Graphic.lyMedia Release -- Graphic.ly, the cutting-edge community and digital content delivery platform for comics and other forms of publishing, announces the close of its Series A round with more than $1 million in funding. The funding comes from a mix of venture capitalist firms, strategic and individual investors. Funds will be used to expand development and marketing efforts and begin work on content partnerships.

This round of funding which was led by DFJ Mercury, included strategic investor Starz Media, LLC, as well as Northstar Equity Investors and GC&H Investments LLC. Individual investment contributions were received from David Cohen, Chris Sacca, Jake Nickell, Paige Craig and Dave McClure.

"Graphic.ly is changing the ways that people read and engage with content," said Blair Garrou, Managing Director, DFJ Mercury. "Comic publishers and creators are looking for new ways to deliver content to their fan base and readership, as well as a way for those readers to engage and form a community. Graphic.ly provides this easy-to-use solution for publishers and readers."

Micah Baldwin, CEO and co-founder of Graphic.ly, notes that the company strives to provide a place for everyone that enjoys storytelling in comic books and wants to discuss the art and writing with their friends.

"We have begun work with the comic book industry to bring them to the Graphic.ly platform in a new and interesting way that extends beyond just simply providing digital comics," Baldwin said.

"While we are excited to bring publishers such as Marvel to the iPhone," noted Kevin Mann, Chief Scientist and co-founder, "we are more excited about allowing readers to engage and access their libraries and exclusive content wherever and whenever they desire."

Marc DeBevoise, SVP, Digital Media, Business Development & Strategy for Starz Media, noted, "In our business, we have seen digital media transform the way consumers learn about, interact with and ultimately view television and movie content. We see this transformation as a key opportunity in various forms of content. We are excited about the investment in Graphic.ly and its approach to bringing this kind of change to the comics and publishing world. Micah and his team recognize that the opportunity at-hand is not just about making content available, but making it available in the right context and with the expanded features that allow users to interact with the content and each other."

Graphic.ly (formerly known as TakeComics) was selected to the 2009 Techstars program in Boulder. Kevin Mann and Thanavanth Jaroenvanit participated in the program, and Micah Baldwin, who was a Techstars mentor, joined at the end of the program.

About Graphic.ly

Graphic.ly is a cutting-edge digital content delivery system and community platform for the publishing world. Graphic.ly's first product, which focuses on comic publishers, creators and enthusiasts, provides an immersive social experience and marketplace around digital comics and associated merchandise. The company looks to expand its community and content platform and become the de facto solution for print media. For more information, please visit http://www.graphic.ly.

About DFJ Mercury

DFJ Mercury is a seed and early-stage venture capital firm. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, DFJ Mercury invests in compelling and novel start-up opportunities in the information technology, advanced materials and bioscience sectors. DFJ Mercury seeks to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs to build globally competitive businesses, focusing on investments emanating out of Texas and targeted regional tech clusters in the Mid- and Southwest. Our team has extensive experience and strong relationships with technology transfer offices, and appreciates hard science with solid intellectual property. For more information, please visit http://www.dfjmercury.com.