- Snapchat has raised less than the $650M CNBC reported the company would be adding to its coffers. However, the the WSJ has joined CNBC in reporting the valuation is $16B, or ~60% higher than what Snapchat was valued at just 6 months ago. (Form D filing)
- As expected, Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) is an investor, and so are hedge funds Glade Brook Capital and York Capital. Notably, the firms have reportedly agreed to receive common stock rather than the preferred stock VCs typically receive when making investments. Among other things, preferred stock owners get paid first in the event of an acquisition or liquidation.
- Snapchat's December round, which is believed to feature Yahoo and VC firm Kleiner Perkins, also reportedly involved common stock. The glass half-full view: Snapchat has advanced far enough beyond the startup stage that investors are willing to accept the same rights they would typically get as public investors. The glass half-empty view: The fear of missing out has not only led private tech valuations to soar, but has led investors to compromise in other areas.