Another paidContent.org exclusive: JibJab Media has first-round funding from sole investor Polaris Venture Partners. Co-founded by brothers Gregg and Evan Spiridellis in 1999, JibJab evolved beyond viral presidential satires into a humor brand and comedy network. Distribution deals with MSN, Atom Films, Verizon V Cast and sponsorship by Anheuser-Busch (through its Bud Light brand) aided that evolution. No details on the amount but the funding will be used to build out recently launched online humor-sharing community JokeBox and to “significantly expand” original comedy programming.
CEO Gregg Spiridellis: “We’re thrilled to be working with Polaris to seize the opportunity to build a comedy network that extends beyond the browser to mobile devices and, ultimately, IPTV.”
Jon Flint, Polaris founder and managing partner, joins the JibJab board. His spot-on description of the brothers: “the creative zaniness of the Marx Brothers with the business acumen of the Disney brothers.” Polaris is banking on JibJab’s potential to be “the first great brand in comedy that was originated on digital media.”
Related: 
—JibJab’s JokeBox Scheduled For Launch Today; A-B Launch Sponsor
—@ NATPE 2006:G. Spiridellis: JibJab Plans Online Humor Destination; “MySpace Meets Comedy Central”
—JibJab Team Will Create Web-ertainment For A-B