A busy day for college digital media service Ruckus Network, which closes a $13.7 million second round and announces digital media vet Michael Bebel as CEO. Herndon, VA.-based Ruckus provides legit digital downloads of movies and music, an idea that has yet to catch on like wildfire with students but appeals to administrators. Participating in the round: first-round investors Battery Ventures and Shelter Capital along with Eastward Capital and Pinnacle Ventures. With a $9 million first round in 2004, the company now has raised $22.7 million. The new funds will be used to scale the business and develop services and partnerships.
Ruckus has signed 15 new schools, including Georgia Tech, UC-Berkeley and the University of Oklahoma, making the service available to students at more than 70 schools when the 2006-07 term starts.  It’s the only one of the services that offers a discounted student rate ($5.99) to anyone with an .edu address.
New CEO Bebel most recently was CEO of Mashboxx; he was CEO of pressplay when it was acquired by Roxio and he became president and COO of the Napster division. He’s also worked at UMG and Universal Studios. Release.
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—The Ruckus About Ruckus