Particle Media

About Particle Media

In 2015, Particle Media was founded in California by Jeff Zheng, with Jerry Yang as the chief advisor. The company launched NewsBreak, a platform designed to revitalize local journalism by connecting users with community-focused news and information.

NewsBreak quickly gained traction as a go-to source for local news, addressing the decline of traditional journalism by leveraging technology to deliver personalized news experiences. The platform's success attracted significant attention from investors.

In January 2021, Particle Media secured a major milestone with a $115 million Series C funding round led by Francisco Partners. This funding was pivotal, enabling NewsBreak to expand its investments in the local-content ecosystem both in the United States and internationally.

Under the leadership of Jeff Zheng and strategic guidance from Jerry Yang, NewsBreak continued to innovate, focusing on enhancing user engagement and expanding its reach. The appointment of Harry Shum, former executive vice president of Microsoft’s AI and Research Group, as chairman of the board in 2020, further strengthened the company's leadership.

Particle Media's journey with NewsBreak exemplifies the power of technology in transforming traditional industries. By prioritizing local content and community engagement, NewsBreak has positioned itself as a leader in the digital news landscape, continuing to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing media environment.