partnerships that include digital marketing, content production and physical activations.
Ellen Windemuth, Chief Executive Officer of WaterBear said: “We are excited by the fantastic response to WaterBear in our first year. With our global roll-out and the launch of WaterBear on Apple TV and Roku, we deliver our impact content to an ever-growing audience. For our brand partners and our partner NGOs, the WaterBear platform now provides a window to an authentic base of value-led consumers.”
“This expansion requires a strong and ambitious leadership team. In Sam, Poppy, and Louis we have the expertise, talent, dedication and ambition required to move the Network to its next level,” she added.
